Security Science and Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Security Science and Technology is a multidisciplinary field focused on the systematic study of protective systems, threat mitigation, and risk management across physical, digital, and human environments. This program prepares learners to analyze complex security challenges and develop innovative, evidence-based solutions using scientific principles and advanced technological tools.
- Physical Security Systems: Design and evaluation of barriers, surveillance, access control, and emergency response infrastructure to safeguard facilities and assets.
- Cybersecurity Foundations: Core principles of network defense, data encryption, intrusion detection, and secure system architecture to protect digital environments.
- Risk Assessment and Analysis: Methodologies for identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating threat likelihood, and quantifying potential impacts across diverse operational contexts.
- Emergency Preparedness and Response: Strategies for planning, coordinating, and executing effective responses to crises, including natural disasters, industrial accidents, and intentional attacks.
- Intelligence and Threat Analysis: Techniques for collecting, interpreting, and applying intelligence data to anticipate and neutralize emerging security threats.
- Security Policy and Ethics: Examination of legal frameworks, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations in security operations and decision-making.
- Human Factors in Security: Understanding behavioral patterns, cognitive biases, and organizational dynamics that influence security effectiveness and compliance.
- Emerging Technologies in Security: Exploration of AI-driven analytics, biometric systems, drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices in modern security applications.
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, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary and First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers. 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 237,000 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 |
| 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 $59,100 in Tennessee to $119,660 in California—a 102% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Alaska, and Colorado. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 237,000 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 Capitol Technology University (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol Technology University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Laurel, Maryland | Private | captechu.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 Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $71,470. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $119,660 compared to $59,100 in Tennessee. Approximately 237,000 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 Capitol Technology University (3 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, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary, and First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers. Related occupations employ approximately 237,000 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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