Home Schools Marshall University Systems Science and Theory
Multi / Interdisciplinary · Systems Science and Theory Rank #5 of 6

Systems Science and Theoryat Marshall University

Graduates earn $29,539/yr in their first year — about 40.0% below the national Systems Science and Theory average. Base-case 10-year earnings $412K; scenarios range from $398K to $408K depending on AI disruption.

Huntington, WV Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
33 AT RISK
34
Optimistic
42
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,539
1-year post-graduation
ROI
7.3x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$412K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
34% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Marshall University

Marshall's Systems Science and Theory program offers a unique academic depth, exploring the fundamental principles of complex systems. However, its outcomes are significantly shaped by its regional context. The Huntington, WV labor market, while stable, doesn't typically command the high salaries seen in major tech hubs, influencing initial earnings for graduates. Many pursuing this theoretical path may find opportunities within academia, becoming postsecondary teachers, or applying their analytical skills in broader management roles where understanding complex organizational structures is valued. The program's niche focus and likely smaller cohort mean you'll have a close-knit learning environment, but you'll need to proactively seek out applied experiences or internships to bridge the gap between theory and industry application. Your success will hinge on how effectively you translate the program's abstract concepts into tangible, problem-solving skills for specific employers.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$398K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score42/100
Earnings Multiple11.1x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$412K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score33/100
Earnings Multiple11.5x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$408K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score34/100
Earnings Multiple11.4x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Marshall University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Systems Science and Theory graduates typically work

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.

1
Managers, all other
+4.5% 10-yr growth · 106,700 openings/yr
$136,550/yr
Moderate
2
Postsecondary teachers, all other
+1.8% 10-yr growth · 13,500 openings/yr
$78,490/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Systems Science and Theory

How Marshall University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Carnegie Mellon University
PA · Private nonprofit
68
DW Score
$96K
1-yr earn
4.2x
ROI
Top score
James Madison University
VA · Public
74
DW Score
$66K
1-yr earn
17.7x
ROI
La Salle University
PA · Private nonprofit
34
DW Score
$36K
1-yr earn
1.6x
ROI
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
IL · Public
43
DW Score
$35K
1-yr earn
8.3x
ROI
Rhode Island School of Design
RI · Private nonprofit
31
DW Score
$34K
1-yr earn
0.4x
ROI
Also at Marshall University

Other top programs at Marshall University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Marshall University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

FAQ

Frequently asked about Systems Science and Theory at Marshall University

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Systems Science and Theory at Marshall University?

A score of 33/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Systems Science and Theory. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Can you still earn well with Systems Science and Theory from Marshall University?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.