Systems Engineering (Ph.D.)
"My experience at UL Lafayette has been truly remarkable, marked by a welcoming community and the unparalleled support from the faculty and staff. Choosing to join this department is, without a doubt, the best decision I have made."
Earning your PhD in Systems Engineering will prepare you to participate in the rapid design and development of large and complex systems.
Systems Engineering integrates all the specialty and sub-specialty groups of engineering disciplines into a team whose efforts result in a structured development process that proceeds from concept to production to operation.
Example systems include coastal ecosystems, water treatment facilities, computer networks, visualization platforms, deep-water drilling operations, highway safety systems, biofuels production facilities, robotic units, refineries, fiber optic networks, aircraft, vehicle control systems, biomass gasification units, management of utilities during disaster events, and power grids.
This innovative program builds upon the research-based learning experience associated with most traditional Engineering Ph.D. programs by adding the additional learned skill set of Systems Engineering principals. You’ll gain strong specialized knowledge coupled with expertise in the application of systems theory toward solving complex problems within your specialty.
Graduates of the program are competitive in both industry and academic positions.
Each of the five engineering departments at UL Lafayette participates in the offering of the Systems Engineering Ph.D. degree with a discipline concentration within each department. Upon application, you will select a concentration (specialization) department from within the college – chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or petroleum engineering.
The program accepts direct Ph.D. (for students with a B.S. in an acknowledged engineering field) and Post-M.S. (for students who previously obtained a M.S.) applicants.
The College of Engineering at UL Lafayette was ranked among the country's best in the U.S. News & World Report's 2023 edition of "Best Graduate Schools."
This program prepares its students for licensure or certification within the state of Louisiana. For more information regarding credentialing requirements, including important information if you plan to move out of state, please visit the licensure programs page.
Systems Engineering at UL Lafayette
Research for a Reason
Many of these projects involve economic development within our great state. Examples include civil engineering designing safer highways using immersive computer technology; chemical engineering developing second generation biofuels from algae; electrical and computer engineering improving the performance of fiber optic systems; engineering technology optimizing methods for plastics production; mechanical engineering designing gasifier systems to produce electrical power from woody wastes; and petroleum engineering developing cost-effective methods for enhanced oil production from aged fields.
Excellence in Research
Work on high-impact research that contributes to economic development within our state. External research funding in the College of Engineering has increased by over 400 percent in the last decade, now totaling over $12 million.
Specialized Career Support
Receive resume writing advice, interviewing tips, internship and co-op opportunities, and job placement help tailored especially for engineering students through The Frank & Jessie Mosing Endowed Engineering Student Career Development Program.
Learn moreOrganizations
Get to know your engineering colleagues and prepare for your career as an engineer through organizations like Designing Leaders, Engineering Ambassadors, the Louisiana Engineering Society, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the Society of Women Engineers.
Explore Organizations
