Systems Science and Theory: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Systems Science and Theory is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding and addressing complex, real-world challenges through integrated analytical frameworks. By synthesizing insights from diverse domains, this program equips students with the tools to model, evaluate, and optimize systems across dynamic environments.
- Systems Thinking: A foundational approach that views problems as interconnected components within larger structures, emphasizing relationships, feedback loops, and emergent behaviors.
- Modeling and Simulation: The development and application of computational and mathematical models to represent system dynamics and predict outcomes under varying conditions.
- Complex Adaptive Systems: Study of systems that evolve and adapt over time through interactions among their parts, such as ecosystems, economies, and social networks.
- Interdisciplinary Integration: The synthesis of knowledge from natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, behavioral studies, and life sciences to form holistic solutions.
- Data-Driven Analysis: Utilization of empirical data and statistical methods to inform system design, validate models, and support evidence-based decision-making.
- Systems Engineering Principles: Application of structured methodologies to design, manage, and optimize complex systems throughout their lifecycle.
Systems Science and Theory Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Systems Science and Theory Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Systems Science and Theory degrees, including Managers, All Other and Postsecondary Teachers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 782,510 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 25-1199 | $78,490 | $39,720 - $172,850 | 151,530 | N/A |
Systems Science and Theory Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $54,280 in Utah to $137,525 in California—a 153% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 782,510 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Systems Science and Theory by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 43 institutions offering Systems Science and Theory programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Systems Science and Theory is found at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) (153 graduates), The New School (124 graduates), Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) (102 graduates), Harvard University (82 graduates), and Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (58 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,061 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
153 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| The New School |
Master's
|
124 | New York, New York | Private | newschool.edu |
| Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
102 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | risd.edu |
| Harvard University |
Master's
|
82 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
58 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Bachelor's
|
53 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| James Madison University (JMU) |
Bachelor's
|
52 | Harrisonburg, Virginia | Public | jmu.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Bachelor's
|
47 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
37 | Savannah, Georgia | Private | scad.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
33 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| United States Military Academy (USMA) |
Bachelor's
|
30 | West Point, New York | Public | westpoint.edu |
| University of Vermont (UVM) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
27 | Burlington, Vermont | Public | uvm.edu |
| Binghamton University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
25 | Vestal, New York | Public | binghamton.edu |
| Claremont McKenna College (CMC) |
Bachelor's
|
24 | Claremont, California | Private | cmc.edu |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
17 | Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
|
17 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Master's
|
17 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| School of Visual Arts (SVA) |
Master's
|
12 | New York, New York | Private | sva.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Master's
|
11 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
10 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
| Marshall University |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Huntington, West Virginia | Public | marshall.edu |
| Central Wyoming College (CWC) |
Associate's
|
10 | Riverton, Wyoming | Public | cwc.edu |
| Stanford University |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| Pitzer College (PZ) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Claremont, California | Private | pitzer.edu |
| Eastern Illinois University (EIU) |
Master's
|
7 | Charleston, Illinois | Public | eiu.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Post-Master's
|
7 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Rice University |
Master's
|
7 | Houston, Texas | Private | rice.edu |
| The University of Tennessee |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | utk.edu |
| La Salle University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | lasalle.edu |
| Johnson & Wales University |
Master's
|
5 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | jwu.edu |
| Northeastern University (NU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
| Old Dominion University (ODU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Norfolk, Virginia | Public | odu.edu |
| Scripps College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Claremont, California | Private | scrippscollege.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Private | nebrwesleyan.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | wpi.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Master's
|
1 | Camden, New Jersey | Public | camden.rutgers.edu |
| Union College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Schenectady, New York | Private | union.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Systems Science and Theory programs
How much can I earn with a Systems Science and Theory degree?
Salaries for Systems Science and Theory graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Postsecondary Teachers, All Other earn around $78,490. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $137,525 compared to $54,280 in Utah. Approximately 782,510 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Systems Science and Theory programs?
Currently 43 accredited institutions offer Systems Science and Theory degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) (153 graduates), The New School (124 graduates), and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) (102 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Systems Science and Theory growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 382 in 2010 to 1,061 in 2023-24. This represents a 178% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Systems Science and Theory degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, . Related occupations employ approximately 782,510 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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