Science Technology Studiesat North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Graduates earn $72,274/yr in their first year — about 34.0% above the national Science Technology Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $643K; scenarios range from $578K to $662K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at NC State
This specialized technician program at NC State benefits immensely from its location within the Research Triangle Park. The density of biotech, pharmaceutical, environmental consulting firms, and government research facilities here creates a unique and robust demand for graduates with specific hands-on scientific and technical skills. Your education will likely emphasize practical application, laboratory techniques, and instrumentation, making you immediately valuable in supporting research and development teams. This regional demand, coupled with the program's specialized nature, explains the strong initial career outcomes.
However, the identified high AI risk for these roles means you'll need to strategically build your career. Focus on developing transferable skills like advanced data interpretation, specialized instrumentation, or project coordination, and actively seek internships that expose you to emerging technologies. Consider how you can specialize or pursue certifications to evolve beyond routine tasks, ensuring long-term career resilience in a changing landscape.
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 NC State'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 Studies
How NC State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at NC State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at NC State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Science Technology Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Science Technology Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Science Technology Studies at NC State
How does North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Science Technology Studies program score?
This program scores 54/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Science Technology Studies graduates.
How vulnerable is Science Technology Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Science Technology Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.