Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for this program?

Admission into this 12-month Executive Program in Health Systems - Manhattan - Master of Science Degree occurs on a rolling basis. Enrollment is limited, so early application is advised. Early application admissions decisions will occur by February 14, 2025.

What type of Master’s degree will I receive?

Based on review of your educational background, the Systems Science and Industrial Engineering Department that offers the program will advise if a Master of Science in Systems Science or a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering would be more appropriate. Applicants are welcome to challenge either program. Both degrees will provide you with a Health Systems Concentration.

What are the benefits of an executive Master's degree versus a more traditional Master’s degree program?

This Master's degree program can be completed in one year and is designed to provide working professionals an opportunity to gain sufficient knowledge and skills for modeling, analyzing and/or designing healthcare delivery systems and processes. It is designed with a focus on using systems science and industrial and systems engineering concepts to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, timeliness, safety, and quality of healthcare delivery systems. This focus is also referred to as process and operational excellence (or management/health systems engineering within health/hospital systems). 

What is the difference between a Healthcare Administrator and a Healthcare Management Engineer?

The primary difference between healthcare management and healthcare administration is that healthcare management deals with the business end of managing a facility and healthcare administration focuses more on managing the human resources and operational policies of a facility. Healthcare management deals with broader topics such as accounting and demographic statistics, while healthcare administration centers more on the details that affect the flow of specific hospital departments. Healthcare management engineers must hold expertise in systems design, systems analysis, and systems control. The tools applied by healthcare management engineers also tend to be quite different, including but not limited to modeling and simulation, applied operations research, quality engineering, and lean six sigma concepts. Healthcare management engineers are in shorter supply than healthcare administrators, creating ample demand for this skill set and training.

What will I learn in this program?

Students have the opportunity to gain sufficient knowledge and skills for modeling, analyzing and/or designing healthcare delivery systems and processes. These skills can then be used to help healthcare networks address significant issues - for example, reducing patient readmissions, decreasing patient wait time, minimizing patient no-shows through analysis of scheduling, optimizing storage and utilization of supplies, increasing overall quality and satisfaction, and impacting other aspects that can make a true difference in the overall operations of a healthcare organization.

What are the admission requirements for this program?

Applicants must have received their Bachelor’s degree and be highly motivated and interested in health systems. Applications will be evaluated as a package, taking into consideration transcripts, the personal statement, test scores (if applicable; please see below), and letters of recommendation.

Am I required to take the GRE exam?

An acceptable Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is required. 305 cumulative score or higher is preferred. In limited cases, a GRE waiver may also be considered.

What are the tuition costs and fees for this program?

This Master of Science degree program is very affordable, and especially in comparison to the few similar options presently existing in the United States. The complete cost of the program is $38,000. The overall program fee, including tuition, textbooks, and catered meals during class dates, is $37,500, which is charged in three installments of $12,500. A $500 orientation fee is also required within one month of admissions notification. This $500 orientation fee functions as an admissions deposit and helps to offset the costs of meals and lodging during the 3-day required orientation on the Binghamton University campus in Binghamton, New York. (All other portions of the program occur in Manhattan.)

When and where are the classes held?

Classes are scheduled on Saturdays in midtown Manhattan at the SUNY College of Optometry between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Please note that a 3-day weekend orientation is held in the Binghamton University Campus. (All other portions of the program occur in Manhattan.) Students who require an online schedule can also attend online or in hybrid fashion by arrangement. 

How many hours per week should I expect to spend on the course outside of the classroom?

Participants, on the average, spend approximately 10-20 hours per week outside of the classroom. This time may be spent reading, studying, writing, participating in team meetings, and presentation preparation or related activities.

Will I need a laptop, calculator or any other technology for this program?

Students will need to bring a laptop equipped with word processing, spreadsheet and Internet capabilities. A calculator is recommended, but not required.

What is the typical background of students enrolling in this program?

The student demographics vary significantly -- from fresh BS/BA/MS/MA/MBA graduates to senior professionals who are looking for a change or advancement in their careers. Educational backgrounds also vary and include engineering and non-engineering disciplines. A prior background in healthcare is not required. While there is not a "typical background" common to our students, all successful applicants are passionately focused on improving healthcare. 

What are some types of positions generally held by graduates of this program?

While the positions vary significantly, some position titles held by our graduates include: Management or Health Systems Engineers/Analysts/Professionals; Business/Data Analysts; Quality/Performance/Process Improvement Specialists; Clinical Systems Engineer; Quality and Patient Safety Manager; Industrial Engineer; Management or Health Systems Engineering Directors; Healthcare Business Analytics/Intelligence Specialists or Directors. Some positions are technical and others are not; some individuals have an interest and focus on software and others are more interested in process and quality improvements. This program is intended to make you well-rounded and enable you to enter the work force with a complete set of skills that will allow you to be effective almost immediately upon hire. Some skills that will prove to be beneficial to you include application of systems science and industrial/systems engineering problem solving tools and solution methodologies, with emphasis on ways to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, quality, and timeliness of healthcare delivery. Ability to apply qualitative and quantitative methods to study, model, analyze, and improve health systems will also be key. The skills and knowledge obtained through this program allow you to be versatile in your career and career choices.

How can I obtain additional information on this program?

Any questions may be directed to Dr. Mohammad Khasawneh or Erin Hornbeck.