Systems & Decision Sciences

Major

The Systems and Decision Sciences major centers on the design, management, and decision analysis of tangible and abstract systems in accordance with performance requirements, budget, and schedules. The program combines elements of traditional engineering, systems engineering, finance, decision analysis, and organizational management into a single major.

Offered by the Department of Systems Engineering.

Do you like solving puzzles, thinking logically, or figuring out the best way to make something work? The Systems and Decision Sciences (SDS) major at the United States Military Academy at West Point is all about using math, technology, and data to make smart decisions and solve real-world problems - especially the kind leaders face in the Army.

At West Point, the Systems and Decision Sciences major equips you with the tools to solve big problems, lead smartly, and make an impact. You’ll learn to think clearly under pressure, use data wisely, and help the Army and the world operate more effectively. SDS is perfect for future officers who want to analyze complex situations, manage missions more efficiently, and lead with confidence using evidence and strategy.

What is Systems and Decision Sciences?

Systems and Decision Sciences (SDS) teaches cadets how to analyze complex problems, make smart decisions, and design better systems. It blends math, data science, engineering, and psychology to help future leaders tackle challenges where people, machines, information, and strategy all come together. Cadets learn how to break big problems into smaller parts, evaluate possible solutions, and use data, models, and logic to make informed decisions - whether they're planning a mission, managing logistics, or improving operations.

This major reflects the overwhelming need for West Point graduates who are ready to lead multidisciplinary teams. Our leaders will perform systems thinking, systems design and modeling, and systems decision-making to address complex, ill-defined problems characterized by global, political, social, military, economic, and technological challenges. The program trades depth in traditional engineering disciplines for a blended skill set that well arms leaders and managers.

Cadets who major in systems and decision sciences will learn the methods, processes, and tools needed to understand and conduct meaningful decision analysis in support of complex systems. This major produces graduates with technical management skills and engineering depth to prepare them for future academic and professional opportunities in a world increasingly dominated by technological change.

This major offers an honors track.

Why Choose Systems and Decision Sciences at USMA?

Make Better Decisions in Complex Situations
SDS teaches cadets how to think through tough choices, weigh risks, and find efficient solutions - whether they're eading in combat or managing military resources.
Turn Data Into Action
Cadets learn to collect, interpret, and apply data using tools from statistics, computer science, and decision theory - vital for today’s data-driven Army.
See the Big Picture
Instead of just focusing on one part of a problem, SDS shows cadets how to analyze entire systems - from supply chains to communication networks to human organizations.
Blend Tech and Leadership
Cadets work with tech, numbers, and models - but always through the lens of leading people and solving real-world military challenges.
Flexible Career Paths
This major prepares graduates for Army roles in Cyber, Intelligence, Aviation, Engineering, Logistics, and Operations Research, as well as civilian careers in analytics, tech, consulting, or public policy.

The SDS major also:

Develops the technical, business, communication and leadership skills necessary to manage complex processes found in the military and private sector.
Provides the foundation for advanced degrees in business, operations research, systems engineering, information systems management, engineering management, network systems management and more.

What To Do WIth This Major?

As SDS majors and Army officers, graduates will be prepared to:

Lead in Cyber, Engineers, Military Intelligence, Operations Research/Systems Analysis (ORSA), or Acquisition
Improve Army operations, tech systems, or decision-making processes
Pursue graduate school in systems engineering, public policy, business analytics, or data science
Transition after your service into civilian roles in tech companies, consulting firms, government agencies, or think tanks

Interested Cadets

Learn about the Department of Systems Engineering
Contact the department

If you enjoy solving problems, using data, working with people, and improving how things run, the Systems and Decision Sciences (SDS) major is a smart and future-focused option. It gives you the skills to lead in high-tech, high-stakes environments.

SDS focuses on how decisions are made - in combat zones, command centers, and everywhere in between. It teaches you how to use math, computers, and logic to:

Analyze complicated systems (like logistics, cyber networks, or troop movements)
Predict outcomes and manage risk
Find the best, fastest, or safest way to get things done

It’s like being a military problem-solver with a high-tech toolbox.

Why Consider This Major

Mission-Focused: SDS gives cadets the tools to plan smarter missions and make faster, more effective decisions.
Data-Driven Leadership: Cadets learn to lead using numbers, systems thinking, and strategy—not just instinct.
STEM + Strategy: The program combines math, computer science, engineering, and leadership into one powerful major.
Army Advantage: These skills are key in cyber, aviation, intelligence, logistics, and more.

Cadets should consider SDS if they:

Enjoy math, logic, and solving tough problems
Like both people and computers - and making them work together
Want to be the go-to leader when the mission gets complicated
Are looking for a major that mixes tech, strategy, and leadership

What Cadets Learn

SDS courses combine elements of math, systems thinking, behavioral science, and computer modeling. Cadets study how to model and solve tough problems that involve people, machines, information, and time. Core areas include:

Operations Research – Using math to make better decisions
Systems Engineering – Understanding how everything connects
Decision Analysis – Choosing the best option in complicated situations
Data Analytics – Using stats and software to see patterns and predict outcomes
Human Factors & Leadership – Leading teams that rely on technology and fast thinking

Studies include hands-on labs, simulations, and capstone projects that solve real Army and global challenges.

Choice of Electives

Cadets pick classes that match their interests and future career path, like:

Military Decision-Making Models – Apply what they learn to real Army scenarios
Simulations & Risk Management – Practice handling missions in uncertain conditions
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning – Explore how AI can support battlefield decisions
Cyber Systems and Networks – Learn how to protect and use digital infrastructure
Game Theory – Study how people and countries make strategic choices

Learn More

View the full Systems and Decision Sciences major curriculum
Meet the SDS faculty

Cadets in this majors can apply to participate in a summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, USMA-run academic enrichment experience. Past experiences have included work with The Army Science Board, the Environmental Protection Agency, Raytheon, Boeing, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Research and Analysis Command (TRAC), and NATO. These opportunities allow cadets to travel around the world to place like France, Australia, Nicaragua, Germany, Honduras, Washington, D.C., Monterey, CA, and Maui, HI. Cadets can also apply to the Alpha Pi Mu - Industrial Engineering Honor Society, or the Tau Beta Pi - National Engineering Honor Society. Enrollment affords a membership opportunity with the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Other Honor Societies:

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Systems Engineering, the System Design and Analysis Center or the Operations Research Center.