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.
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.
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 Science, Technology and Society
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.
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.