Systems Science Master’s and PhD Programs

Our society is facing so many unprecedented challenges: climate change, global pandemics, the rise of generative AI and rapid workforce shifts, widening economic inequality, the spread of misinformation, numerous international conflicts, and a volatile global political landscape. Now, more than ever, we need systems-oriented professionals, problem solvers, and decision makers who can understand, model, predict, and navigate such complex systems that involve various interdisciplinary factors.

We, the Systems Science program at Binghamton University, are committed to disseminating those critically needed systems skills for a wide variety of professional and academic workforces for the betterment of our global society. We offer highly unique, internationally recognized, transdisciplinary learning and research experiences.

Join us and become a force for positive change in the world.

Degrees offered

• Watson College offers its MS and PhD in Systems Science in person and online via the EngiNet distance learning service.

• PhD in Systems Science (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)

• MPA/MS in Systems Science double degree

• MS in Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention/MS in System Science double degree

• Advanced Graduate Certificate in Complex Systems and Engineering

• Combined 4+1 BS ISE-MS Systems Science Program for Watson ISE undergraduate students
• Combined 4+1 BS/BA-MS Systems Science Program for most of Harpur undergraduate students (except ART BA, Theatre BA, Music MusB, Geology BA and Geology BS)

Join us at an upcoming information session, in person or online, to learn more about our Systems Science PhD, MS and specialized concentrations. 

Research topics

Areas of specialization are multidisciplinary and reflect the talents and interests of Watson College faculty members. Available research topics include: 

Master of Science in Systems Science curriculum 

The Master of Science in Systems Science provides the student with concepts, principles and methods for understanding, modeling, analyzing, optimizing and improving various forms of complex systems. Such systems thinking and problem- solving skills will be an invaluable asset when the student blazes a new trail in any scientific, engineering, business or management profession in today’s increasingly complex world. This program is available fully online. 

Required courses

Students must complete four required courses while maintaining at least a B average. Students will choose to complete either SSIE-520 or SSIE-523. 

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Degree-completion options 

• Thesis: Four additional graduate-level elective courses (at least one at 600- level), plus 6 credits of thesis work followed by oral presentation and defense. 
• Project: Five additional graduate-level elective courses (at least one at 600-level), plus a project of at least 3 credits followed by oral presentation and defense. 
• Coursework only: Six additional graduate-level elective courses, including at least one 600-level course that contains project-based coursework to serve as capstone for the termination requirement. 

Sample electives

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View current course offerings. 

PhD in Systems Science

The doctoral program in systems science offers a unique, internationally recognized, highly transdisciplinary learning and research experience that is available in person or fully online. 

Degree requirements include:

• satisfaction of the learning contract, including proficiency in teaching and residence requirements
• pass a comprehensive exam
• presentation of a colloquium on proposed research
• acceptance of a prospectus outlining dissertation research
• submission of a dissertation, and
• defense of a dissertation at oral examination