Combat Systems Engineering
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
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2010 to 2025, graduates fell 67% and the international share went from 24.2% to 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.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | NNaval 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.