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CIP 29.0301 Military Technologies

Combat Systems Engineering

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

11

2025 · 1 schools

International share

9.1%

1 international students

Master's degrees

11

9.1% international

Overview

Combat Systems Engineering is a specialized field that focuses on the design, development, integration, and testing of complex systems used in military applications. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including systems engineering, software development, hardware design, and operational analysis. The primary goal of this field is to ensure that various combat systems, such as weapon systems, surveillance systems, and communication systems, work together effectively and efficiently in various operational environments.

Students in Combat Systems Engineering programs typically learn about the technical aspects of military technology, including radar systems, missile systems, and electronic warfare. They also study systems integration, which involves coordinating the interactions between different components of combat systems to ensure they function as a cohesive unit. Furthermore, courses often cover project management, risk assessment, and lifecycle management, which are essential for overseeing the development of complex systems from conception to deployment.

The field is highly interdisciplinary, drawing knowledge from electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, and military strategy. Graduates of Combat Systems Engineering programs may find career opportunities within government defense agencies, private defense contractors, and military organizations. They play critical roles in enhancing national security by developing advanced technologies that maintain and improve the effectiveness of military operations. Overall, Combat Systems Engineering is vital to ensuring that armed forces are equipped with reliable and cutting-edge technologies for modern warfare.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2010 to 2025, graduates fell 67% and the international share went from 24.2% to 9.1%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
63.6%
Asian
0.0%
Hispanic
27.3%
Black
0.0%
Other
0.0%
Intl.
9.1%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 1 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
— Naval Postgraduate School California 11 1

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2010–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.