Build the skills to design cleaner, more efficient energy and infrastructure systems.
UW–Madison’s online Master of Engineering in Sustainable Systems Engineering is a 30-credit graduate program for engineers who want stronger expertise in renewable energy, systems modeling, and sustainability strategy. Learn from faculty with industry experience through flexible online courses while completing the degree alongside full-time work.
| Degree awarded | Master of Engineering in Engineering |
| Credits | 30 graduate credits |
| Format | 100% Online, part-time friendly |
| Duration | 2-4 Years (part-time) |
| Tuition | $1,300/credit |
| Start | Fall / Spring |
| Application Deadlines | Spring: November 1 Fall: July 1 |
Is This Program Right for You?
This sustainable engineering degree is designed for professionals who want to lead global change. Learn to develop and manage sustainable energy systems through coursework in science, engineering, and economics. Ideal for aspiring engineering leaders pursuing careers in sustainable technologies.
- Learn through an interactive online format built for professionals
- Network with peers, faculty, and industry professionals to extend learning beyond the classroom
- Build expertise in sustainable systems engineering, energy efficiency, lifecycle assessment, and leadership
- Prepare for roles in utilities, consulting, or as a sustainable engineer or clean energy consultant
Online by Design
Our courses blend recorded instructor materials, applied activities, and structured opportunities for interaction. This intentional design supports strong engagement, clear guidance, and meaningful results.
Why This Program?
26 years
of delivering interactive online education, reflecting deep experience designing high-quality online programs for working professionals.
#9 graduate ranking
among U.S. public universities
U.S. News & World Report, 2024
Enhance your
AI skills
with an optional 9-credit graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Data Analytics, available as part of your 30-credit program (no extra coursework needed).
Curriculum and Requirements
Complete 30 graduate credits, including a series of foundational and applied courses, business and professional courses and a capstone project. You will typically take two courses each semester.
Live course web sessions are scheduled in the evening to accommodate working professionals. All other weekly assignments can be completed on days and times of your choice. Plan for roughly 3 to 4 hours of work per credit each week. For a 3-credit course, this usually means 9 to 12 hours, depending on the course and your professional background.
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Science/Sustainability Courses (minimum 9 credits)
Engineering and Design (minimum 12 credits)
Electives (maximum 9 credits)
- EP 418 – Sustainable Energy Challenges and Solutions
- EPD 611 – Engineering Economics and Management
- EPD 616 – Engineering Law
- EPD 701 – Writing for Professionals
- EPD 702 – Professional Presentations
- EPD 704 – Organizational Communication
- EPD 706 – Change Management
- EPD 708 – Creating Breakthrough Innovations
- EPD 712 – Ethics for Professionals
- EPD/GEN BUS/MARKETNG 782 – Marketing for Non-Marketing Professionals
- EPD/GEN BUS/MHR 783 – Leading Teams
- EPD/GEN BUS/MHR 785 – Effective Negotiation Strategies
- GEN BUS/EPD/OTM 784 – Project Management Essentials
Tuition and Financial Aid
$1,300 per credit payable at the beginning of each semester. Students are billed for courses in which they are enrolled each term. There is no lump sum payment plan.
Tuition includes:
- Technology costs for internet course delivery
- Live web-conferencing
- Toll-free telephone line for the audio portion of conference calls
- Library use
- Use of the web-conferencing software for group project work for program courses
See Tuition & Fees for more information.
Employer Support
Many students receive some financial support from their employers. Often, students find it beneficial to sit down with their employer and discuss how this program applies to their current and future responsibilities. Other key points to discuss include how participation will not interrupt your work schedule.
Federal Loans
Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to receive some level of funding through the Federal Direct loan program. These loans are available to qualified graduate students who are taking at least four credits during the fall and spring semesters, and two credits during Summer. Private loans are also available. Learn more about financial aid.
Admissions and Events
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Admission requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a Bachelor of Science in engineering or a related STEM field from an accredited institution.
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 semester hours of coursework.
- Have a minimum of two years of post-baccalaureate engineering experience. Engineering co-op or intern experience may be applied to the experience requirement.
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information.
- GRE is not required. Applicants who have taken the test are encouraged to submit their scores.
The admissions committee considers exceptions to standard requirements on an individual basis.
Application materials
- Online application
- Resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide
Application Deadlines by Term:
| Fall 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | November 1, 2026 |
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
5-5:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
12-12:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
5-5:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Program Overview: Engineering: Sustainable Systems Engineering MEng
Thursday, April 9, 2026
12-12:30 PM CT
Get more information about the Sustainable Systems Engineering Master’s Program including curriculum, application process and potential career paths.
Watch anytime on YouTube:
Program Overview: Sustainable Systems Engineering
Program Director Joy Altwies gives an overview of the master’s degree in Sustainable Systems Engineering (SSE), including course options, degree structure, and requirements. Make sure to watch till the end to get a special offer!
Faculty and Staff
FAQ
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Q: Is the program fully online?
A: Yes. The MEng in Sustainable Systems Engineering is 100% online and designed for working professionals.
Q: How long does it take to complete?
A: Most students finish in about two to four years while working full time.
Q: What is the tuition?
A: Tuition is charged per credit. See Tuition & Fees for more information.
Q: Can I keep working full time?
A: Yes. Courses are designed for part-time study alongside a full-time job.
Q: Will my diploma indicate that the degree was completed online?
A: No. The diploma awarded is a UW–Madison graduate degree and does not reference online delivery. Courses are taught and assessed under the same academic standards used across UW–Madison graduate programs. The mode of instruction does not change the credential earned.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit your application through the Graduate School. See Admissions for details or click here.
Ready to lead with confidence? Advance your career with UW–Madison’s online MEng in Sustainable Systems Engineering.
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