Students choose a combination of systems science courses plus approved courses in associated disciplines. Topics and subject areas are the same as those for the Ph.D. program. Students learn a wide variety of systems ideas, use them for modeling and analysis in conjunction with ideas and methods from other disciplines, and gain expertise in problem solving and integrative thinking.
Admission Requirements
Admission is based on the applicant’s academic transcript, two letters of recommendation, a statement of interests and objectives, and other background material. GRE scores are recommended but not required. Students admitted to the Ph.D. program need not apply separately for admission to the master’s program, but must complete and submit a GO-19D form to the program.
Degree Requirements
See general requirements for master’s degrees. In addition, students must meet the requirements below and submit the necessary Graduate Studies Office forms. All students will be required to complete 24 credits of graded courses (pass/no pass are not applicable) listed under Systems Science in the PSU catalog numbered SySc 510-599 or SySc 610-699. Up to 3 credits of SySc 507 (with a Pass grade) may be included to satisfy the 45 credit hour requirement. Note: There is a seven-year limit on courses for the master’s degree. This is not true for the Ph.D. The master’s program has three options:
1. Thesis option
An additional 12 credits of Systems Science courses (numbered as above) and/or approved courses from other departments (see document entitled, Approved Resource Courses for the Master of Science Program in Systems Science); and 9 thesis credits. A student selecting the thesis option must form a thesis committee of at least three faculty members (one of whom must be a Systems Science core faculty), and pass an oral thesis defense.
2. Examination option
An additional 21 credits of Systems Science courses (numbered as above) and/or approved courses from other departments (see document entitled, Approved Resource Courses for the Master of Science Program in Systems Science). Up to 4 credits of Systems Science by-arrangement credits may be used to satisfy this requirement.
A student selecting the examination option will be required to pass two written comprehensive exams, each of which covers a minimum of 16 credit hours of coursework. The comprehensive exam requirement is to be successfully completed within 5 years of admission to the master’s program. One of the examiners must be a Systems Science core faculty member. Students admitted to the Ph.D. program who pass their comprehensive exams meet this requirement automatically.
3. Coursework only option
An additional 8 credits of graded courses listed under Systems Science (numbered as above), plus 13 credits of courses that may be either Systems Science courses (numbered as above) or approved courses from other departments (see document entitled Approved Resource Courses for the Master of Science Program in Systems Science). Up to 4 credits of System Science by-arrangement credits may be used to satisfy this requirement.