Security Science and Technology
What Security Science and Technology Graduates Do
Your career in security science could unfold behind a screen or on the streets. As an information security analyst, you’ll spend your days in a security operations center, using monitoring tools to hunt for network threats in real-time and running vulnerability scans. Or, you might start as a police officer, where your 'office' is a patrol car and your daily work involves responding to calls, gathering evidence, and interacting directly with the community.
Career progression often moves from these hands-on roles toward specialization. An officer might become a detective investigating complex financial or cyber crimes; a junior analyst can become a senior incident responder leading a team during a breach. The path from an entry-level salary to a six-figure income for experienced specialists is common, especially in high-demand digital security roles, which are growing rapidly.
AI and advanced software are increasingly part of the job, automating routine monitoring and data sifting. This doesn't replace you; it makes you more effective by freeing you up for uniquely human tasks like investigative strategy, crisis decision-making, and stakeholder communication. Success means mastering these tools to augment your own expertise.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 10 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Security Science and Technology. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Crime Scene Technician
RAPIDS 1113CB |
Competency | Competency | $53K – $67,440 – $89K | 12.8% |
|
Geospatial Specialist
RAPIDS 1062CB |
Competency | Competency | $63K – $78,380 – $100K | 6.4% |
|
Health Information Management Privacy And Security Officer
RAPIDS 2073CB |
Competency | Competency | $100K – $136,550 – $179K | 4.5% |
|
Investigator, Private
RAPIDS 579 |
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs |
Time | $42K – $52,370 – $75K | 6.0% |
|
Master Homeland Security Specialist
RAPIDS 2003 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $59K – $76,290 – $97K | 3.1% |
|
Police Officer (Alternate Title: Military Police)
RAPIDS 437 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $59K – $76,290 – $97K | 3.1% |
|
Protective Service Specialist (Active Duty Military)
RAPIDS 2008 |
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs |
Time | $59K – $76,290 – $97K | 3.1% |
|
Security Specialist (Alternate Title: Physical Security Specialist)
RAPIDS 1137R |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $59K – $76,290 – $97K | 3.1% |
|
Weather Observer-Metero Tech
RAPIDS 1 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $46K – $60,130 – $78K | 3.5% |
|
Working Dog Handler
RAPIDS 2023 |
2500 hrs
~1.2 yrs |
Time | $59K – $76,290 – $97K | 3.1% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Best Schools for Security Science and Technology
8 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rose State College Midwest City, OK |
79 75–81 |
$58,988/yr | 57.6x |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI |
73 69–75 |
$46,673/yr | 45.6x |
| 3 | Utica University Utica, NY |
68 64–70 |
$53,951/yr | 21.2x |
| 4 | Champlain College Burlington, VT |
67 62–69 |
$61,225/yr | 12.4x |
| 5 | Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WI |
65 61–67 |
$35,887/yr | 35.5x |
| 6 | Hamline University Saint Paul, MN |
64 58–65 |
$49,614/yr | 9.3x |
| 7 | College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NV |
60 57–62 |
$29,354/yr | 34.7x |
| 8 | Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL |
51 45–53 |
$27,693/yr | 6.3x |
Highest Earning Security Science and Technology Programs
Schools where Security Science and Technology graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Champlain College | $61,225/yr | 67 |
| Rose State College | $58,988/yr | 79 |
| Utica University | $53,951/yr | 68 |
| Hamline University | $49,614/yr | 64 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $46,673/yr | 73 |
| Fox Valley Technical College | $35,887/yr | 65 |
| College of Southern Nevada | $29,354/yr | 60 |
| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | $27,693/yr | 51 |
Best ROI for Security Science and Technology
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Security Science and Technology.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rose State College | 57.6x | $58,988/yr | 79 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | 45.6x | $46,673/yr | 73 |
| Fox Valley Technical College | 35.5x | $35,887/yr | 65 |
| College of Southern Nevada | 34.7x | $29,354/yr | 60 |
| Utica University | 21.2x | $53,951/yr | 68 |
| Champlain College | 12.4x | $61,225/yr | 67 |
| Hamline University | 9.3x | $49,614/yr | 64 |
| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | 6.3x | $27,693/yr | 51 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Security Science and Technology degree programs stack up on earnings, AI disruption risk, and ROI.