Systems Science Fact Sheet (PDF)

Systems Science

The systems science program emphasizes the complementary use of mathematical, computational and heuristic approaches to solving systems problems. Students learn to analyze assumptions under which various methods are applicable with the aim of selecting methods that best fit the problem. The program emphasizes learning through classes that deal with systems modeling and simulation, systems analysis and synthesis, and the various problems associated with the simplification of overly complex systems to make them manageable, and includes such research areas as fuzzy logic; data analysis and knowledge discovery; uncertainty theories; generalized information theory; soft computing; intelligent control and robotics; decision making; and complex systems. (View potential course of study MS; potential course of study MS SS - Health Systems Concentration.)

Graduate Degrees Offered

• MS in Systems Science
  • Optional health systems concentration
• PhD in Systems Science

Related Programs

• Executive MS in Systems Science - Health Systems Concentration (Manhattan)
• MS or PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering
• MEng in Systems Science Engineering
• Professional Science Management Certificate
• Accelerated Degrees: Industrial Systems Engineering BS + Systems Science MS; Systems Science BS + Systems Science MS; Systems Science BS + MBA (Learn more about Accelerated Degree Programs.)

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Below are recommended submission dates; however, applications received after the recommended dates will still be given full consideration for admission to the program.

Admission Requirements*

The standards maintained by The Graduate School and individual departments and programs are applied to ensure that applicants admitted to the University are well qualified and trained to study at this institution and have a reasonable expectation of successfully completing a graduate program, and who, with the benefit of graduate education, are most likely to contribute substantially to their academic or professional fields.

To be eligible, you must have and provide:

• A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
• Complete set of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts. At minimum, a 3.0 GPA is required. See details.

All applicants must submit the following:

• Online graduate degree application and application fee
• Transcripts from each college/university you have attended
  • For PhD candidates, an MS in engineering or related field is desirable, but does not preclude admission for exceptional applicants
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement (2-3 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 your program's admissions committee.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
• Official GRE scores

And, for international applicants:

• International Student Financial Statement form (PDF)
• Official bank statement/proof of support
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores

*This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to keep it accurate and up-to-date, we recommend you contact the department for program-specific requirements.