Information Sciencesat James Madison University
Graduates earn $81,761/yr in their first year — about 31.0% above the national Information Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $987K; scenarios range from $747K to $1,031K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at James Madison University
While Harrisonburg isn't a major tech hub itself, JMU's strong regional reputation creates a powerful pipeline into the lucrative Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. markets. You're graduating directly into one of the nation's top regions for cybersecurity, government contracting, and defense technology. Major employers like Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, and numerous federal agencies actively recruit from JMU, seeking skilled graduates for high-security, high-salary roles that often require U.S. citizenship. The program's focus on practical, applied skills means you'll arrive ready to contribute, justifying the premium salaries seen in the data. To maximize this geographic advantage, focus your internship search on the D.C. metro area and begin networking with alumni in the government and defense sectors early in your academic career.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to James Madison University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Information Sciences
How James Madison University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at James Madison University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at James Madison University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Information Sciences offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Information Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Information Sciences at James Madison University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Information Sciences at James Madison University?
This program scores 88/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Information Sciences nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Information Sciences careers?
With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $746,848 in decade earnings vs $1,030,652 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.