by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 93 U.S. colleges awarded 4,489 degrees and certificates in Systems Engineering. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 73% of graduates. College Factual ranks 54 schools in its 2027 Best Systems Engineering Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $107,816 one year after completing, rising to $137,014 after four years.
If you enjoy a challenge and solving problems, consider a career in Systems Engineering.
Systems Engineering professionals employ advanced math and science skills to develop systems to solve engineering problems and complete projects. Tasks can range from developing software to installing transportation networks. You will take classes in applied mathematics, problem solving methods, IT systems, project management, transportation systems and more to acquire the skills to handle any engineering dilemma.
A major in Systems Engineering covers Systems Engineering.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, systems engineering is a popular field of study, with 4,489 degrees awarded annually. 93 colleges award systems engineering degrees, an average of 48 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 652.
By level, the 4,489 awards include 685 bachelor’s degrees, 3,260 master’s degrees and 159 doctorates.
Women earned 31% of systems engineering degrees and certificates in the latest year (1,400 of 4,489). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (1,911) and Hispanic or Latino (583), and international students earned 894.
College Factual ranks 54 schools in its 2027 Best Systems Engineering Schools ranking, including 13 for bachelor’s degrees, 42 for master’s degrees and 3 for doctorates. It also ranks systems engineering schools within 19 states. In all, 93 colleges offer systems engineering programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Systems Engineering Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common systems engineering credential is the master’s degree: 3,260 of the 4,489 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to systems engineering call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Speaking, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Mathematics and Design, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Oral Expression and Deductive Reasoning.
A large part of this profession involves problem solving, making analytical and critical thinking skills highly important. You should be able to quickly find unique and innovative solutions for any number of engineering problems. Project management and teamwork skills are also required, as you will follow projects through from inception to completion while working with other engineering professionals. Those who are successful in this field have a strong background in mathematics.
Systems Engineering professionals often work full time in an office setting. Depending on project deadlines, overtime can be common.
An internship or summer job in Systems Engineering will be beneficial as you pursue a career in the field. This hands-on experience will show you the process that current professionals follow when working on a project. The experience will also set you ahead of similar candidates when applying for jobs.
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How long a systems engineering degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 685 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 3,260 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 159 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to systems engineering, at 40.1%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 40.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 22.1% |
| Master’s degree | 14.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 5.8% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 5.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.7% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.7% |
| Some college courses | 2.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.9% |
| First professional degree | 1.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.9% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
18 occupations are related to Systems Engineering, with an average median salary of $99,257; the strongest outlook belongs to Solar Energy Systems Engineers, at 14.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Engineer, Electronics Engineering Professor, Ceramic Engineering Professor and Environmental Engineering Professor.
A degree in Systems Engineering opens many job opportunities to graduates. Since systems are used in numerous occupations, graduates may find jobs in anywhere from an aircraft design firm to a robotics company to a software development agency. This degree allows students to apply useful skills in a variety of fields.
After graduation, students should not have a difficult time finding a job. Those who have previous experience within the field will be more competitive in the job market.
The occupation related to systems engineering with the most projected jobs is Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,297,204.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists | 395,031 | 12.1% |
| Nanosystems Engineers | 358,781 | -2.9% |
| Wind Energy Engineers | 353,305 | 12.7% |
| Database Architects | 335,771 | 4.3% |
| Validation Engineers | 298,574 | 4.8% |
| Engineers, All Other | 292,948 | -4.3% |
Systems Engineering graduates earn a median $107,816 one year after completing their program, $137,014 after four years and $137,202 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $107,816 |
| 4 years | $137,014 |
| 5 years | $137,202 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to systems engineering is Database Architects, with a median salary of $148,480.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists | $128,495 |
| Industrial Engineers | $120,863 |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | $117,424 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | $116,775 |
| Mechatronics Engineers | $115,569 |
| Microsystems Engineers | $104,558 |
Systems Engineering includes 1 concentration; by graduates, the largest is Systems Engineering (4,489). It has 40 similar majors in the Engineering field, which together award 198,546 degrees a year; the largest are Mechanical Engineering (43,874), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (27,513) and Computer Engineering (21,335). Browse all Engineering majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Systems Engineering | 4,489 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 43,874 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 27,513 |
| Computer Engineering | 21,335 |
| Civil Engineering | 19,856 |
| Engineering, General | 14,789 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 14,592 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,559 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 10,170 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,023 |
| Engineering, Other | 3,344 |
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