Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation

Curriculum Plan — Research and In-Depth Study Track

Degree AwardedMaster of Science in Systems Engineering
Total Credits63 academic credits
Program TypeMaster’s Degree — Research and In-Depth Study Track
Duration4 semesters (2 years)
ModalityOn-campus / Virtual
InstitutionTesla University

Bogotá, Colombia — 2025

1. General Program Information
Program NameMaster of Science in Systems Engineering
InstitutionTesla University
Degree AwardedMaster of Science in Systems Engineering
Knowledge AreaEngineering, Architecture, Urban Planning and Related Fields
Core FieldSystems Engineering, Telematics and Related Fields
Level of StudyMaster’s Degree
Total Credits63 academic credits
Study Plan TypeResearch and In-Depth Study
Duration4 semesters (2 years)
ModalityOn-campus / Virtual
CampusBogotá, Colombia
ScheduleEvening / Weekends
2. Program Overview

The Master of Science in Systems Engineering at Tesla University is a high-level postgraduate program designed to strengthen the research, technical, and management competencies of professionals in the field of systems and computing. The program responds to the demands of a constantly evolving technological environment, where advanced analytical capacity, the development of innovative solutions, and applied research are determining factors for business, academic, and social progress.

With a duration of four (4) academic semesters and a total of sixty-three (63) credits, the program integrates specialized theoretical training with the development of a research or in-depth study project that culminates in a thesis defended before an evaluation committee. Students gain mastery in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, distributed systems, big data, and software engineering, under the guidance of a thesis advisor and specialized mentors.

3. Program Mission and Vision
3.1 Mission

To train Master’s graduates in Systems Engineering with solid research competencies, mastery of emerging technologies, and ethical commitment, contributing to the technological development, business innovation, and scientific advancement of Colombia and Latin America.

3.2 Vision

By the year 2030, the Master of Science in Systems Engineering at Tesla University will be recognized throughout Latin America as one of the most impactful master’s programs in applied research and technological innovation, with graduates positioned in academic, business, and government sectors.

4. Program Objectives
4.1 General Objective

To train researchers and professionals with a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, capable of generating, transferring, and applying advanced knowledge in the field of computational systems, contributing to scientific advancement, technological innovation, and the resolution of complex problems in national and international contexts.

4.2 Specific Objectives
  1. Develop advanced competencies in scientific and technological research methodology applied to systems engineering.
  2. Train students in the foundations and applications of advanced computational thinking: artificial intelligence, distributed systems, cybersecurity, and massive data processing.
  3. Promote scientific and technical production through applied projects, specialized publications, and participation in national and international events.
  4. Strengthen academic and research leadership capacity for directing R&D+I teams and projects.
  5. Stimulate knowledge transfer and technological innovation through alliances with the productive and governmental sectors.
  6. Contribute to solving complex problems facing Colombian and Latin American society through the rigorous application of engineering and computing.
5. Program Profiles
5.1 Admission Profile

The program is aimed at professionals holding a university degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electronics, Mathematics, or other related disciplines, who demonstrate research interest, analytical ability, and motivation to deepen their technological knowledge. A minimum B1-level proficiency in English is valued for access to specialized bibliography.

5.2 Graduate Profile

The Master of Science in Systems Engineering graduate from Tesla University will be able to:

  • Design, execute, and manage applied research projects in the field of systems and computing.
  • Propose innovative technological solutions to complex problems in the business, governmental, and academic sectors.
  • Lead R&D+I groups and projects at universities, research centers, and technology companies.
  • Publish results in national and international scientific journals and events.
  • Advise digital transformation processes and the adoption of emerging technologies in public and private organizations.
  • Contribute to the formulation of science, technology, and innovation policies.
6. Competencies to Be Developed
CompetencyDescription
ResearchRigorous methodological design, critical analysis, and production of applied knowledge in systems engineering.
Technical-ScientificAdvanced mastery of computational paradigms: AI, big data, cybersecurity, distributed systems, and modern architectures.
CommunicationTechnical and scientific writing, results presentation, and professional report preparation.
Ethics and CitizenshipResponsibility in the use of technologies, respect for intellectual property, and commitment to the common good.
LeadershipManagement of R&D+I projects, direction of multidisciplinary teams, and technology transfer.
InternationalCollaboration in global environments, mastery of technical English, and participation in international scientific communities.
7. Curriculum Plan — 63 Credits / 4 Semesters

The curriculum is organized into four academic semesters, distributed across two stages: advanced theoretical training and disciplinary deepening (semesters 1–2), and the development and integration of the research or in-depth study project (semesters 3–4). Each semester concentrates between 12 and 18 credits, articulating mandatory courses, electives, and the thesis component.

