Security Science and Technology
Students study the technological and scientific methods used to protect people, information, and physical assets, including cybersecurity, surveillance systems, and risk assessment. Graduates typically pursue careers in cybersecurity, corporate security management, security technology companies, and government agencies focused on protecting critical infrastructure. The growing threat landscape in both cyber and physical security drives strong demand and competitive compensation.
What Security Science and Technology graduates do
You could find yourself leading a corporate security team, setting risk-mitigation strategies and managing budgets. Or, you might be on the digital front lines as an information security analyst, actively hunting for network vulnerabilities and responding to cyberattacks in real-time. Many graduates also apply their analytical skills to financial security, working as auditors to trace illicit transactions and prevent large-scale fraud.
Typically, you’ll begin in a hands-on analyst or auditor role before advancing to lead teams and oversee strategy. The demand for information security analysts is growing exceptionally fast, creating a clear path for advancement. In contrast, traditional law enforcement roles like detective are experiencing much slower growth.
AI's impact is significant across these fields. In high-growth cyber roles, AI is fundamentally reshaping the work. It will handle routine threat detection, so your value shifts to architecting AI-powered defenses and making critical judgment calls during a breach. For most other paths, expect AI to automate chunks of routine data analysis, meaning your day-to-day will focus more on strategy and complex problem-solving. Adaptability is essential.
Related majors worth comparing: Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, and Geography & Cartography.
Where Security Science and Technology graduates work
Common career paths for Security Science and Technology graduates, with median salaries, projected growth, and AI exposure per role. Roughly 385,000 combined openings per year across these roles.
| Role | Median Pay | Annual Openings | 10-yr Growth | AI Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Managers, all other
|
$136,550
$100K–$179K
|
106,700 | +4.5% | Moderate · 47% |
|
Information security analysts
|
$124,910
$92K–$160K
|
16,000 | +28.5% | High · 65% |
|
Computer occupations, all other
|
$108,970
$76K–$148K
|
31,300 | +8.2% | High · 57% |
|
First-line supervisors of police and detectives
|
$105,980
$81K–$134K
|
10,900 | +2.9% | Moderate · 33% |
|
Detectives and criminal investigators
|
$93,580
$68K–$120K
|
7,800 | -0.7% | High · 53% |
|
Financial examiners
|
$90,400
$67K–$127K
|
5,700 | +18.5% | High · 50% |
|
Accountants and auditors
|
$81,680
$65K–$106K
|
124,200 | +4.6% | High · 56% |
|
Cartographers and photogrammetrists
|
$78,380
$63K–$100K
|
1,000 | +6.4% | High · 52% |
|
Police and sheriff's patrol officers
|
$76,290
$59K–$97K
|
53,700 | +3.1% | Moderate · 45% |
|
First-line supervisors of protective service workers, all other
|
$74,960
$52K–$91K
|
2,100 | +1.6% | Low · 0% |
|
Criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary
|
$71,470
$56K–$100K
|
1,200 | +2.0% | High · 50% |
|
Forensic science technicians
|
$67,440
$53K–$89K
|
2,900 | +12.8% | Moderate · 39% |
|
Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other
|
$60,130
$46K–$78K
|
10,600 | +3.5% | High · 55% |
|
First-line supervisors of security workers
|
$58,610
$46K–$75K
|
7,000 | +2.7% | Moderate · 40% |
|
Private detectives and investigators
|
$52,370
$42K–$75K
|
3,900 | +6.0% | Moderate · 39% |
Best schools for Security Science and Technology
Schools ranked by DegreeOutlook Score (earnings × AI resilience × ROI × job-market size). Top 10 of 41.
| # | School | DW Score | 1-yr Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 |
Champlain College
Burlington, VT · Private nonprofit
|
63 | $70,586 | 3.9x |
| 6 |
American Public University System
Charles Town, WV · Private for-profit
|
62 | $49,622 | 14.7x |
| 7 |
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Beckley, WV · Public
|
62 | $44,255 | 16.1x |
| 8 |
Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale, NY · Public
|
62 | $38,789 | 17.4x |
| 9 |
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV · Public
|
60 | $44,255 | 13.3x |
| 10 |
Indiana University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN · Public
|
59 | $44,718 | 12.3x |
| 11 |
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK · Public
|
59 | $38,710 | 15.4x |
| 12 |
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
|
58 | $38,792 | 11.2x |
| 13 |
Miami University-Hamilton
Hamilton, OH · Public
|
57 | $43,918 | 14.1x |
| 14 |
Miami University-Middletown
Middletown, OH · Public
|
57 | $43,918 | 14.1x |
| 15 |
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI · Public
|
55 | $38,013 | 14.1x |
| 16 |
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE · Private nonprofit
|
53 | $42,104 | 10.8x |
| 17 |
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ · Private for-profit
|
53 | $37,481 | 8.0x |
| 18 |
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE · Public
|
52 | $29,231 | 13.5x |
| 19 |
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN · Public
|
51 | $39,956 | 9.5x |
| 20 |
Glenville State University
Glenville, WV · Public
|
51 | $38,237 | 11.4x |
Highest Earnings Top 5
| Champlain College
VT |
$70,586 |
| Robert Morris University
PA |
$69,872 |
| Florida State University
FL |
$58,249 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
AZ |
$55,259 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
FL |
$55,259 |
Best ROI Top 5
| Florida State University
FL |
24.7x |
| University of Maryland Global Campus
MD |
22.4x |
| CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
NY |
20.9x |
| Florida Gulf Coast University
FL |
19.2x |
| Farmingdale State College
NY |
17.4x |
Related majors
Similar fields of study often offered alongside Security Science and Technology.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Security Science and Technology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Security Science and Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Security Science and Technology
What's the typical salary after a Security Science and Technology degree?
First-year earnings for Security Science and Technology graduates average $40,284 annually, based on data from 41 programs. The range spans $11,973 at the low end to $70,586 at the top.
How exposed is Security Science and Technology to AI disruption?
Security Science and Technology is rated "High" for AI automation risk, with 48% of job tasks exposed to large language models and AI tools. This means some career tasks in this field could be augmented or replaced by AI over the next decade.
Which school has the best Security Science and Technology program?
University of Maryland Global Campus leads all 41 programs with a DegreeOutlook Score of 70/100. Graduates earn $47,496/yr — the ranking weighs earnings, ROI, AI resilience, and job market size equally.
Is a Security Science and Technology degree worth the investment?
The average 10-year earnings multiple is 9.6x tuition. This is a moderate return — school choice matters significantly. The spread between the best and worst programs is wide, so individual school selection has a major impact.