Systems engineering courses can help you learn requirements analysis, system design, integration processes, and verification techniques. You can build skills in project management, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement to ensure successful project outcomes. Many courses introduce tools like MATLAB, SysML, and various simulation software, that support modeling complex systems and analyzing performance metrics.

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Model Based Systems Engineering, Failure Analysis, Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Requirements Management, Scope Management, Design Reviews, Project Scoping, Root Cause Analysis, Program Management, Requirements Analysis, User Requirements Documents, Test Engineering, Cost Management, Contract Management, Systems Design, Business Requirements, Systems Thinking, Project Risk Management, Risk Management
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

MathWorks
Skills you'll gain: Model Based Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering, Systems Architecture, Functional Design, System Design and Implementation, Requirements Analysis, Requirements Elicitation, Verification And Validation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
Skills you'll gain: Systems Engineering, Conceptual Design, Systems Design, Requirements Analysis, Systems Development Life Cycle, Requirements Elicitation, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Engineering Design Process, System Design and Implementation, Concept Of Operations, Configuration Management, Prototyping, System Requirements, Design Reviews, Verification And Validation
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Model Based Systems Engineering, Unified Modeling Language, Systems Engineering, Systems Design, Software Systems, Systems Architecture, Systems Analysis, Product Lifecycle Management, System Requirements, Requirements Analysis, Verification And Validation, Cloud Computing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Systems Engineering, Verification And Validation, Team Management, Systems Architecture, Requirements Analysis, Requirements Elicitation, Scrum (Software Development), Systems Development Life Cycle, Teamwork, Configuration Management, Team Building, Agile Methodology, Scaled Agile Framework, Systems Development, Team Motivation, Organizational Leadership, Engineering Management, Risk Management, Waterfall Methodology, Leadership and Management
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Failure Analysis, Engineering Management, Systems Engineering, Scope Management, Project Scoping, Risk Management, Root Cause Analysis, Program Management, Cost Management, Requirements Management, Contract Management, Project Risk Management, Project Management, Work Breakdown Structure, Change Management
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Model Based Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering, Requirements Analysis, Test Engineering, Systems Thinking, Systems Architecture, Test Planning, Systems Analysis, Functional Requirement, Risk Management Framework, System Testing, System Requirements, Verification And Validation
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Northeastern University
Skills you'll gain: Project Closure, Engineering Management, Project Schedules, Project Controls, Work Breakdown Structure, Project Management Life Cycle, Scheduling, Project Implementation, Earned Value Management, Project Management, Timelines, Project Performance, Project Planning, Resource Planning, Resource Management, Resource Allocation, Forecasting, Performance Metric
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Systems Engineering, Requirements Analysis, Requirements Elicitation, Systems Development Life Cycle, Configuration Management, Engineering Management, Waterfall Methodology, Systems Analysis, Project Management, Risk Management, Systems Architecture, System Requirements, Functional Design
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University at Buffalo
Skills you'll gain: Model Based Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Processes, Internet Of Things, Product Lifecycle Management, Enterprise Architecture, Verification And Validation, Simulation and Simulation Software, Process Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Requirements Management, Design Reviews, Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, User Requirements Documents, Requirements Analysis, Systems Design, Business Requirements, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, Leadership, Engineering Design Process, Performance Measurement, Manufacturing and Production, Coordination, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Decision Making
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Process Mapping, Business Process Modeling, Business Analysis, Cloud-Native Computing, Identity and Access Management, Data Migration, Software Architecture, Stakeholder Analysis, Systems Design, Extract, Transform, Load, Systems Architecture, Stakeholder Management, Data Integration, Cybersecurity, Stakeholder Engagement, Release Management, Enterprise Architecture, Project Management, Software Testing, Information Technology
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Systems engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the design, implementation, and care of systems throughout their lifetimes. It's an interdisciplinary field that you can think of as big picture thinking for a system. The idea behind systems engineering is to look at what problems may arise within a system or what points of failure may lie within that system and how to fix those factors before they occur. In the mid-20th century, industries began looking at systems as a whole to determine how they should function over a life cycle, and a new way of thinking about those systems was developed. Initially, the concept of systems engineering applied only to physical systems, but over time those ideas have expanded to include systems that involve human interaction as well.
Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the design, integration, and management of complex systems over their life cycles. It is important because it ensures that all aspects of a project are considered, from technical requirements to project management and stakeholder needs. This holistic approach helps to optimize performance, reduce risks, and ensure that systems meet their intended purpose efficiently.
A career in systems engineering can lead to various roles, including systems engineer, project manager, systems analyst, and quality assurance engineer. These positions are found across multiple industries, such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and information technology. Each role typically involves collaborating with teams to develop and implement systems that meet specific requirements and solve complex problems.
To succeed in systems engineering, you should develop a range of skills, including analytical thinking, problem-solving, and project management. Technical skills in areas such as software development, modeling, and systems integration are also crucial. Additionally, strong communication and teamwork abilities are essential, as systems engineers often work with diverse teams to achieve project goals.
Some of the best online courses for systems engineering include the Introduction to Systems Engineering Specialization and the Agile Systems Engineering Specialization. These programs provide foundational knowledge and practical skills that are applicable in real-world scenarios.
Yes. You can start learning systems engineering on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in systems engineering, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn systems engineering, start by exploring introductory courses that cover the fundamental principles and practices. Engage with hands-on projects to apply what you learn in real-world contexts. Consider joining online communities or forums to connect with other learners and professionals in the field, which can enhance your understanding and provide networking opportunities.
Typical topics covered in systems engineering courses include systems thinking, requirements analysis, system design, and verification and validation processes. Courses may also explore specific methodologies such as Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Agile practices, providing a comprehensive overview of the field.
For training and upskilling employees in systems engineering, courses like Agile Systems Engineering Leadership and Applying Systems Engineering to the Design Process are highly beneficial. These programs focus on practical applications and leadership skills that can enhance team performance and project outcomes.