Systems Science is the study of general principles governing systems of widely differing types, and the use of systems ideas and methods in research and socio-technical system design and management. Systems science draws on the natural and social sciences, mathematics, computer science, and engineering to address complex problems in the public and private sectors.
Systems ideas and methods offer valuable insights into and fundamental ways to think about a wide range of phenomena. They will help you to better understand and address problems in such diverse areas as climate change, resource use, renewable energy, and public health and biomedicine, and shed new light on the challenges and opportunities of new technologies.
The systems minor offers coursework in methods for approaching complex systems including opportunities to design conceptual models using graphical understanding, computational models to simulate system behaviors, dynamics of biological or ecological systems, the evolution of cooperation, and networks in society.
Learning systems ideas and methods will enhance the knowledge and skills you gain in any specific program, making the minor a perfect complement to any major. Our systems minor has been designed to be entirely cross-disciplinary, meaning engineering or biology majors can take systems just as comfortably as a philosophy or geography major. The classes can also help you fulfill requirements for a number of core curriculum courses.
We offer the only systems science program in the state of Oregon. Our systems classes will teach you methods for approaching complex systems both conceptually and quantitatively.
The Portland metro region is home to some of the world’s top companies including Nike, Intel, Adidas, Columbia, Underarmour, Daimler, and Oregon Health and Sciences University. Many of our students intern and get jobs for local, state, and federal agencies. Being in Portland is a major advantage for PSU students, as they have access to internships at large companies that are just a Max ride away, where they are able to get real experience before graduating and go on to work for the companies after graduation.
Systems concepts and techniques are extensively used for both applied and research purposes. In industry and government, considerable demand exists for professionals who are skilled in modern methods of decision making and systems design and who are capable of managing complex social and technical systems. Systems theorists also continue to make important contributions to the growth of knowledge within academic disciplines and to the application of knowledge across disciplinary boundaries.
You'll find that the skills you learn with PSU's systems minor will be useful in just about any field: research, business, non-profit, public service, or in creative work such as writing and storytelling. Our program can help prepare you for successful careers in academia, industry, government, and nonprofits.