University of South Alabama

What you'll study

This programme combines core systems engineering principles with human-systems engineering and intelligent systems topics. Students study how to specify, design, model and evaluate complex systems that include humans, hardware and software components, with attention to safety, usability and autonomy.

• Core systems engineering: requirements engineering, systems architecture, systems integration and lifecycle processes.
• Human-systems engineering and human factors: ergonomics, cognitive task analysis, human-centred design, usability evaluation and decision support.
• Intelligent systems and automation: machine learning fundamentals, adaptive systems, human–AI interaction and autonomous systems integration.
• Modelling, simulation and verification: system modelling, simulation-based design, reliability and safety analysis, and verification and validation methods.
• Embedded and sensing technologies: sensors and instrumentation, real-time systems, and signal processing as applied to intelligent socio-technical systems.
• Applied project or thesis: a capstone design project or research thesis that applies human-systems and intelligent systems methods to a real-world problem.

The programme is offered with flexible options for coursework-only or a research-oriented track. Typical delivery includes classroom lectures, laboratory practicals, project work and a substantial capstone or thesis that can be industry- or research-led.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, psychology (with quantitative emphasis), or a closely related technical discipline. Admissions take into account undergraduate academic performance, relevant coursework in mathematics and programming, and evidence of capacity for graduate-level study.

Professional experience in engineering, human factors, software development or systems integration strengthens an application. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university’s English proficiency requirements. GRE scores may be considered where provided but are not always required; prospective students should consult the department for current admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge engineering, human factors and intelligent technologies. Typical career paths include:

• Systems engineer or systems integrator in aerospace, defence, automotive or energy sectors
• Human factors/ergonomics specialist and usability engineer for medical devices, consumer products or industrial systems
• Intelligent systems engineer, machine learning systems developer or autonomy engineer
• Safety, reliability and risk analyst for complex socio-technical systems
• Product design engineer and user-centred design lead in industry or consultancy
• Research and development roles in national laboratories, research institutes or as preparation for doctoral study

Why study at University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama offers this programme through an engineering school with faculty expertise in systems engineering, human factors and intelligent systems. Students benefit from hands-on laboratory facilities, opportunities for interdisciplinary projects and partnerships with regional industry and healthcare organisations. The programme emphasises applied problem solving, allowing students to work on projects with tangible outcomes and to develop professional skills valued by employers across defence, maritime, healthcare and industrial sectors.

Smaller cohort sizes support close faculty supervision for capstone projects and thesis research, while flexible coursework options make the programme accessible to both full-time students and working professionals.