Systems Science (PhD, MS)

Program Overview

The Systems Science and Industrial Engineering (SSIE) Department offers both the Master of Science (MS) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in systems science. The program offers a unique and internationally recognized curriculum that emphasizes faculty-student collaboration as well as teamwork across disciplines and various divisions of engineering, business and industry.

The MS in systems science emphasizes the complementary use of mathematical, computational and heuristic approaches to solving systems problems. Thesis, project and coursework-only options are available. Research areas include fuzzy logic, data analysis and knowledge discovery, uncertainty theories, generalized information theory, soft computing, intelligent control and robotics, decision making and complex systems.

A health systems concentration is available for the MS program. The department also offers a one-year executive MS in health systems based in Manhattan and a certificate program in complex systems.

Degrees Offered

• PhD in Systems Science
• MS in Systems Science

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

The department is dedicated to providing students with support at every level. For example, students may take advantage of the Watson Institute for Systems Excellence, 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 also gain real-life experience through cutting-edge, industry-based research. In addition, Watson Career and Alumni Connections offers professional advice and services such as interview guidance, cover letter critiques and networking opportunities.

After You Graduate

Alumni transition easily into positions in academia and careers in industry. Graduates have been placed in companies such as IBM, Alta Devices and BAE Systems, and institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, General Electric Global Research and Tennessee Technological University.

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 2 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.

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

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

For more information, visit the Systems Science website.