Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Best Systems Science and Theory institutions in the US, ranked by earnings

Compare 42 U.S. colleges offering Systems Science and Theory by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 23 states.

Institutions
42
offering CIP 30.06
States offered
23
with a program page
With earnings data
6
College Scorecard
Degrees / yr
1,015
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$36,442
1 year after graduation
US pay · Managers, All Other
$149,890
BLS OEWS 2024

About Systems Science and Theory programs

The Systems Science and Theory program is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the study of complex dynamical systems through mathematical frameworks. It is designed for students interested in understanding how various systems behave and interact, utilizing concepts from mathematics and engineering. This program is ideal for those who enjoy problem-solving and analytical thinking in diverse contexts.

Learn more about Systems Science and Theory

What you'll learn

Students in the Systems Science and Theory program will explore core concepts such as dynamical systems theory, including both continuous and discrete systems. Coursework typically involves differential equations and their applications in various fields, equipping students with essential analytical skills.

Top 6 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$95,59813894%$23,803$23,250
2James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree
$65,6835280%$22,301
3La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$36,442557%$21,997$25,000
4University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Champaign, IL Public · Bachelor's degree
$35,2394885%$20,600
5Rhode Island School of Design
Providence, RI Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$34,26510289%$41,764$26,748
6Marshall University
Huntington, WV Public · Bachelor's degree
$29,5391051%

Offered across 23 states

The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.

StateInstitutionsMedian earningsTop institution by earnings
Pennsylvania3$95,598Carnegie Mellon University
Virginialimited2$65,683James Madison University
Illinois4$35,239University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Rhode Islandlimited2$34,265Rhode Island School of Design
West Virginialimited1$29,539Marshall University
Alabamalimited1
Arizonalimited1
California5
Floridalimited1
Georgialimited1
Iowalimited1
Massachusetts4
Michiganlimited1
Missourilimited1
Nebraskalimited1
New Jerseylimited1
New York5
North Carolinalimited1
Tennesseelimited2
Texaslimited1
Vermontlimited1
Wyominglimited1
Indianalimited1

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-9199, Managers, All Other, and its national outlook.

Graduates of the Systems Science and Theory program can expect a positive job outlook, with an annual growth rate of about 4.5% and approximately 106,700 annual openings. Most positions require a Bachelor's degree, and the median wage for related careers is around $136,550.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+4.5%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~106,700
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$136,550
typically Bachelor's degree
National employment
630,980
Managers, All Other
US average pay
$149,890
annual, BLS OEWS 2024
US median pay
$136,550
annual

Top-paying metros

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$252,250avg
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$206,840avg
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$189,660avg
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
$187,960avg
Boulder, CO
$187,180avg

Related careers

Concentrations within Systems Science and Theory

Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).

  • Systems Science and Theory
    CIP 30.0601

    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 an

Common questions

What is Systems Science and Theory?+

It is an interdisciplinary program that studies the behavior of complex dynamical systems using mathematical frameworks.

What skills will I learn?+

You will learn about dynamical systems theory, differential equations, and analytical problem-solving.

What is the job outlook for this field?+

The job outlook is about 4.5% growth with approximately 106,700 annual openings.

What degree do I need for a career in this field?+

A Bachelor's degree is typically required for careers related to Systems Science and Theory.

Related programs

Other programs in the same field of study.

Zoom outAll programs

Explore every U.S. college in one conversation

Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.

Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card