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Multi / Interdisciplinary · Science, Technology and Society Rank #2 of 11

Science, Technology and Societyat James Madison University

Graduates earn $54,235/yr in their first year — about 10.0% above the national Science, Technology and Society average. Base-case 10-year earnings $696K; scenarios range from $645K to $706K depending on AI disruption.

Harrisonburg, VA Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
59 SOLID
59
Optimistic
59
Pessimistic
Earnings
$54,235
1-year post-graduation
ROI
13.9x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$696K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
36% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at James Madison University

Your choice to pursue Science, Technology and Society at JMU positions you in a unique, interdisciplinary niche. The program’s value stems from teaching you not just *what* science and technology are, but *how* they shape and are shaped by society, policy, and ethics. This critical perspective is increasingly vital, particularly in a state like Virginia with its blend of government, defense, and emerging tech sectors, offering varied opportunities from policy analysis to project management.

You'll develop strong analytical and communication skills, making you adaptable for roles where understanding the human element of innovation is paramount. This can range from managing research initiatives to advising on tech policy. To maximize your return, actively seek internships that apply your interdisciplinary lens to specific industries, whether in government agencies, tech companies, or non-profits. This hands-on experience will concretize your broad understanding into a compelling career narrative.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$645K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score59/100
Earnings Multiple11.9x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$696K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score59/100
Earnings Multiple12.8x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$706K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score59/100
Earnings Multiple13.0x
Earnings Trajectory

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.

Career Paths

Where Science, Technology and Society graduates typically work

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.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Postsecondary teachers, all other
+1.8% 10-yr growth · 13,500 openings/yr
$78,490/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Science, Technology and Society

How James Madison University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Troy University
AL · Public
58
DW Score
$86K
1-yr earn
20.9x
ROI
Top score
Texas Tech University
TX · Public
65
DW Score
$69K
1-yr earn
17.8x
ROI
Eastern Michigan University
MI · Public
57
DW Score
$54K
1-yr earn
12.1x
ROI
Georgetown University
DC · Private nonprofit
51
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
3.4x
ROI
Stanford University
CA · Private nonprofit
44
DW Score
$45K
1-yr earn
2.7x
ROI
Also at James Madison University

Other top programs at James Madison University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at James Madison University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

FAQ

Frequently asked about Science, Technology and Society at James Madison University

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Science, Technology and Society at James Madison University?

A score of 59/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Science, Technology and Society field.

What makes James Madison University's Science, Technology and Society program stand out?

Ranked #2 of 11 programs nationally, James Madison University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.