by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you enjoy a challenge and solving problems, consider a career in Systems Engineering.
Systems Engineering professionals employ advanced math and science skills to develop systems to solve engineering problems and complete projects. Tasks can range from developing software to installing transportation networks. You will take classes in applied mathematics, problem solving methods, IT systems, project management, transportation systems and more to acquire the skills to handle any engineering dilemma.
A major in Systems Engineering covers Systems Engineering. Read on to learn the essential details every systems engineering student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering systems engineering programs.
Across the country, systems engineering is a popular field of study, with 3,956 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Systems Engineering Schools ranking analyzes these 98 schools to determine the best overall colleges for systems engineering students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of systems engineering programs later in this article.
Studies in Systems Engineering develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations systems engineering graduates commonly enter.
A large part of this profession involves problem solving, making analytical and critical thinking skills highly important. You should be able to quickly find unique and innovative solutions for any number of engineering problems. Project management and teamwork skills are also required, as you will follow projects through from inception to completion while working with other engineering professionals. Those who are successful in this field have a strong background in mathematics.
Systems Engineering professionals often work full time in an office setting. Depending on project deadlines, overtime can be common.
An internship or summer job in Systems Engineering will be beneficial as you pursue a career in the field. This hands-on experience will show you the process that current professionals follow when working on a project. The experience will also set you ahead of similar candidates when applying for jobs.
Skills emphasized by a systems engineering program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a systems engineering major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several systems engineering 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 605 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 2,939 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 148 |
People currently working in careers related to systems engineering tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 40.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 22.1% |
| Master’s degree | 14.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 5.8% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 5.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.7% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.7% |
| Some college courses | 2.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.9% |
| First professional degree | 1.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.9% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in systems engineering careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in Systems Engineering opens many job opportunities to graduates. Since systems are used in numerous occupations, graduates may find jobs in anywhere from an aircraft design firm to a robotics company to a software development agency. This degree allows students to apply useful skills in a variety of fields.
After graduation, students should not have a difficult time finding a job. Those who have previous experience within the field will be more competitive in the job market.
Studying systems engineering can lead to a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to systems engineering.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to systems engineering.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists | 395,031 | 12.1% |
| Nanosystems Engineers | 358,781 | -2.9% |
| Wind Energy Engineers | 353,305 | 12.7% |
| Database Architects | 335,771 | 4.3% |
| Validation Engineers | 298,574 | 4.8% |
| Engineers, All Other | 292,948 | -4.3% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of systems engineering graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $106,540 |
| 4 years | $121,140 |
| 5 years | $136,733 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for systems engineering graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers systems engineering grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists | $128,495 |
| Industrial Engineers | $120,863 |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | $117,424 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | $116,775 |
| Mechatronics Engineers | $115,569 |
| Microsystems Engineers | $104,558 |
With 98 different systems engineering programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased systems engineering school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in systems engineering, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Systems Engineering | 3,956 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 42,939 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 26,760 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,005 |
| Computer Engineering | 19,986 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 13,914 |
| Engineering, General | 13,411 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,939 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 9,596 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,533 |
| Engineering, Other | 3,529 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
