Best institutions to study Combat Systems Engineering
A program that focuses on the application of systems engineering and system architecture to the design and construction of modern combat systems and their integration with each other, with host platforms and with other forces into network-centric warfighting systems.
1 U.S. institutions graduated 19 Combat Systems Engineering students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 29.0301, a specialization of Military Applied Sciences (CIP 29.03).
About Combat Systems Engineering programs
A program that focuses on the application of systems engineering and system architecture to the design and construction of modern combat systems and their integration with each other, with host platforms and with other forces into network-centric warfighting systems. Includes instruction in systems engineering, computer programming, chemical systems, biological systems, material systems, human factors, combat environments, sensor systems, threat and system risk assessment, conventional and unconventional weapons, combat simulation, reliability and maintenance, testing, engineering project management, strategic planning and applications to aerospace, ground, and naval combat systems.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Combat Systems Engineering program, part of the Military Applied Sciences field, focuses on the integration and design of modern combat systems. This program is ideal for students interested in applying systems engineering principles to military technologies, enhancing their understanding of how various combat systems interact within network-centric warfare environments.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in systems engineering, computer programming, chemical and biological systems, and human factors. Coursework also covers combat environments, sensor systems, risk assessment, and engineering project management, preparing graduates for complex challenges in military applications.
Credentials awarded
What Combat Systems Engineering graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree11 graduates / yr · 1 institution58%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate8 graduates / yr · 1 institution42%
Graduates over time
Combat Systems Engineering completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 239 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 42 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 19 |
Top 1 institutions for Combat Systems Engineering, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CAPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 19 | — | — |
Offered in 1 states
Where Combat Systems Engineering graduates come from. Each state links to all Military Applied Sciences programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1 | 19 | Naval Postgraduate School19 / yr |
Careers & outlook
Graduates of the Combat Systems Engineering program can pursue careers related to military technologies and systems integration. With an average of 19 graduates per year in the U.S. and credentials awarded including Master's degrees and postbaccalaureate certificates, this program offers a solid foundation for those looking to enter this specialized field.
Career pathways for CIP 29.0301
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SOC 55-1019 | — | — | — | — |
Other Military Applied Sciences specializations
The 7 other 6-digit CIP codes under Military Applied Sciences (CIP 29.03).
- Space Systems OperationsCIP 29.0305partial data192 graduates / yr6 institutions
- Military Applied SciencesCIP 29.0399partial data96 graduates / yr5 institutions
- Undersea WarfareCIP 29.0307limited data32 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Engineering AcousticsCIP 29.0303limited data6 graduates / yr2 institutions
- Operational OceanographyCIP 29.0306limited data6 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 2 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Directed Energy Systems29.0302
- Low-Observables and Stealth Technology29.0304
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degree can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Master's degree or a postbaccalaureate certificate.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
Currently, there is one college offering this program in the U.S.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in systems engineering, programming, risk assessment, and project management.
What is the average number of graduates per year?+
The program has an average of 19 graduates per year in the U.S.
What is the CIP code for Combat Systems Engineering?+
Combat Systems Engineering is CIP 29.0301 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Military Applied Sciences (CIP 29.03). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the application of systems engineering and system architecture to the design and construction of modern combat systems and their integration with each other, with host platforms and with other forces into network-centric warfighting systems. Includes instruction in systems engineering, computer programming, chemical systems, biological systems, material systems, human factors, combat environments, sensor systems, threat and system risk assessment, conventional and unconventional weapons, combat simulation, reliability and maintenance, testing, engineering project management, strategic planning and applications to aerospace, ground, and naval combat systems.
How many institutions offer Combat Systems Engineering programs?+
1 U.S. institutions reported Combat Systems Engineering graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 1 states, awarding 19 credentials in the year. That is 5.4% of all Military Applied Sciences graduates.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card