Best colleges for Systems Science and Theory
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Systems Science and Theory by graduate earnings are Carnegie Mellon University ($95,598), James Madison University ($65,683) and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($35,239), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA): $95,598, 126 graduates a year
- James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA): $65,683, 77 graduates a year
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL): $35,239, 60 graduates a year
- Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, RI): $34,265, 88 graduates a year
Compare 46 U.S. colleges offering Systems Science and Theory by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 24 states.
Systems Science and Theory programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $36,442 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 30.06 and the Managers, All Other occupation (BLS SOC).
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.
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 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $95,598 | 126 | 94% | $23,803 | $23,250 |
| 2 | James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $65,683 | 77 | 80% | — | $22,301 |
| 3 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $35,239 | 60 | 85% | — | $20,600 |
| 4 | Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RI Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $34,265 | 88 | 89% | $41,764 | $26,748 |
| 5 | La Salle University Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $36,442 | 6 | 57% | $21,997 | $25,000 |
| 6 | Marshall University Huntington, WV Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $29,539 | 17 | 51% | — | — |
Specializations within Systems Science and Theory
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 30.06 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 24 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 3 | $95,598 | Carnegie Mellon University |
| Virginialimited | 2 | $65,683 | James Madison University |
| Illinois | 4 | $35,239 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| Rhode Islandlimited | 2 | $34,265 | Rhode Island School of Design |
| West Virginialimited | 1 | $29,539 | Marshall University |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 2 | — | — |
| California | 6 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusetts | 3 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | — | — |
| New York | 7 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 2 | — | — |
| Texaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Vermontlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Wyominglimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
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.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Systems Science and Theory
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 30.06.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 30.06 (Systems Science and Theory) maps to 2 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9199 | Managers, All Otherprimary |
| 25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
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.
How much do Systems Science and Theory graduates earn?+
Systems Science and Theory graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $36,442, College Scorecard (2019); the Managers, All Other occupation pays about $153,890 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Systems Science and Theory?+
Systems Science and Theory maps to CIP 30.06 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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