Health Systems (MS)

Program Overview

There are multiple program options for graduate studies in the field of health systems at Binghamton University. These programs apply traditional engineering tools and principles in quality and performance improvement, lean applications and other constructs toward improving systems, processes and outcomes in healthcare.

Health systems is a dynamic field open to students of all majors and does not require a prior background in engineering for several of the available program options. Building better healthcare delivery system requires effective partnerships harnessing the power of engineering, health and healthcare sciences, information technology, management and social sciences. Such partnerships are essential to facilitate high-performance environments that produce higher-quality care and better patient outcomes at lower cost. Healthcare systems transformed in this way embrace patient-centered care, optimized operations, efficacy, safety and equity. Binghamton University's transdisciplinary approach to the field of healthcare systems engineering and its active research program continue to position our university as a leader in this domain.

Students studying in our health systems programs will acquire advanced skills for modeling, analyzing and designing healthcare delivery systems and processes. These programs provide a competitive edge for leadership roles in healthcare systems and prepare students for versatile, high-level careers in healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical companies, universities and medical centers, management and consulting firms, and a variety of other settings.

Program Options Available:

• MS in Healthcare Systems Engineering: Students with a baccalaureate degree in engineering or a related field may apply for admission to this program. Students with a non-engineering background who wish to pursue this program will be required to take additional prerequisite courses before completion of their degree; the number and subject of prerequisite courses in such cases will depend upon evaluation of the student's academic transcript(s).
• MS in Systems Science-Health Systems Concentration track: Students with a baccalaureate degree in any field may apply for admission to this program; this track is open to all majors.
  • This track is also available as a one-year executive health systems concentration that is offered via Saturday classes in Manhattan. Classes take place at the SUNY Global Center in Manhattan on Saturdays to accommodate working professionals
• MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering-Health Systems Concentration track: Students with a baccalaureate degree in engineering or a related field may apply for admission to this program. Students with a non-engineering background who wish to pursue this program will be required to take additional prerequisite courses before completion of their degree; the number and subject of prerequisite courses in such cases will depend upon evaluation of the student's academic transcript(s).
  • This track is also available as a one-year executive health systems concentration that is offered via Saturday classes in Manhattan. Classes take place at the SUNY Global Center in Manhattan on Saturdays to accommodate working professionals.

Interested students who would like to receive immediate feedback regarding credentials and the likelihood of acceptance into the program should go to our immediate evaluation meeting web page.

While a PhD in Healthcare Systems Engineering is not currently available, students with advanced interest in this field can continue into doctoral studies with focus in health systems via the PhD Systems Science or PhD Industrial and Systems Engineering programs.

Degrees Offered

• MS in Systems Science: Health Systems
• MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering: Health Systems
• MS in Healthcare Systems Engineering
• MS in Systems Science: Executive Health Systems - Manhattan
• MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering: Executive Health Systems - Manhattan

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

Rooted in ongoing research partnerships that we have enjoyed with a variety of healthcare networks since 2001, these programs are designed to provide students with a well-rounded, practical skillset that is immediately applicable in professional settings. Students can expect to develop beneficial skills, including application of systems science and industrial/systems engineering problem-solving tools and solution methodologies, with an emphasis on ways to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, quality and timeliness of healthcare delivery. The ability to apply qualitative and quantitative methods to study, model, analyze and improve health systems will also be key.

On-campus students also may take advantage of participation in the Watson Institute for Systems Excellence (WISE), a research institute for advanced studies at Binghamton University that unites students and sponsors from industry to conduct innovative research. Aside from the invigorating coursework, students gain real-life experience through cutting-edge, industry-based research. See how WISE is helping re-engineer healthcare.

After You Graduate

Graduates of the program typically work as professionals in the field of healthcare or related industries and, with the help of their academic experience, continue on to hold positions such as management engineering or health systems engineer/analyst, business/data analyst, quality and patient safety manager, performance improvement specialist, clinical systems engineer, healthcare business analytics/intelligence specialists or directors and more. The department is dedicated to providing support for its students and alumni at every level of their career.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for graduate study, you must:

• Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
  • You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
• Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
  • A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
  • A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website.

• Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
• Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
• Personal statement of 1 to 3 pages describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to the graduate admissions committee
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendation
• GRE scores are accepted, but not required

International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

• International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
• Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic/Duolingo* scores)
  • *In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School at Binghamton University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency through the 2023 application cycle.

Due to international student regulations, international students are not eligible for participation in the programs available in Manhattan.

This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you contact the department with questions about program-specific requirements.

Deadlines

For more information, visit the Health Systems website.