Security Science and Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Security Science and Technology is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to applying scientific principles and advanced technological solutions to address complex security challenges across physical, digital, and environmental domains. This program equips students with the analytical and technical expertise needed to design, implement, and evaluate security systems that protect people, infrastructure, and information in dynamic and evolving threat landscapes.
- Physical Security Systems: Study of protective measures including access control, surveillance, intrusion detection, and structural integrity to safeguard facilities and assets.
- Cybersecurity and Information Protection: Exploration of encryption, network defense, threat intelligence, and digital forensics to secure data and critical information systems.
- Emergency Preparedness and Response: Development of protocols and strategies for mitigating risks, managing crises, and ensuring rapid, effective recovery during security incidents.
- Security Risk Assessment and Analysis: Application of quantitative and qualitative methods to identify vulnerabilities, evaluate threats, and prioritize mitigation efforts.
- Biometric and Identity Verification Technologies: Investigation into advanced identification systems such as facial recognition, fingerprint analysis, and behavioral biometrics for secure authentication.
- Environmental and Infrastructure Security: Focus on protecting critical infrastructure—energy grids, transportation networks, and water systems—from both natural and human-induced threats.
- Policy and Ethics in Security Technology: Examination of legal frameworks, regulatory compliance, and ethical implications surrounding surveillance, data collection, and automated decision-making.
Security Science and Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Security Science and Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Security Science and Technology degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives, First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other and Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 257,460 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 33-1012 | $105,980 | $62,370 - $165,050 | 153,130 | $50.95 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other 33-1099 | $74,960 | $40,750 - $102,360 | 20,460 | $36.04 |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1111 | $71,470 | $45,640 - $143,130 | 13,560 | N/A |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers 33-1091 | $58,610 | $37,800 - $93,930 | 70,310 | $28.18 |
Security Science and Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $57,043 in Mississippi to $111,778 in California—a 96% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Alaska, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 257,460 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Security Science and Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Security Science and Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Security Science and Technology is found at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) (31 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 31 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Postbac Cert.
|
31 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Security Science and Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Security Science and Technology degree?
Salaries for Security Science and Technology graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives earn a median of $105,980 annually, while First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other earn around $74,960. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $111,778 compared to $57,043 in Mississippi. Approximately 257,460 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Security Science and Technology programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Security Science and Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) (31 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Security Science and Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives, First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other, and Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 257,460 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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Security Science and Technology
Any instructional program in security science and technology not listed above.