Doctor of Philosophy in the Field of Systems Engineering (STEM, Online)

The online PhD in systems engineering develops a deep expertise in designing, analyzing, and managing complex systems for students seeking advanced academic study. The program is designed for individuals who aim to conduct groundbreaking research in the field. They contribute to developing innovative methodologies and solutions for systems engineering challenges. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating concepts from engineering, management, and computer science.

Doctoral candidates are expected to engage in substantial research projects. These projects culminate in a dissertation that adds original knowledge or understanding to the field of systems engineering. This research is typically characterized by a strong analytical and problem-solving focus, addressing issues in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, or environmental systems. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in academia or research institutions. They can also excel in high-level consultancy roles, applying their expertise to solve complex systems problems, influence policy, or educate the next generation of systems engineers.

This is a STEM designated program.

Visit the program website for additional information.

The following requirements must be fulfilled: at least 60 credits, including 24 credits in required courses and 36 credits in research culminating in a dissertation.

Note: Throughout the program, students must take required courses in lockstep with the cohort of students with which they matriculated

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Core requirements
Required courses
SEAS 8300	Autonomous Systems
SEAS 8305	Advances in Systems Engineering
SEAS 8310	Systems Integration
SEAS 8315	Digital Engineering
SEAS 8500	Fundamentals of AI-Enabled Systems
SEAS 8398	Dissertation Development for Systems Engineering
Research
SEAS 8387	Dissertation Research for Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Engineering (taken for a total of 36 credits)

Additional requirements

1. To advance to the research phase, students must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.4 with no grade below B- at the completion of their coursework.
2. Students must be accepted to present their proposed research at an appropriate engineering professional society conference no later than the first semester of research.
3. Students must submit an article based on the results of the dissertation research to an approved conference or refereed scholarly journal. Credit must be given in the publication to the fact that the material is abstracted, summarized, or developed from a dissertation submitted to the George Washington University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the doctor of philosophy degree. Before the candidate is permitted to defend the dissertation, this original article must be accepted for publication.
4. Students must successfully defend their dissertation before a committee of five faculty members within five year from the start of the program. Students have a maximum of two attempts to pass their dissertation defense. When the committee is convinced of the quality and originality of the candidate’s contribution to knowledge as well as their mastery of the scholarship and research techniques of the field, the committee recommends the candidate for the degree of doctor of philosophy.