by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Systems Science & Theory explores Systems Science And Theory. A Program With A Multidisciplinary Approach To The Analysis And Solution Of Complex Problems, Requiring A Combined Approach Using Data And Models From The Natural, Social, Technological, Behavioral And Life Sciences, And Other Specialized Fields. Continue reading for the important information every systems science & theory major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering systems science & theory programs.
In the U.S., systems science & theory draws strong interest, with 1,061 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Systems Science & Theory Schools ranking analyzes these 43 schools to determine the best overall colleges for systems science & theory students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of systems science & theory programs later in this article.
Studies in Systems Science & Theory develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations systems science & theory graduates commonly enter.
The skill set built by a systems science & theory program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a systems science & theory major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several systems science & theory degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 10 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 507 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 498 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 46 |
People currently working in careers related to systems science & theory tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 61.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 10.0% |
| Master’s degree | 8.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 7.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.8% |
| Some college courses | 3.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.8% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.5% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in systems science & theory careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in systems science & theory prepares you for many career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to systems science & theory.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to systems science & theory.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 964,215 | -0.1% |
| Managers, All Other | 468,025 | 6.2% |
| Compliance Managers | 310,203 | 13.0% |
| Loss Prevention Managers | 265,210 | 2.2% |
| Regulatory Affairs Managers | 206,415 | 9.9% |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | 128,884 | 5.2% |
| Wind Energy Development Managers | 107,541 | 10.1% |
| Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | 105,398 | -1.9% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of systems science & theory graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $64,573 |
| 4 years | $86,308 |
| 5 years | $99,874 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for systems science & theory graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers systems science & theory grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wind Energy Development Managers | $169,952 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | $165,723 |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | $122,567 |
| Compliance Managers | $117,178 |
| Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | $99,321 |
| Managers, All Other | $95,684 |
| Regulatory Affairs Managers | $77,828 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $68,967 |
With 43 different systems science & theory programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased systems science & theory school rankings to help you.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
