Security Science and Technology, Other.

Degree Overview

Security Science and Technology, Other (CIP 43.0499) is an interdisciplinary STEM and public safety field focused on designing, evaluating, and operating technological systems that protect people, infrastructure, data, and critical operations. This classification covers specialized or emerging programs that do not fit neatly into traditional cybersecurity, engineering, or criminal justice categories. Instead, it brings together science, technology, risk analysis, and systems thinking to address modern security challenges across physical, digital, and hybrid environments.

For a degree search site, Security Science and Technology represents the technical backbone of modern security. As threats grow more complex—combining cyber intrusions, physical vulnerabilities, supply-chain risks, and insider threats—organizations need professionals who understand both the technology and the systems it protects. This degree appeals to students who want a hands-on, technology-driven career focused on prevention, detection, and resilience rather than reactive enforcement alone.

What Is a Security Science and Technology Degree?

A Security Science and Technology degree is an applied, interdisciplinary program that studies how scientific principles and technological tools are used to prevent, detect, and mitigate security risks. Programs under the “Other” designation often emphasize customized or emerging concentrations such as:

• Physical and electronic security systems
• Surveillance, sensors, and detection technologies
• Systems security engineering and risk assessment
• Cyber–physical security and infrastructure protection
• Security analytics, modeling, and simulation
• Technology-driven emergency preparedness

Rather than focusing solely on law enforcement or policy, this degree emphasizes:

• Technical design and evaluation of security systems
• Scientific methods for threat detection and mitigation
• Integration of hardware, software, and human factors
• Data-informed decision-making and risk management
• Ethical and legal considerations in security technology

Universities and applied institutions offer this degree to:

• Prepare students for technology-centered security roles
• Address workforce demand for technical security specialists
• Support interdisciplinary approaches to modern threats
• Create pathways into advanced technical or analytical careers

This degree often blends engineering concepts, computer science, and applied security studies.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how security technologies are designed, deployed, and evaluated in real-world settings. You’ll study how threats exploit technical weaknesses and how layered defenses can reduce risk. Coursework emphasizes prevention and system resilience—anticipating failure points before incidents occur.

Rather than responding after harm is done, graduates are trained to build systems that make harm harder to achieve.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Security systems analysis—evaluating vulnerabilities and protections
• Technology integration—combining hardware, software, and processes
• Risk assessment and modeling—prioritizing threats and impacts
• Detection and monitoring technologies—sensors, surveillance, and alerts
• Data analysis for security—interpreting signals and anomalies
• Incident prevention and mitigation—designing layered defenses
• Technical documentation and reporting—clear security records
• Ethical and legal awareness—responsible technology use

These skills are valuable across government, industry, and critical infrastructure sectors.

Topics You May Explore

Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by institution but commonly includes:

• Security Science Foundations: principles of protection and deterrence
• Physical and Electronic Security Systems: access control, alarms, CCTV
• Cyber–Physical Systems Security: protecting integrated systems
• Sensors, Surveillance, and Detection: monitoring technologies
• Risk Management and Threat Modeling: probability and impact analysis
• Infrastructure and Systems Protection: resilience planning
• Security Analytics and Data Methods: pattern and anomaly detection
• Legal, Policy, and Ethical Issues: governance and compliance
• Capstone or Applied Project: real-world system design

Programs often emphasize labs, simulations, and applied projects.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Security Science and Technology degree prepares students for technical and analytical roles focused on prevention and protection. Career outcomes depend on specialization, certifications, and experience.

Common career paths include:

• Security Systems Analyst: evaluating and improving protections
• Physical or Technical Security Specialist: system implementation
• Risk or Threat Analyst: modeling and assessment roles
• Infrastructure Protection Analyst: critical systems security
• Surveillance or Detection Systems Technician: monitoring technologies
• Corporate or Industrial Security Engineer: facility and asset protection
• Security Technology Consultant: advisory and integration roles
• Graduate School Path: security engineering, systems engineering, or cybersecurity

Some roles require certifications, background checks, or security clearances.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in sectors where technology-driven security is essential:

• Government and public safety agencies
• Critical infrastructure and utilities
• Transportation, aviation, and port authorities
• Technology and defense contractors
• Corporate and industrial facilities
• Healthcare systems and large campuses
• Security engineering and consulting firms

Security science professionals often collaborate with engineers, analysts, and emergency planners.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary by technical specialization, sector, and experience.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level security technology roles: often $50,000–$65,000
• Analysts or systems specialists: commonly $70,000–$95,000
• Senior technical or engineering roles: can reach $100,000–$130,000+

Technical expertise and certifications significantly increase earning potential.

Is This Degree Hard?

Security Science and Technology, Other is considered technically and analytically demanding. Students must be comfortable with technology, systems thinking, and abstract problem-solving. Success requires attention to detail, ethical responsibility, and the ability to anticipate how systems fail.

The challenge lies in designing protections for evolving and unpredictable threats.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Enjoy technology, systems, and applied science
• Are interested in security beyond law enforcement
• Like analyzing risks and designing solutions
• Want a prevention-focused, high-responsibility career
• Prefer interdisciplinary, technical problem-solving

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for a security science and technology program:

• Take math, physics, computer science, and engineering-related courses
• Build strong analytical and logical reasoning skills
• Learn about technology, infrastructure, and basic security concepts
• Practice problem-solving and systems thinking
• Participate in STEM clubs, robotics, or technology projects

Security Science and Technology, Other (CIP 43.0499) is a forward-looking degree for students who want to protect the modern world through design, analysis, and innovation. By combining science, technology, and security principles, it prepares graduates to build resilient systems that prevent harm before it occurs—making it a powerful and future-ready pathway in an increasingly complex risk landscape.