7.1 Credit Distribution by Course Type
Course TypeCreditsPercentage
Mandatory Courses4571%
Elective Courses610%
Thesis / Research1219%
TOTAL63100%
7.2 Semester 1 — Theoretical and Methodological Foundations
CodeCourseCreditsHrs/WkType
ISC-M101Epistemology and History of Science and Engineering33Mandatory
ISC-M102Advanced Mathematics for Systems Engineering33Mandatory
ISC-M103Scientific and Technological Research Methodology33Mandatory
ISC-M104Algorithm Theory and Computational Complexity33Mandatory
ISC-M105Seminar on Research Lines in Engineering33Mandatory
ISC-M106Scientific Writing and Technical Publications Workshop33Mandatory
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL 18  
7.3 Semester 2 — Technical Deepening and Research Design
CodeCourseCreditsHrs/WkType
ISC-M201Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Machine Learning33Mandatory
ISC-M202Distributed Systems Architectures and Cloud Computing33Mandatory
ISC-M203Computer Security and Advanced Cybersecurity33Mandatory
ISC-M204Design and Analysis of Experiments in Engineering33Mandatory
ISC-M205Elective I: Big Data and Advanced Data Analytics33Elective
ISC-M206Thesis Proposal36Research
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL 18  
7.4 Semester 3 — Advanced Technologies and Applied Project
CodeCourseCreditsHrs/WkType
ISC-M301Deep Neural Networks and Computer Vision33Mandatory
ISC-M302Internet of Things (IoT) and Advanced Embedded Systems33Mandatory
ISC-M303Innovation Management and Technology Transfer33Mandatory
ISC-M304Elective II: Blockchain and Decentralized Technologies33Elective
ISC-M305Research / In-Depth Study Project I36Research
SEMESTER 3 TOTAL 15  
7.5 Semester 4 — Integration, Thesis, and Dissemination
CodeCourseCreditsHrs/WkType
ISC-M401Ethics in Engineering and Technological Responsibility33Mandatory
ISC-M402Technological Foresight and Global Trends in Systems33Mandatory
ISC-M403Research / In-Depth Study Project II69Research
ISC-M404Public Thesis Defense00Degree
SEMESTER 4 TOTAL 12  
8. General Curriculum Summary
SemesterThematic FocusMandatoryElectivesTotal Cr.
Sem. 1Theoretical and Methodological Foundations18018
Sem. 2Technical Deepening and Research Design15318
Sem. 3Advanced Technologies and Applied Project12315
Sem. 4Integration, Thesis, and Dissemination12012
TOTALS 57663
9. Research Lines
CodeResearch LineDescription
LI-01Artificial Intelligence and Machine LearningIntelligent models and algorithms with applications in computer vision, NLP, and autonomous systems.
LI-02Computer Security and CybersecuritySecurity protocols, advanced cryptography, intrusion detection, and digital forensic analysis.
LI-03High-Performance Computing and Distributed SystemsParallel architectures, cloud computing, high-speed networks, and massive data processing.
LI-04Internet of Things and Industry 4.0Embedded systems, sensor networks, IoT interoperability, digital twins, and industrial automation.
LI-05Software Engineering and Information SystemsAgile methodologies, enterprise architectures, decision support systems, and digital transformation.
10. Graduation Requirements
  1. Have successfully completed all courses in the curriculum (63 credits), with a minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 5.0.
  2. Present and publicly defend the thesis before an evaluation committee composed of faculty members with research experience.
  3. Have at least one article, paper, or technical product derived from the thesis, published or accepted in a specialized journal or event.
  4. Demonstrate English language proficiency at B1 level or higher (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or institutional equivalent).
  5. Have participated as an attendee or presenter at at least one academic or scientific event during the program.
  6. Have fulfilled all administrative and financial requirements established by Tesla University.
11. Methodology and Pedagogical Strategies

The Master’s program adopts a research-oriented educational approach that integrates advanced theoretical study with applied practice from the very first semester. Pedagogical strategies include: seminars with national and international experts, reading groups and discussions of cutting-edge articles, advanced computational laboratories, individualized tutoring with the thesis advisor, and active participation in research group projects.

Each student will have a thesis advisor and access to an advisory committee composed of researchers with recognized expertise. The program encourages academic mobility, cooperation with the technology industry, and participation in national and international research funding opportunities.

12. Infrastructure and Resources
ResourceDescription
High-Performance Computing LaboratoryState-of-the-art GPU servers, HPC cluster, and access to AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure.
Artificial Intelligence LaboratorySpecialized workstations, deep learning frameworks, academic datasets, and access to foundational model APIs.
Cybersecurity LaboratoryAttack simulation environments, forensic tools, and segmented networks for ethical penetration testing.
IoT and Embedded Systems LaboratoryDevelopment kits, sensors, actuators, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and wireless communication modules.
Digital LibraryAccess to IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and more than 50,000 specialized digital resources.