Security Science and Technology at West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Beckley, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
62
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,255/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (385,400 openings/yr)
ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 41 Security Science and Technology programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

WVU Tech's Security Science and Technology program stands out nationally, reflecting its practical, applied focus. Situated in Beckley, you'll find strong regional demand for these skills across state and federal agencies, critical infrastructure, and healthcare sectors, all requiring robust security expertise. This program likely balances technical proficiency with strategic thinking, preparing you not just to implement security measures but to manage and lead teams, a key differentiator in a competitive field. While the rise of AI presents new challenges for the industry, it also creates demand for professionals who can leverage these tools for defense and understand emerging threats. Your long-term success will hinge on developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with an understanding of policy and management, enabling you to adapt and move into leadership roles even as technology evolves. Prioritize internships to build those critical real-world connections.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Security Science and Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $521K $519K $478K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.2x 16.1x 14.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.4x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 32% 23%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 62 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,256
Out-of-state: $80,480 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$39,828
-23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,121
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,315
25% growth from Year 1

About West Virginia University Institute of Technology

With a 61% acceptance rate, West Virginia University Institute of Technology is moderately selective, a smaller institution with 1,009 students in Beckley, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at West Virginia University Institute of Technology →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Information security analysts $124,910/yr
Computer occupations, all other $108,970/yr
View all 17 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Security Science and Technology at West Virginia University Institute of Technology?
A score of 62/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Security Science and Technology field.
Will AI replace Security Science and Technology careers?
With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $477,568 in decade earnings vs $521,122 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes West Virginia University Institute of Technology's Security Science and Technology program stand out?
Ranked #7 of 41 programs nationally, West Virginia University Institute of Technology lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →