Intelligence & Security Operationsat Mercyhurst University
Graduates earn $52,211/yr in their first year — about 7.0% below the national Intelligence & Security Operations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $672K; scenarios range from $600K to $693K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Mercyhurst University
This specialized program at Mercyhurst positions you for unique roles in intelligence and operational support, a field where analytical rigor is paramount. Many graduates find initial opportunities within local and state law enforcement or regional government agencies, which often offer structured career paths and good benefits, though starting salaries can be more modest compared to high-demand federal contracting or major metropolitan intelligence hubs. Your early career trajectory will heavily depend on your willingness to relocate and aggressively pursue federal roles or private sector defense contractors beyond Erie.
The noted AI risk reflects the changing landscape of information analysis; many data-heavy tasks are increasingly automated. To truly thrive, you'll need to cultivate critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and strategic interpretation skills that AI cannot replicate, becoming a master of *human* intelligence and judgment. Focus on internships, networking, and developing advanced technical proficiencies to differentiate yourself in this evolving field.
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 Mercyhurst 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 Intelligence & Security Operations
How Mercyhurst University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Mercyhurst University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Mercyhurst University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Intelligence & Security Operations offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Intelligence & Security Operations trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Intelligence & Security Operations at Mercyhurst University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Intelligence & Security Operations at Mercyhurst University?
A score of 46/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Intelligence & Security Operations. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Intelligence & Security Operations careers?
With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $599,536 in decade earnings vs $692,631 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.