The principals and applications of systems science and industrial engineering are broad in scope, and we invite students from all disciplines to pursue graduate study within our department.
Degrees offered
The Systems Science and Industrial Engineering Department offers a variety of interdisciplinary degree programs.
Master's programs
MS in Healthcare Systems Engineering (on-campus and online)
MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering (on-campus and online)
- Engineering Management track (on-campus and online)
- Executive Health Systems track (Manhattan and online)
- Health Systems concentration (on-campus and online)
MS in Systems Science (on-campus and online)
- Executive Health Systems track (Manhattan and online)
- Health Systems concentration (on-campus and online)
Double Degrees
- MPA/MS in Systems Science
- MS in Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention/MS in System Science
Doctoral programs
- PhD in Systems Science (on-campus and online)
- PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering (on-campus and online)
Certificate program
4+1 programs
These are available to Watson College undergraduate students. The department application should be completed by your junior year.
Career outcomes
Watson graduates are eagerly sought by research labs, universities, consulting firms and high-technology businesses, such as Amazon, BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton, GlobalFoundries, Lockheed Martin, Regeneron and Tesla.
Watson Career and Alumni Connections offers professional advice and services such as interview guidance, cover letter critiques and networking opportunities.
Prospective students
Join us at an upcoming information session, in person or online, to learn more about our doctoral and master’s programs and specialized concentrations.
How to apply
Applications are considered for both spring and fall semesters and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Recommended submission dates for fall semester admission: Apply before Feb. 1 for funding consideration or April 1 for regular admission.
- Recommended submission dates for spring semester admission: Apply before Oct. 15 for funding consideration or Nov. 15 for regular admission.
Application requirements
To apply for matriculated status into an MS or PhD program, prospective students must provide through our online application portal:
- Completed application form
- Official transcript(s), although unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial application
- Two letters of recommendation
- A personal statement including mention of interests
- Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the graduate director)
- For international students, English proficiency scores must meet minimum requirements, as listed by the Graduate School.
For more information on application and admission requirements, visit the Graduate School website.
Funding
Graduate students who are well qualified may receive assistantships, such as teaching assistantships (TA), research project assistantships (RPA) or graduate assistantships (GA). Funding decisions are decided among the admitted pool of applicants during the spring semester for fall admissions, and as needed for spring admissions.
Resources for current students
Graduate application for degree/certificate
The Graduate Application for Degree (GAFD) is available via the Student tab in BU Brain. Submit by the recommended deadline to be included in the Commencement program.
Other graduation information, forms and deadlines can be found through the Graduate School forms page.
Please note: Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of programs in Watson College, participate in certain activities or projects, and/or obtain professional engineering licenses. Students who have concerns about such matters are advised to contact Watson College's Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Dean's Office.
