Systems Engineeringat George Mason University
Graduates earn $84,942/yr in their first year — about 13.0% above the national Systems Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,030K; scenarios range from $831K to $1,086K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at George Mason University
Your decision to pursue Systems Engineering at George Mason places you in a highly strategic labor market. The program's location in Northern Virginia is crucial, as the DC Metro area is a nexus for federal agencies, defense contractors, and major tech firms constantly needing professionals to design, integrate, and manage complex systems. This regional demand underpins the strong financial outlook for graduates, positioning you for roles tackling large-scale, critical projects.
While your initial career path looks robust, it's vital to recognize the projected "Very High" AI risk for the field. This doesn't mean your job will disappear, but rather that many analytical and design components of systems engineering are ripe for AI augmentation. To thrive long-term, focus on developing your strategic oversight, human-centric project leadership, and adaptability to emerging technologies, ensuring you're managing AI tools rather than being replaced by them.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to George Mason University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Systems Engineering
How George Mason University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at George Mason University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at George Mason University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Systems Engineering at George Mason University
What does a 76/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Systems Engineering at George Mason University?
At 76/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Systems Engineering at George Mason University?
The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is George Mason University one of the best schools for Systems Engineering?
Among 11 Systems Engineering programs, George Mason University's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.