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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Curriculum

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

This course reviews the OSI and internet protocol models and the Linux and Windows operating system environments. It also discusses hardware and software configuration and implementations, as well as network administration operations, including IP, TCP, UDP, DNS, NFS, SMTP, IMAP, DHCP, IPsec and sendmail protocols, as well as web services. Students complete numerous hands-on assignments using open source software products that can be downloaded and used on their personal computers.
This course is an introductory graduate course on the protocol architecture of the internet, following a bottom-up approach to the protocol layers. The objective of this core course is to provide an understanding of the internetworking concepts in preparation for advanced networking courses. The first part of the course covers networking technologies such as local area networks, packet switching and ATM. The second part of the course examines the internet protocol (IP) and TCP/UDP in depth. The last part of the course is an overview of important application protocols such as HTTP, client/server computing, SMTP, FTP and SNMP.
Switching and routing architectures, protocols, and functions are explained. For switching, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Trill, Virtual LANs (VLANs), VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP), and inter-VLAN trunking are covered. For routing, static routing and dynamic routing protocols including RIP (version 1 and 2), OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, and Cisco’s EIGRP are examined. IPv4 subnetting, with and without classes, and IPv6 are analyzed. Software tools are used to simulate the operation and performance of protocols studied. A lab using switches and routers is used to provide hands-on, real world implementation of the simulated networks.

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.

This course provides an overview of public and private telecommunications systems, traffic engineering, switching, transmission, and signaling. It also explores channel capacity, media characteristics, Fourier analysis and harmonics, modulation, electromagnetic wave propagation and antennas, modems and interfaces, and digital transmission systems. Students learn the foundations of DSL technologies, digital microwave, satellites, fiber optics and SONET, and Integrated Services Digital Networks.
This course is a comprehensive overview of cloud computing. Defined categories of compute, storage, and network are examined with emphasis on network. Application of the cloud delivery models of Infrastructure-, Platform- and Software-as-a-Service (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) to deployment models of public, private and hybrid clouds are covered. Physical and logical cloud architectures are thoroughly reviewed. Server and network virtualization using virtual machine hypervisors and virtual containers are surveyed. Data center applications of cloud technology, particularly internal and external data center network architectures, are discussed in depth. Public cloud provider implementations and cloud management are observed. Learning is confirmed and enhanced by real world case studies and labs.
Detailed discussion of Software Defined Networking (SDN), SDN applications, challenges, advantages and disadvantages. We will also cover virtualization, application details of SDN in Cloud Computing, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS).
This course is a graduate-level survey of the technologies underlying network security. The first part of the course covers the principles of private and public key cryptography and describes a number of example encryption algorithms, including DES and AES. Next, the use of encryption with hash functions for digital signatures and certificates, followed by perimeter security, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, viruses, and worms. The last part of the course encompasses a number of secure protocols, including secure email, secure HTTP, IPSec, and virtual private networks. Topics that are part of general security but peripheral to network security are not covered, e.g., physical tamper resistance, security policies, digital rights management, and biometrics.
This course is a comprehensive overview of cloud engineering focusing on the use of Amazon Web Services Solutions (AWS) Architect Associate curriculum. Topics will include cloud architecting, creating a network environment, securing use and application access, and connecting networks. The AWS Well Architected Framework and the Amazon Fourteen Leadership Principles will also be covered, with guest lectures by Amazon engineers planned.
This course reviews software applications used in the automation and programmability of modern networks. Network automation protocols such as NETCONF and OpenFlow as well as platforms such as Openstack are examined. Various scripting methods including Python, awk, Bash and tcl as well as software automation tools like Chef, Ansible and Puppet are demonstrated. The software development life cycle, along with relevant software versioning tools such as Git and Subversion, are also covered. The application of network automation to Software Defined Networks (SDN) is explained. The effect of network automation on operational and financial efficiency are discussed. Current vendor applications are reviewed. Hands-on labs confirm and enhance learning of course topics. Projects and Presentations towards the end with assignments.
This class focuses on the advanced analysis of data center cloud computing and virtualization including the design and implementation of a private cloud environment and integration with public cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS). This includes implementation using industry leading software applications including VMWare, Openstack and OpenDaylight or related products. Second, the internal and external data center networks design and implementation are examined. Application of MST, MPLS and DMVPN as well as advanced routing protocol topics of BGP, OSPF and IS-IS to data center networks are examined in detail. Network automation using Python, Ansible and related software packages are introduced. Data center network security is discussed. The student will demonstrate mastery of classroom material in numerous laboratory exercises using actual software and hardware discussed in class.
This course will explore DevOps is a movement which has emerged as a set of solutions to address reoccurring problems which limit an organization’s ability to deliver solutions and grow in an increasingly competitive market. DevOps and associated software including Git, Ansible, Chef, Vagrant, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform. DevOps extensions of DevSecOp and NetDevOps will also be covered. Lecture material will be supplemented with labs.

