Online Master of Science in Network Engineering
Always be ready to adapt, thanks to a foundational understanding of core network engineering principles.
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Lead Your Organization Through Constant Transformation
In the last decade alone, the telecommunications field has undergone sweeping change. In an industry of constant innovation, modern network engineers have to be incredibly adaptable, able to effortlessly implement the latest tools in their organizations. The Master of Science in Network Engineering at the Lyle School of Engineering provides students with a fundamental understanding of the core concepts of network engineering so they can be ready to address and embrace change. Students put these concepts into practice through extensive lab work that mimics real-world scenarios. As a result, graduates are equipped to adapt to new technology and ensure their organizations are always at the forefront of the industry.
At a Glance
Hands-On Learning
The Online M.S. in Network Engineering relies on extensive lab requirements, ensuring students get hands-on experience with the latest software and strategies.
Certification Materials Integrated into Curriculum
Certifications that can be earned in connection with course work are Juniper, Cisco, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
Lessons Inspired by Real-World Work
Faculty members design courses around challenges they face every day as working professionals. Additionally, students have the opportunity to work on special projects with reputable companies, such as Microsoft and the Department of Defense.

Curious if Network Engineering is right for you?
Learn more about why Network Engineering is an in-demand master’s program and how this degree program can help advance your career.
LEARN MORECurriculum
Our curriculum is specifically designed to continually stimulate our students and prepare them for the real-world by introducing them to the challenges network engineers face every day.
Core
Required courses for all students
Elective Courses
In addition to the completion of the above three (3) courses, students must also complete seven additional courses, four of which must be from the list of advanced electives. The seven courses may all be from the list of advanced electives; however, up to three additional electives can be substituted to fulfill degree requirements.
Advanced Electives
Advanced Electives available on Campus, through Distance Learning or via Independent Study with Faculty approval/direction.
Alternate Electives
Up to three elective courses can be taken from other programs in the Lyle school that complement the student’s academic/professional goals with the approval of the program director.
Examples of such courses include:
Bhalaji Kumar
Accomplished leader with more than 25 years of extensive experience in planning across Telecom/Network infrastructure. Industry Expert in broadband and wireless networks and services, OSS, switching and transmission network technology, software development and outsourced solutions. An engineer with Masters degrees in Business Administration and Computer Science in Telecom/Networking.
John Rhymer
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
John A. Widhalm
ADJUNCT LECTURER – SOFTWARE DESIGN & AUTOMATION
Experienced Senior System Engineer with more than 20 years of experience specializing in enterprise-level system engineering. Areas of expertise include Security Engineering, Data Analysis, DevOps/DevSecOps, Automation – Python, Chef, Ansible, Cybersecurity product development, deployment and support.
Dr. M. Scott Kingsley
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING-NETWORK ENGINEERING
Forty years of experience in telecommunications and networking including employment with mainstream industry companies. Founder of two successful telecommunications companies, one a software development company and the other focused on services and consulting. Over twenty-five years of experience as an educator (both adjunct, full-time and online) in corporate, undergraduate, and graduate venues, having taught over 1000 career college semester course hours.
Hakki Candan Cankaya
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
Kamakshi Sridhar
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
Shaibal Chakrabarty
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
Shaibal Chakrabarty is a highly experienced technology executive, graduating with a PhD in Computer Science from Southern Methodist University (Dec 2018). His research is focused on securing the Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled Smart Cities from the threat of cyberattack. He is co-founder of ZontaNet, an IoT Security company, and an investor and advisor to healthcare startup Cardiotrack (www.cardiotrack.io).
Application Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Online M.S. in Network Engineering program, the following items must be submitted to SMU Lyle. The GRE is not required to apply.
Note: Applicants with undergraduate degrees in disciplines other than computer science may be admitted to the program but may be required to take articulation coursework and/or satisfy the competency requirement.
There is an associated application fee of $50.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 for all previous undergraduate and graduate studies as well as a B.S. in one of the sciences, mathematics or computer science, or in one of the engineering disciplines or bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or business with additional background in differential and integral calculus and physics is required. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted but official transcripts must be submitted before registering.
Upload your unofficial transcripts in the Academic History quadrant of the application. Please note, we will accept unofficial transcripts for the application, but we will request official transcripts once you are admitted.
- International transcripts need to be in English
- No transcript evaluation is needed
A Bachelor’s Degree in a Technical or STEM field is required to apply for this program. Computer programming experience is also preferred.
Exemptions: Only those who can provide proof of study from either a US, Australian, New Zealand or UK institution will have this requirement waived.
Tuition and Graduate Financial Aid
The SMU Graduate Financial Aid Office was created to provide graduate students with a reliable resource for information on issues unique to graduate programs. What’s the ROI of an Online Master’s in Network Engineering?
$1,350
Tuition Per Credit
$100
Distance fee per credit hour
30
Total Credits
$43,500
Total Cost of Attendance
- Our Enrollment and Financial Aid representatives are here to help you move through the process of securing funding to attend our programs. Please email lyleonline@smu.edu, call (469) 613-0778, or schedule a meeting with us anytime.
- Your Federal Student Loan eligibility will be determined after you have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
- If you are unable to borrow through Federal funding or you wish to explore other options, alternative loans are 100% credit-based and offer variable interest rates. For more information, please visit SMU’s Financial Aid Loan Pages.
Learn more about the Payment Plan Options available!
Military Education Benefits
The Lyle School of Engineering offers a discounted tuition rate for the Online Master’s of Science in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence Specialization and Online Master’s of Science in Network Engineering programs. There is a 50% tuition reduction for active service members, veterans, and government employers. For more information on your benefits, visit the SMU Veterans Financial Aid page. You can also find more information on the Lyle School of Engineering Tuition Discount Policy.
Graduate Financial Aid Office Contact Information
- Graduate Financial Aid Office
- GradFinAid@SMU.edu
- Phone: 214-768-3417
- Fax: 214-768-3878
Key Dates & Deadlines
Take a look at upcoming application deadlines and semester start dates for the Online M.S. in Network Engineering and the Online M.S. in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence Specialization.
* Application fee waived for Early Review or Priority I deadline.