2024-2025 Binghamton University Academic Guide
Systems Science, PhD
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Return to: Academic Degrees and Programs
The Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Science (PhD SS) degree is offered through the School of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering (SSIE). The doctoral program in systems science offers a unique, internationally-recognized, highly transdisciplinary learning and research experience. Doctoral students can work on a wide variety of research topics, such as: mathematical modeling of systems, computer simulation, agent-based modeling, system dynamics, intelligent control and optimization, soft computing, machine learning, statistical modeling, data analytics, decision making and management, nonlinear dynamics, information theory, game theory, complex networks, computational social science, mathematical biology and artificial life, health systems, sustainability, and other transdisciplinary research.
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Admission Requirements
Applicants who have already earned a baccalaureate degree in any field are invited to apply for admission to this program. 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.
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. Applications to degree programs should include: - 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)
- International applicants should also include:
- Proof of English proficiency (such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), PTE academic scores, or Duolingo)
- Immigration and financial documentation (i.e., the International Student Financial Statement and statement of financial support/bank statement)
Program Requirements
- Satisfaction of learning contract (described below), including proficiency in teaching and residency requirements (i.e.,coursework)
- Satisfaction of comprehensive qualifying requirement
- Presentation of colloquium on proposed research
- Acceptance of prospectus outlining dissertation research
- Submission of dissertation
- Defense of dissertation at oral examination
Guidance Committee
Upon acceptance into the program, students must form an approved guidance committee. The guidance committee consists of three to five members, normally full-time Watson College faculty; however, students may propose members from other schools at Binghamton University, faculty from other universities, or professionals from outside academia. The guidance committee must be approved by the Graduate School. The guidance committee advises the student and evaluates and certifies the student’s performance throughout the program of study and research. Learning Contract
In consultation with the guidance committee and the director of graduate studies, the student prepares a learning contract in which a program of study is specified, including the major area of research, additional course requirements (three to five courses which should be at the 600 level), teaching requirement, evaluation procedures, and the form of the comprehensive examination. Although the learning contract may be modified as the research interests of the student develop, to ensure competence and depth in the major area and breadth in relevant disciplines, each modification must be approved by the guidance committee and properly documented. A copy of the learning contract is placed on file within the school. |
Return to: Academic Degrees and Programs
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