51³Ô¹ÏÍøLyle students in the datacenter systems engineering program get real-world experience.

Graduate programs

Master’s in data center systems engineering

Lead the future of digital infrastructure

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Program format

In person; some online classes

Commitment

Full time or part time

Duration

Two years (full time);
Three years (part time)

Overview

The Master of Science in data center systems engineering at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøLyle is the only graduate program of its kind in the U.S., for professionals who can lead in one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. 

This blends electrical engineering, IT, facilities management, business continuity and cyber security, preparing graduates to manage complex infrastructure systems from end to end. Guided by an industry advisory board of leading technology and infrastructure professionals, the curriculum reflects the evolving needs of the global data center industry.

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Student success

Students gain a competitive edge with the nation’s only master’s degree program focused on data center systems engineering right in Dallas, which was internationally, providing a business-friendly location and infrastructure hub in the middle of the U.S. This program is designed to place you at the forefront of building the systems our digital future depends on, opening doors to high-impact roles.

This program prepares you to excel in the following areas and professions:

  • Cloud computing infrastructure
  • Data center operations and management
  • High-performance computing
  • Telecommunications and networking
  • Cybersecurity and critical systems
  • Artificial intelligence and machine-learning infrastructure
  • Enterprise IT and systems integration
  • Financial systems and FinTech

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

$125,000

Average starting salary for M.S. data center systems engineering graduates (​2024)

Career Outcomes Dashboard

26%

of Lyle graduate students are women

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Application questions

Find answers to Lyle application questions.

Additional links

Requirements

  1. Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcripts
  4. English language proficiency documentation (if applicable)
  5. B.S. in one of the engineering disciplines, computer science, one of the quantitative sciences or mathematics

All applications are holistically reviewed.

View all requirements

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Get started here.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

CEE 7380

Management of Industrial and Mission-Critical Facilities

This course explores the design, reliability and sustainable management of mission-critical facility systems.

CS 7320

Artificial Intelligence

Introduces basic principles of problem-solving, planning and reasoning under uncertainty used in artificial intelligence.

CCEE 7384

Energy Management for Buildings

Procedures to select energy-saving options for buildings are examined with emphasis on practical aspects of the subjects.

Outside the classroom

  • Centers and institutes

    Grow as an engineer with collectives that promote leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.

  • Maria Murad with friends in Jordan

    Internships

    Get practical experience to develop industry skills, build a professional network and gain valuable insights. Internships can open doors to future opportunities and contribute to long-term career success.

  • Clubs and organizations

    Explore interests, develop leadership skills and connect with like-minded peers.

  • 51³Ô¹ÏÍøstudents working with plants at Bontham Family Farms

    Community engagement

    Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world issues while making a positive impact.

Research

Participate in graduate research opportunities and tackle real-world challenges in digital infrastructures.

Lyle students and faculty perform research that has global implications, taking advantage of state-of-the-art facilities and funding from government agencies, foundations and private companies.

Faculty

Our distinguished faculty are industry leaders and subject matter experts, bringing real-world experience and industry insights to the classroom. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøLyle maintains small class sizes, allowing students to develop meaningful mentorships with their professors.

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Dr Jia Zhang

Jia Zhang, Ph.D.

Inaugural Robert H. Dedman Jr. Endowed Department Chair and Professor
Theodore Manikas

Theodore Manikas, Ph.D.

Associate Chair of Computer Science Clinical Professor of Computer Science
Adel Alaeddini

Adel Alaeddini Ph.D.

O'Donnell Foundation Professor Co-Executive Director of Center for Digital and…
Ginger Alford Headshot

Ginger Alford, Ph.D.

Clinical Professor of Computer Science
davila carlos

Joe Camp, Ph.D.

Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Professor of Computer Science (by…
Headshot of Professor Corey Clark of 51³Ô¹ÏÍølyle.

Corey Clark, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Computer Science
Jennifer Dworak

Jennifer Dworak, Ph.D.

Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Professor of Computer Science (by…
A headshot of Maya El Dayeh, a member of the Lyle School of Engineering Faculty.

Maya El Dayeh, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Mehak Gupta Headshot

Mehak Gupta, Ph.D.

J. Lindsey Embrey Trustee Professor Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Michael Hahsler, Ph.D.

Michael Hahsler, Ph.D.

Clinical Associate Professor of Computer Science
LiGuo Huang Headshot

LiGuo Huang, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Computer Science
Labiba Jahan Headshot

Labiba Jahan, Ph.D

Clinical Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Eric Larson Headshot

Eric Larson, Ph.D.

The Bobby B. Lyle Endowed Professorship of Engineering Innovation Associate Professor of …
Headshot of David (King Ip) Lin, Ph.D. of 51³Ô¹ÏÍølyle.

