by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Combat Systems Engineering involves the study of Combat Systems Engineering. A Program That Focuses On The Application Of Systems Engineering And System Architecture To The Design And Construction Of Modern Combat Systems And Their Integration With Each Other, With Host Platforms And With Other Forces Into Network-Centric Warfighting Systems. Includes Instruction In Systems Engineering, Computer Programming, Chemical Systems, Biological Systems, Material Systems, Human Factors, Combat Environments, Sensor Systems, Threat And System Risk Assessment, Conventional And Unconventional Weapons, Combat Simulation, Reliability And Maintenance, Testing, Engineering Project Management, Strategic Planning And Applications To Aerospace, Ground, And Naval Combat Systems. Continue reading for the important information every combat systems engineering major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering combat systems engineering programs.
Nationwide, combat systems engineering is a popular field of study, with 43 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Combat Systems Engineering Schools ranking analyzes these 1 schools to determine the best overall colleges for combat systems engineering students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of combat systems engineering programs later in this article.
There are several combat 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 43 |
A degree in combat systems engineering opens doors to a variety of career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to combat systems engineering.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to combat systems engineering.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Military Officer Special and Tactical Operations Leaders, All Other | 41,278 | 0.6% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of combat systems engineering graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $89,751 |
| 5 years | $58,787 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for combat systems engineering graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers combat systems engineering grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Military Officer Special and Tactical Operations Leaders, All Other | $60,551 |
With 1 different combat systems engineering programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased combat systems engineering school rankings to help you.
Those considering combat systems engineering, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Military Applied Sciences, Other | 143 |
| Space Systems Operations | 127 |
| Undersea Warfare | 40 |
| Engineering Acoustics | 17 |
| Operational Oceanography | 13 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
