by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 46 U.S. colleges awarded 1,404 degrees and certificates in Systems Science & Theory. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 50% of graduates. College Factual ranks 28 schools in its 2027 Best Systems Science & Theory Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $64,573 one year after completing, rising to $96,344 after four years.
A 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.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., systems science & theory draws strong interest, with 1,404 degrees awarded annually. 46 colleges award systems science & theory degrees, an average of 31 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 152.
By level, the 1,404 awards include 11 associate degrees, 624 bachelor’s degrees, 698 master’s degrees and 71 doctorates.
Women earned 54% of systems science & theory degrees and certificates in the latest year (754 of 1,404). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (493) and Asian (206), and international students earned 414.
College Factual ranks 28 schools in its 2027 Best Systems Science & Theory Schools ranking, including 10 for bachelor’s degrees, 19 for master’s degrees and 1 for doctorates. It also ranks systems science & theory schools within 12 states. In all, 46 colleges offer systems science & theory programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Systems Science & Theory Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common systems science & theory credential is the master’s degree: 698 of the 1,404 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to systems science & theory call most for Reading Comprehension, Speaking and Critical Thinking, and for knowledge of English Language, Administration and Management and Law and Government, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Expression and Oral Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a systems science & theory degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 11 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 624 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 698 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 71 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to systems science & theory, at 61.5%.
| 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% |
Source: O*NET Online.
8 occupations are related to Systems Science & Theory, with an average median salary of $114,652; the strongest outlook belongs to Compliance Managers, at 13.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Naval Science Teacher, Flight Simulator Teacher, University Teacher and Weight Control Lecturer.
The occupation related to systems science & theory with the most projected jobs is Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, at 964,215.
| 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% |
Systems Science & Theory graduates earn a median $64,573 one year after completing their program, $96,344 after four years and $108,826 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $64,573 |
| 4 years | $96,344 |
| 5 years | $108,826 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to systems science & theory is Wind Energy Development Managers, with a median salary of $169,952.
| 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 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
