Graduate Programs

Systems Engineering exposes students to a wide range of topics within the field, including the economic, environmental, managerial, technical, and political aspects of large-scale systems design and implementation.
Students in the Barnes Lab test a piece of wearable technology

We offer several graduate degree options for advanced study in systems engineering. Professionals with advanced degrees in systems engineering from the University of Virginia, one of the world's most respected universities for research and education, are in especially high demand.

Our Graduate Programs

  • Ph.D. in Systems Engineering

    The Ph.D. is an advanced graduate degree for students wishing to contribute to knowledge creation through independent, original, cutting-edge research.

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  • M.S. in Systems Engineering

    The master of science is a graduate degree for those who desire not only to acquire fundamental knowledge but also to contribute to the advancement of knowledge through independent, original research.

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  • M.E. in Systems Engineering

    The M.E. is a coursework-based graduate professional degree for those wishing to pursue careers in industry, consulting, or government.

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Accelerated Master's Program in Systems Engineering (AMP)

UVA's Accelerated Master’s Degree Program in Systems Engineering is a hands-on, practical program that builds problem-solving and analytical skills.

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Resources for Current Students

  • UVA Engineering Graduate Student Resources

    Explore our resources for graduate students, including professional development support and ways to get involved at UVA Engineering.

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  • Academic Planning

    Find timelines, forms and guidance for completing your degree on schedule.

    See Academic Planning Resources

Upcoming Events

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Why Choose a Graduate Degree in Systems Engineering?

Systems engineers apply their expertise to a wide variety of challenges in a large number of sectors. UVA systems engineers, for example, are working on:

  • Improving humans’ ability to work effectively in complex technical systems.
  • Machine learning and adaptive decision support systems for approaches to system-of-systems design for improving defense systems and manufacturing operations.

Thanks to UVA Engineering's extensive alumni network and connections with corporations, government agencies, other universities, and consortia such as the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing, our graduate students have access to multiple pathways to develop their careers.

Employment opportunities abound in many sectors. Our graduates become professors at universities and colleges, researchers at institutes and laboratories, analysts at corporations, consulting firms and government agencies; and some become entrepreneurs — starting research, consulting, or service companies.

Graduate Program Contacts

Chantel Gross

Student Services Coordinator
Email CMS5S@VIRGINIA.EDU

Robert Riggs

Assistant Professor, Academic General Faculty, Teaching Track, Director of Undergraduate Programs in Systems Engineering Systems ME and VEO Advisor
My research interest include integer programming and combinatorial optimization, healthcare systems engineering, Six Sigma and process improvement, applying lean enterprise to healthcare and manufacturing applications, optimization of disassembly and remanufacturing systems.
Google Scholar ResearchGate
Email rr3bd@virginia.edu

Matthew Burkett

Assistant Professor of Systems Engineering Director of Professional Programs in Systems Engineering Director of Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) in Systems Engineering

Matt Burkett joined the University of Virginia faculty in 2022 after holding several positions in the private sector as the Vice President of Research for the investment firm, LOC Advisers, and as a Senior Director for Data & Analytics at the Ankura Consulting Group.
Email matthew.burkett@virginia.edu