Admissions

A bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from an accredited institution with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is required. 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.

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.

A minimum of two letters must be submitted from individuals who have supervised the applicant's academic work or job performance. Letters must be written on official letterhead and include the letter writer's email address and phone number. Applicants may upload letters on behalf of their letter writers through the application portal or have them sent to [email protected]. We reserve the right to contact letter writers to verify the contents of the letter.

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.

To apply for the Master of Science in Health Systems (MSHS) program at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University, a nonrefundable application fee of $55 is required.

Official transcripts from every college or university attended can be uploaded through the application portal or sent directly from the institution to the graduate program office at [email protected].

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. TOEFL scores may be required for applicants whose primary language is not English and who do not have a postsecondary degree from a U.S. institution.

During the application process, all applicants will need to confirm that they have:

• Ability to attend five two-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)

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Yes, you are welcome to apply to any program for which you meet the qualifications. Each program requires a separate application and review, and admission decisions are made independently. If you are accepted to multiple programs, you must select one program to commit to, as simultaneous enrollment is not permitted. This policy ensures that students can fully commit to and excel in their chosen field of study, maximizing their educational experience. We encourage you to choose a program that aligns with your career aspirations and interests.

No, an advanced degree or direct healthcare experience is required for the MSHS Program. While many students have advanced degrees, the program thrives on the diverse backgrounds and experiences of its students. It's designed for professionals seeking foundational skills in health delivery science to lead in healthcare organizations. Our students come from varied fields, including physics, engineering, and even a former White House intern. Health delivery science benefits from multidisciplinary thinking, so we welcome applicants eager to bring their expertise to healthcare.

To apply for the MSHS program, submit a complete online application with a $55 fee. Include a personal statement (up to three double-spaced pages) detailing your reasons for pursuing the MSHS and how it aligns with your career goals. A resume or CV is required, with three years of healthcare experience preferred. Provide at least two recommendation letters from supervisors. Official transcripts from all colleges attended must be sent directly to [email protected]. The GRE is optional, and TOEFL scores may be required for non-native English speakers.

The GRE is not required for applicants with a degree from a U.S. institution. 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. Applicants with an advanced degree from a non-U.S. institution should inquire regarding their eligibility for a GRE waiver.

The MSHS program has a $55 application fee, waived for Cedars-Sinai internal applicants. A one-time fee waiver is available for those who participated in eligible public service programs for at least a year. Submit a letter from your program coordinator to [email protected] before applying online. If you haven't participated but face economic hardship, contact the graduate program office for a fee waiver application.

To check the status of your application, log in to the Maestro application portal using the credentials provided at the time of submission. You can access the portal here: https://csmc.maestrosis.com/login. Once logged in, navigate to the application status section to find real-time updates regarding your application progress. If you have any questions or need further assistance, reach out to us at [email protected] and we will be happy to help you.

Employees of Cedars-Sinai Health System may be eligible for Cedars-Sinai's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Contact [email protected] (Student Financial Services Administrator) with any questions regarding 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.

Application deadlines 2026 –

Sept 14, 2026: Application Opens

December 1st, 2026: Priority Deadline

Jan 9, 2027: Priority Deadline – Notifications of admission decision

Jan 15, 2027: Round 1

February 12, 2027: Round 1 – Notifications of admission decision

March 19, 2027: Round 2

April 10, 2027: Round 2 – Notifications of admission decision

May 28 , 2027: Round 3

June 26, 2027: Round 3 – Notifications of admission decision

August 30, 2027, First day of classes

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