The Department of Systems Science originated from the Department of Systems Engineering established in 1979. Many renowned Chinese systems scientists and key universities strongly supported its creation. Mr. Qian Xuesen attended the founding conference and delivered an important speech. The Department now offers undergraduate programs in Management Science, and Systems Science and Engineering, master's programs in Systems Science and Systems Engineering, a first-level doctoral program in Systems Science, and a postdoctoral research station in Systems Science. 

The Management Science undergraduate program, focusing on the scientific management of socio-economic organizations, is dedicated to producing well-rounded high-level talents with solid theoretical foundations and strong practical skills. Students master core theories and knowledge in Management Science, Economics, Mathematics, and Computer Science. They can use cutting-edge management concepts, methods, and technologies, along with precise mathematical and efficient computer models, to conduct in-depth quantitative analysis, accurate decision-making, and effective implementation for complex issues in operational, organizational, and technical management. With its exceptional educational quality and faculty strength, the program passed the AACSB accreditation in 2018, showing its excellence and international alignment. In 2019, it was selected as a national first-class undergraduate program construction site due to its outstanding performance in teaching, curriculum, faculty, and research. This highlights its leading role in discipline development and talent cultivation.

The Systems Science and Engineering major, blending Engineering and Science, software and hardware, theory and practice, stands out for its interdisciplinary approach. Students, through core courses like system modeling, simulation, Management Information Systems, and an introduction to systems engineering, undergo rigorous training in scientific experimentation and research. This equips them with the ability to apply basic theories and methods from Systems Science, Control Science, Computer Science, and Management Science. They can pursue careers in system modeling, analysis, control, and management across diverse fields such as automation, networking, production systems, finance, and social management. This major cultivates well-rounded, high-level talents with a wide scope of expertise. University of Shanghai for Science and Technology is one of the few universities offering this undergraduate program.

The Systems Science discipline, a key strength of the university, holds significant standing both domestically and internationally. Its prominence is backed by remarkable academic prowess and rich historical heritage. The discipline first rose to prominence in 1995 when it was recognized as a key discipline by the former Ministry of Mechanical Industry. It continued to gain accolades, becoming a municipal key discipline in 2008, a Shanghai Peak Discipline in 2015, and a Shanghai Double First-Class Construction Discipline in 2018. In 2021, it was selected as part of the Shanghai High-Level Local University Innovation Team. It ranked 3rd nationally in the fourth round of Ministry of Education’s discipline assessment and secured a top position in the fifth round. The Systems Science master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral programs are built on this esteemed discipline. They offer students vast development opportunities and high-quality academic resources. Many well-qualified individuals, equipped with solid theoretical foundations and innovation abilities in Systems Science, have been cultivated. These talents have significantly propelled the discipline’s growth and societal advancement.

The Department of Systems Science boasts a strong faculty. It includes 1 State Council discipline evaluation group member, 1 national teaching model teacher, 2 Humboldt Scholars, 2 Shanghai Oriental Scholars, 1 Shanghai Young Oriental Scholar, 1 Shanghai Science and Technology Rising Star, and 1 Youth Sailing Program recipient. There are 37 tenured teachers: 8 professors (including 1 distinguished professor), 22 associate professors, and 7 lecturers. All hold doctoral degrees. The faculty has a rational age, academic, degree, and title structure, forming a high-quality team excelling in both teaching and research.