Advanced Electives

Advanced Electives available on Campus, through Distance Learning or via Independent Study with Faculty approval/direction.

This is a comprehensive course in the fast-developing field of wireless mobile/cellular and personal telecommunications. Topics include mobile/cellular communications; frequency allocations; base station site selection; cellular structures; channel trunking; analog cellular signalling; handover; data over cellular; multipath fading; diversity reception; modulation techniques; speech coding; digital cellular design, including GSM and TDMA; spectral efficiency considerations; spectral management and regulations; roaming; and current world systems and standards. Topics on personal communications include basic concepts and terminology for PCS; PCS technology; design based on CSM, TDMA, and CDMA; spectrum sharing with other services such as FSM; PCS standards; intelligent networks for PCS; global challenges for PCS; third-generation wireless, number portability, and roaming; and satellites in wireless. Prerequisites: EETS 7301, and ECE 5370 or ECE 7370, or permission of the instructor. This course is primarily for the telecommunications program but can also be very useful for ECE students who plan to specialize in this field.
This course examines the MPLS protocol and its applications in networks. Introduces the basics of MPLS and MPLS traffic engineering, DiffServ QoS, and network survivability. Investigates Layer 2 and Layer 3 MPLS virtual private networks. Covers MPLS management, access networks, MPLS Transport Profile, and Generalized MPLS. Prerequisite: EETS 7304.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the background, protocols, standards, and issues related to Internet telephony. Describes the changing telecommunications environment that motivates the transition from today’s telephone network to voice over IP and strategies being used by companies and individuals to implement VoIP. Covers the umbrella protocol Session Internet Protocol and its partner, Session Description Protocol. In addition to SIP and SDP, H.323, RSVP, RTP, DNS, TRIP, ISUP, and SS7 are covered. Issues include emergency services, security, mobility, and quality of service. On-campus students – and off-campus students with high-speed Internet access – have access to SIP lab equipment. Prerequisite: EETS 7301 or permission of instructor.
This course focuses on third generation systems, wireless data, and emerging wireless systems and technologies. Covers the IMT2000 requirements, proposals, and evolution path for CDMA and TDMA technologies toward 3G. Detailed study of radio access network for the GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA, and CDMA2000, as well as core network evolution. Also, Mobile IP, WAP, and second-generation wireless data systems such as CDPD and SMS. May include LMDS, WILL, indoor systems, cordless phones, and WLAN.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to various transport layer protocols, especially focusing on wireless networks. The course begins with a study of various traffic scenarios in different elements of a wireless network, then looks at various applications using 3G, and finishes with a discussion of methods for performance monitoring and network testing. Prerequisite: EETS 7316 (formerly EETS 7306).
This is a comprehensive course on IP switching and QoS management technology, protocols, and applications. Prerequisite: EETS 7301 or consent of instructor.
This course is a graduate-level survey of the technologies underlying network security. The first part of the course covers the principles of private and public key cryptography and describes a number of example encryption algorithms, including DES and AES. Next, the use of encryption with hash functions for digital signatures and certificates, followed by perimeter security, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, viruses, and worms. The last part of the course encompasses a number of secure protocols, including secure email, secure HTTP, IPSec, and virtual private networks. Topics that are part of general security but peripheral to network security are not covered, e.g., physical tamper resistance, security policies, digital rights management, and biometrics.
This course focuses on the systematic process of network design. The course explains the process of gathering network requirements and covers data flow analysis and the selection of network architectures. Also, addressing and routing, network management, network performance criteria, and security and privacy architecture selection methods. These techniques are merged to create a complete network design framework. Prerequisite: EETS 7304 or permission of instructor.
This course covers integration of network protocols including OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, MPLS, VLAN, VPN/DMVPN, IPsec and MACsec, STP and Trill, VoIP and methods of Quality of Service (QoS) in advanced networks. Concurrently, the requirements for an extensive and realistic network will be analyzed, designed, then simulated using software tools; and finally installed, operated, and tested using actual network equipment. Prerequisites: EETS 7304, EETS 8303, and EETS 8304.
This is a comprehensive course in the important issues in telecommunications network management. Overview of the underlying principles – operation, administration, maintenance, and provisioning – that are often the most expensive and labor-intensive aspects of telecommunications. Includes different paradigms for network management such as the Internet Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP, SNMPv2) and the Open System Interconnection Common Management information protocol. Covers the object-oriented modeling approach such as the ITU-T Telecommunications Management Network and Bellcore’s Information Networking Architecture. Also, implementation issues of architectural concepts into network products and systems such as the translation from ISO Guidelines for the Definition of Managed Objects into C++. Network simulation, configuration, fault, security, accounting, performance management, and the quality of service concepts. Addresses drivers for network management and its traditional practice, as well as future needs, and includes case studies in Intelligent Network and Synchronous Optical Network. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor, plus knowledge of one high-level programming language, preferably Pascal, C, or C++.
This course discusses the operation of the following network types: Synchronous Optical Network, Synchronous Digital Hierarchy, and Optical Transport Network. Also, optical core and access network configurations. Introduction to WDM network elements, and control and management of optical networks, plus an overview of network survivability using optical technologies. Covers future optical technologies, including photonic packet switching. Students use simulation software in laboratory experiments to analyze the performance and operation of optical networks. Prerequisite: EETS 7304 or permission of instructor.

