Health Systems Engineering M.S. and Certificate

A graduate degree and certificate program from the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science at Lehigh University

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Engineer a Healthcare System That Works Better for Everyone

The healthcare system is complex, and ensuring that it serves everyone as intended requires expertise beyond medical practice. Lehigh University’s Master of Science in Health Systems Engineering (HSE) prepares graduates to meet that challenge head-on.

The program equips students with systems thinking tools and engineering methodologies to measure, streamline, and improve the performance of healthcare systems. These approaches are endorsed by leading institutions, including the Institute of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation, as essential to reducing costs, cutting errors, and expanding access to care.

Graduates emerge with a strong foundation in industrial and systems engineering alongside expertise in health systems and processes. This uniquely positions them for professional and management roles in organizations delivering health-related products and services.

Ready to make a difference in healthcare? Request more information to learn how Lehigh’s HSE program can help you get there.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Supporting Positive Student Outcomes

Committed to Your Success

With personalized graduate career resources

R1 Research Resources

With small school appeal

42% Growth

In engineering research since 2021

A Global Network of 88,000 Alumni

Actively engaged across all industry sectors

Supporting Positive Student Outcomes
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Industries

Graduates of the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science’s health systems engineering master’s program frequently join the following industries:

  • Consulting
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Information Technology
  • Life Sciences

Employers

Top employers of program alumni include:

  • Axtria
  • B. Braun Medical
  • Deloitte
  • EY
  • IBM
  • Lehigh Valley Health Network
  • Merck
  • Novartis
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Why Lehigh?

At Lehigh, you’ll find the right balance of academic rigor, personal support, and practical experience that sets our HSE M.S. and graduate certificate programs apart. With us, you’ll benefit from:

A Campus Designed for Focus and Opportunity

Nestled in Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley, our beautiful, serene campus provides the ideal setting to step away from daily distractions and fully commit to your studies. Located just a short drive from New York City and Philadelphia, students benefit from both a peaceful environment and access to major business hubs. With the Lehigh Valley’s own rapid growth and strong university connections to leading companies, you truly get the best of both worlds.

Our Status as an R1 Research Institution

As one of just 187 R1 research universities in the nation, Lehigh offers graduate students the opportunity to engage in meaningful, high-impact research guided by expert faculty.

A Close-Knit Community

Small class sizes, accessible faculty, and a team focused on your career development mean you won’t just be another face in the crowd. You’ll form strong connections with professors, advisors, and peers who are invested in your success.

Learning With Real-World Impact

This program prepares graduates to make a lasting impact in their careers. Our dedicated faculty serve as mentors, career coaches, and research partners. The program benefits from strong relationships with industry partners and integrates professional and career development opportunities throughout the curriculum. As part of their studies, program participants collaborate with partnering institutions to complete a semester-long capstone project, to solve a real-world problem in the healthcare space.

HSE M.S. Admissions Requirements

Wondering how to apply to the master’s degree program? Here’s what you need to know:

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with the following deadlines:

  • December 15 for a spring start
  • July 15 for a fall start

What You Need to Apply

  • Completed online application
  • $50 non-refundable application fee
  • Official transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application review)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Demonstrated English proficiency (if required)

FAQs

When is the final deadline to apply to the master’s program?

Final application deadlines depend on when you plan to start the program. For a spring start, applications must be received by December 15. If you aim to begin in the fall, your application is due by July 15.

When do classes start?

Classes for the fall 2026 semester start on Monday, August 24. Spring 2027 classes begin on Monday, January 25.

How does Lehigh’s certificate program differ from the M.S. in Health Systems Engineering?

Earning a certificate does not confer a master’s degree. The certificate program is designed to accommodate technical professionals to further enhance their knowledge and advance their careers.

What prerequisites need to be met to apply?

To be eligible for the master’s degree program, applicants must hold at least a Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) degree in a related field.

How long does it take to complete both programs?

It takes 1.5–2 years to complete the master’s program (or 3–4 academic semesters). The certificate program can be completed in as little as 1–2 semesters.

Are scholarships available?

Master's students may be eligible for partial merit-based or alumni tuition scholarships.