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Human Systems Engineering (Health Systems), MS

Are you an analytical problem-solver with a passion for health care improvement? You can apply engineering principles to address complex challenges at the intersection of technology and patient care. Develop innovative, human-centered solutions that enhance the quality and efficiency of health services.

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A researcher conducts laboratory experiments, reflecting data-driven innovation in ASU's Human Systems Engineering (Health Systems), MS program.

Quick facts

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

Health care is one of the biggest and fastest-growing parts of the U.S. economy. In 2023, it made up about 17.6% of the nation's total spending, and experts predict it could reach around 20% by 2033. As health costs rise, hospitals and clinics are under pressure to deliver better care more efficiently. To do this, they use new technologies to track treatment results, patient satisfaction, and how well systems and staff are working together. These efforts require a good understanding of how people and systems interact. That's where human systems engineering comes in --- it focuses on improving how people, tools and processes work together to make care safer and more effective.

The Master of Science program in human systems engineering with a concentration in health systems provides you with the technical expertise you need to lead efficient health care systems.

You learn to identify needs through system modeling, field research and analytics to improve existing systems. This concentration enables you to perform research and develop innovative approaches to transform health care from reactive to proactive systems, reflecting National Institutes of Health initiatives.

Curriculum

This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:

30 credit hours and a portfolio, or
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (HSE 593)

Required Core (12 credit hours)
HSE 520 Methods and Tools in Applied Cognitive Science (3)
HSE 530 Intermediate Statistics for Human Systems Engineering (3)
HSE 531 Data Analytics: Modeling Human Subjects Data (3)
HSE 542 Foundations of Human Systems Engineering (3)

Concentration (6 credit hours)
BMI 601 Fundamentals of Health Informatics (3)
BMI 605 Health Information Systems and Applications (3)
BMI 613 Workflow Analysis and Redesign in Health Systems Engineering (3)
BMI 615 Human Factors Engineering for Biomedical Applications (3)
BMI 616 Clinical Decision Support and Evidence-based Medicine (3)
BST 515 Applied Biostatistics in Medicine and Informatics (3)
BST 517 Advanced Biostatistics for Biomedical Research and Health Care (3)
HCA 503 Diversity in Aging (3)
HCD 502 Foundations of U.S. Health Systems and Design (3)
HCD 570 Process Engineering (3)
HCD 575 Health Care Transformation and Leadership (3)
HCI 550 Health Care Policy and Innovation (3)

Electives and Research (0 or 9 credit hours)

Other Requirements (3 credit hours)
HSE 525 Health and Human Systems Engineering (3)

Culminating Experience (0 or 6 credit hours)
HSE 593 Applied Project (6) or
HSE 599 Thesis (6) or
portfolio (0)

Additional Curriculum Information
For concentration coursework, students select two courses from the list. For electives and research coursework, enrollment in HSE 592 Research for three credit hours is required for students completing a thesis and optional for students completing the applied project or portfolio culminating experience. Students in all culminating experience options should contact the academic unit for an approved electives list.

Students who choose a portfolio for the culminating experience must complete nine credit hours of electives and research coursework.

Other Requirements course HSE 525 is required for all students but in some situations may be substituted with academic unit approval.


What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Apply the appropriate statistical analysis, address violations of assumptions (e.g., sphericity), & conduct analyses using SPSS.
  • Apply the methods of human systems engineering to test a hypothesis or solve an applied problem
  • Conduct independent research to address problems in the space of human performance in healthcare systems.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, health, nutrition, psychology or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in their first bachelor's degree program or in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program; or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in nine credit hours of graduate coursework from a U.S. institution; or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable conferred master's degree program from a regionally accredited college or university.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. curriculum vitae or professional resume
  4. professional statement
  5. research summary
  6. three letters of recommendation
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Global Launch at ASU offers an online alternative to standardized testing for international students who are seeking admission to ASU but need proof of English proficiency.

Unofficial transcripts may be submitted at time of application. If admitted, applicants must then submit official transcripts to ASU Graduate Admission Services.

Application deadlines

Fall
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person Rolling*
Spring
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person Rolling*

*A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Career opportunities

Jobs in this human systems engineering are growing quickly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects industrial engineering jobs --- which include many human systems engineers --- to grow by 11% between 2024 and 2034, much faster than most other careers. This growth shows how important these skills are becoming in health care and beyond.

Number 2 in the U.S. for employability among public universities. ASU ahead of UCLA, University of Michigan and Purdue. Global Employability University Ranking and Survey, 4 years, 2023 to 2026.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

Human Systems Engineering | SUTON 240
polygrad@asu.edu
480-727-1874

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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