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:

This course is an introduction to communication in modulation systems in discrete and continuous time, information content of signals, and the transition of signals in the presence of noise. Also, amplitude, frequency, phase and pulse modulation, and time and frequency division multiplexing. Prerequisite: ECE 3360 and ECE 3372.
This course is an introduction to fundamentals of probability, probability distributions, and statistical techniques used by engineers and physical scientists. Topics include basic concepts and rules of probability, random variables, probability distributions, expectation and variance, sampling and sampling distributions, statistical analysis techniques, statistical inference estimation and tests of hypothesis, correlation and regression, and analysis of variance. Prerequisite: Knowledge of calculus required.
This course is an introduction to economic analysis methodology. Topics include engineering economy and cost concepts, interest formulas and equivalence, economic analysis of alternatives, technical rate-of-return analysis, and economic analysis under risk and uncertainty. Credit not allowed for both EMIS 2360 and EMIS 8361. Prerequisite: Knowledge of introductory probability and statistics.
This course is an introduction to and overview of financial and managerial accounting for engineering management. Topics include basic accounting concepts and terminology; preparation and interpretation of financial statements; and uses of accounting information for planning, budgeting, decision-making, control, and quality improvement. The focus is on concepts and applications in industry today.
This course develops an understanding of corporate financial decisions for engineers. Topics include cost of capital, capital budgeting, capital structure theory and policy, working capital management, financial analysis and planning, and multinational finance. Prerequisite: EMIS 8361 or a knowledge of time value of money.
This course explores ways to manage technology and technical functions from a pragmatic point of view, to keep from becoming technically obsolete as an individual contributor, and to keep the corporation technically astute. Explores the management of technology from three distinct viewpoints: 1) the management of technology from both an individual and a corporate perspective, 2) the management of technical functions and projects, and 3) the management of technical professionals within the organization. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in engineering.

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.

Online Application

There is an associated application fee of $50.

Transcripts

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

Personal Statement

Resume / CV

A Bachelor’s Degree in a Technical or STEM field is required to apply for this program. Computer programming experience is also preferred.

TOEFL/IELTS for Non-Native Speakers of English

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

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.

Fall 2023
Early Review* ($3,000 scholarship)
May 5, 2023
Priority Submit I* ($2,000 scholarship)
June 2, 2023
Priority Submit II
June 30, 2023
Final Submit
July 28, 2023
Start of Classes
August 21, 2023

* Application fee waived for Early Review or Priority I deadline.