David (King Ip) Lin, Ph.D.

Clinical Associate Professor, Computer Science
A headshot portrait of Xiao Luo, Ph.D. at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøLyle School of Engineering in Dallas Texas

Xiao Luo, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Computer Science Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer…
A portrait headshot of Muhsin Menekse, professor at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøLyle in Dallas.

Muhsin Menekse, Ph.D.

Texas Instruments Distinguished Chair Executive Director of the Caruth Institute for…
Barbara Minsker

Barbara E. Minsker, Ph.D, P.E.

Bobby B. Lyle Endowed Professor of Leadership & Global Entrepreneurship Senior Fellow in …
A headshot of Sukumaran Nair, a member of the Lyle School of Engineering Faculty.

Sukumaran Nair

Vice Provost for Research and Chief Innovation Officer Professor of Electrical &…
K Periasamy Headshot

Kasilingam Periyasamy, Ph.D.

Program Director of Computer Science Graduate Program Clinical Associate Professor of…
Klyne Smith headshot

Klyne Smith, Eng.D.

Program Director of Datacenter Systems Engineering Graduate Program Clinical Associate…
A portrait photo of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøLyle faculty Himanshu Thapliyal, Ph.D.

Himanshu Thapliyal, Ph.D.

Inaugural Walden and Paula Rhines Endowed Quantum Informatics Professor
Mitchell Thornton, Ph.D.

Mitchell Thornton, Ph.D.

Cecil H. Green Chair of Engineering Executive Director of Darwin Deason Institute for…
Jeff Tian headshot

Jeff Tian, Ph.D.

Professor of Computer Science

A portrait of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøLyle Computer Science Faculty Chen Wang

Chen Wang, Ph.D.

O'Donnell Foundation Initiative for Digital Innovation In Engineering And Computer…
Headshot of Professor Xie Xihao Phd of 51³Ô¹ÏÍølyle.

Xie Xihao, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Dr Nurcan Yuruk

Nurcan Yuruk, Ph.D.

Clinical Associate Professor of Computer Science

Facilities

51³Ô¹ÏÍøLyle students have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they can conduct research, meet with industry leaders, and gain skills on new and established technologies.

51³Ô¹ÏÍøengineering students use state-of-the-art technology in the Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing

Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing

Combines research innovation and industry partnerships to explore how digital twins, AI, virtual reality and more will shape the future of manufacturing.

The Hart Institute for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship gives engineering students a platform to solve global problems.

Hart Institute for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

A co-venture of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox and 51³Ô¹ÏÍøLyle, the institute provides opportunities to create new products and processes for the marketplace and business plans to determine how to take these products to the world.

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Frequently asked questions

This multidisciplinary program provides graduate students with end-to-end knowledge for data center inception, architecture, implementation and management of digital infrastructures. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøLyle has the nation’s only master’s degree program focused on data center systems engineering, preparing graduates to lead complex infrastructure systems.

The degree covers data center infrastructure engineering from a perspective and builds upon undergraduate degrees as diverse as mechanical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, chemistry, business management and finance.

The is designed to meet the surging demand for professionals who can lead in one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. Data centers are the foundation of AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation, yet the industry faces a critical talent shortage.

As the only one of its kind in the nation, it prepares graduate students for positions as managers and technologists for the worldwide.

Potential roles include:

  • Data center engineer
  • Infrastructure architect
  • Cloud solutions architect
  • Network security specialist
  • IT manager

Data center systems engineers oversee the entire digital infrastructure of a company or system, leveraging electrical engineering, cyber security and IT to create a functional data center. Graduates of the data center systems engineering program gain additional insights, as the degree is multidisciplinary, pulling from different engineering disciplines, ultimately readying them for leadership roles at data centers.

Computer engineers are the designers of computer hardware and integration of a system’s software into that hardware.

IT managers oversee the IT system to ensure it is running smoothly, supporting business needs and optimizing technology investments. 

Whether you're an experienced professional or an early-career engineer, Lyle’s Master of Science in data center systems engineering equips you with the leadership, technical and strategic skills needed to advance into high-impact roles.

Flexible learning formats, expert faculty, real-world project experience and SMU’s powerful alumni and industry network make this program ideal for working professionals seeking career growth in a high-demand field.

Qualified students with undergraduate degrees in engineering, computer science or one of the physical sciences or mathematics are required to complete 30 credit hours (typically 10 courses).

Students entering the program with an undergraduate degree other than in engineering or one of the physical sciences or mathematics may be asked to articulate the .

51³Ô¹ÏÍøLyle graduate students’ starting salary in this field was $125,000 in 2024.

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