Application Information
The admissions process of the Master of Science in Health Systems (MSHS) is competitive. The Admissions Committee is seeking ambitious professionals with strong performance in prior quantitative and analytical coursework, whose academic and/or professional achievements, communication skills and emotional intelligence demonstrate their potential to be high-performing leaders.
Who Should Apply?
The MSHS degree is designed for working professionals seeking to develop foundational skills and knowledge in health systems science with an aim to become leaders in healthcare organizations. Many of our students have clinical degrees and seek to expand their influence and roles within and beyond their current organizations.
The program is ideal for those who may be considering a more traditional degree in public health but want greater exposure to modern analytic techniques and applied skills.
Key Deadlines 2024-25
For Fall 2025, we anticipate enrolling 20-25 students. Our admissions process consists of two separate rounds where applicants will be evaluated holistically. We encourage prospective applicants to carefully consider the timing that best aligns with their individual circumstances and submit their applications accordingly. It's important to note that a portion of available spots may be filled after the first round. While some spots will be reserved for the second round, we highly encourage applicants to consider applying during the first round to maximize their chances of securing a spot. Applications must be fully completed (see requirements below) by 11:59 pm PST on the following dates to be considered for that round of admissions.
Time |
Action |
|---|---|
|
September 1, 2024 |
Application Opens |
|
January 17, 2025 |
Round 1 – Application due |
|
February 14, 2025 |
Round 1 – Notifications of admission decision |
|
March 14, 2025 |
Round 2 – Application due |
|
April 11, 2025 |
Round 2 – Notifications of admission decision |
|
May 30, 2025 |
Round 3 – Application due |
|
June 27, 2025 |
Round 3 – Notifications of admission decision |
|
August 25, 2025 |
First day of classes |
Given the high number of applications, we are not able to grant in-person interviews for all candidates. Applications are judged on the basis of grades, personal statement and career goals, writing ability, test scores (if any), and letters of recommendation. Admitted students are given the opportunity to visit in person, meet with program leadership, and tour the campus as needed prior to making final enrollment decisions.
Requirements
- Completed Online Application, including payment of $55 application fee.
- Personal Statement: Three double-spaced pages maximum (about 1,000 words), detailing the applicant's reasons for wanting to pursue the MSHS. The essay must demonstrate enthusiasm for the curriculum and highlight specific ways in which the MSHS will help support the applicant’s career development. The Admissions Committee reviews the personal statement for writing skills as well as content. The personal statement should be submitted as part of the online application.
- Resume or CV: Three years or more of work experience in the healthcare industry (hospital, health system, physician group, post-acute care facility, health plan, pharmaceutical or biotech company, clinical research, etc.) is strongly suggested but not required. Exceptional candidates with less experience who can demonstrate specific interest in health systems science will also be considered.
- Letters of Recommendation: A minimum of 2 letters must be submitted from persons who have supervised the applicant's academic work or job performance. These letters must be written on letterhead and accompanied by the recommendation form (PDF). The letters and forms should be emailed directly to GroupMSHS@csmc.edu by the person writing the letter.
- The GRE is not required: Individuals who do not have a strong academic record in math, science or economics courses may wish to submit GRE or equivalent (MCAT, GMAT) scores to strengthen their application.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from an accredited institution with a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Those with a lower GPA but outstanding career achievement will be considered. Degrees earned outside the U.S. should be equivalent to a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree. Although we anticipate most competitive applicants will have a degree in a biomedical field or other quantitative discipline, we will consider applicants with any BA or BS degree.
- Official Transcripts from every college or university attended, sent directly to the graduate program office.
- TOEFL Scores: Successful applicants will be highly proficient in spoken and written English. TOEFL scores may be required for applicants whose primary language is not English and who do not have a post-secondary degree from a U.S. institution.
- VISA: The MSHS program is designed for working professionals who hold full time jobs. Therefore, it is considered a part-time program, and we cannot accept applicants on F-1 or J-1 student visas.
- Additional Requirements: During the application process, all applicants will need to confirm that they have:
- Ability to attend five 2-day in-person sessions on the Cedars-Sinai campus
- A computer with the following hardware requirements
- Webcam
- Microphone and speakers
- Microsoft Office and a web browser installed on their computer
- Reliable, high-speed internet access
- A quiet location to attend classes
- Basic computer and internet skills (e.g., manage files, install software, use a web browser, receive and send emails, use basic functions in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
Application Fee Waiver
The MSHS program will waive the application fee for applicants who are participating in—or who have participated in—a public service or other eligible program for at least a year. The fee waiver is a one-time offer for eligible applicants.
You are required to submit a letter from the program coordinator. Please email this letter to GroupMSHS@csmc.edu prior to submitting an online application to the graduate program. For applicants who have not participated in any of the above programs but feel they have an economic hardship that prevents them from paying the application fee, please contact the graduate program office for a fee waiver application.
Tuition and Assistance
The total cost of tuition and student fees is $23,300.
Employees of Cedars-Sinai Health System®️ may be eligible for the Cedars-Sinai's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Contact Victor.Jackson@cshs.org (Student Financial Services Administrator) with any questions regarding the tuition or TAP.
We also provide a limited number of academic scholarships each year for highly meritorious candidates from both within and outside Cedars-Sinai.
As we continuously strive to maintain and enhance the quality of education and services we provide, it may become necessary to adjust our tuition rates. Should an increase be deemed necessary, we will provide ample notice to all students.
How to Apply
To apply to the Cedars-Sinai Master of Science in Health Systems, please submit your online application here:
After submitting your online application, send your official transcripts (must come in secure form directly from the institution), official test scores and personal statement via email to GroupMSHS@csmc.edu.
Please have your letters of recommendation sent directly from your recommender to emailed to GroupMSHS@csmc.edu. All letters of recommendation should be on official letterhead and be accompanied by a recommendation form (PDF).
Should you have questions regarding your application or the admission requirements, please call 310-423-8294 or email GroupMSHS@csmc.edu.
Diversity Statement
At Cedars-Sinai, we solicit and encourage applicants who will strengthen our diversity. Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), marital status, sex, pregnancy, age (40 or older), veteran status, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by federal or state law.
Have Questions or Need Help?
If you have questions or wish to learn more about the MSHS program, please contact:
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
8687 Melrose Ave.
Suite G-532
West Hollywood, CA 90069