Security Degree
Security management has a broad scope and covers many security related aspects. Security degree programs enable students to study diverse topics, ranging from access control to terrorism. Although, there are many areas of security, major areas that are a part of a security degree program include executive protection and recovery, trade secret protection, background investigations, cyber-security, IT security, and surveillance.
Degree Overview
A degree in security helps prepare students for security and managerial positions available in both public and private sectors. These degrees focus on five general categories. These categories include principles of homeland security, personnel management, organizational interaction, infrastructure security and threat assessment, and communication skills.
With a degree in security, students are expected to analyze and apply basic security theories to Homeland Security policies and activities. Students also learn to prepare, manage, and critique personnel who are a part of emergency response situations. Also, they develop skills to compare and combine organizational standard operating procedures (SOP). Students are expected to analyze and make risk analyses and threat assessment reports. They are also trained to appraise and produce emergency response plans.
Degree Programs
There are different security degrees available to meet the goals of students. The following are some of the major degrees offered by schools with security programs:
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Bachelor of Arts in Security Management
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Master of Arts in Security Management
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Undergraduate Certificate in Security Management
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Graduate Certificate in Security Management
Courses Offered
Security courses may vary from one institute to another. However, there are some major courses offered by most of the security programs. These courses include Theory and Practice of Security, Professional Responsibility and Ethics in Security, The American Criminal and Civil Legal Systems, Infrastructure Security and National Defense, Security Administration and Management, Risk Analysis and Organizational Security, Physical and Technological Components of Security Management, Homeland Security and Terrorism, and Principles and Practices of Effective Emergency Planning.
Online Education
Students may choose to earn a security degree online. Online education may be a suitable option for individuals looking for convenience and flexibility in their education. Students are able to make their own study schedule and complete courses at their own pace. With online programs, working professionals may also acquire a security degree and update their knowledge and skills. Online programs may be more cost effective because they help to eliminate commuting costs, dorm room costs, and the need to buy textbooks. It is important for individuals to enroll in an accredited online program because these are looked upon more favorably by employers.
Security Careers
A college degree in security does not train students for one specific job. A wide variety of job options are available to them. Students develop skills and abilities that could be applied to many different occupations. With a degree, career options at entry level may include Loss Prevention Manager, Safety Specialist/Consultant, Asset Protection Manager, Security Operations Coordinator, Physical Security Specialist, Security Consultant, Security Trainer/Instructor, Security Program Evaluator, Surveillance Officer, Security Management Trainee, Public Safety Specialist, Government and Homeland Security, Special Services Investigator, Fraud Examiner/Investigator , Security Equipment/Systems Vendor, Emergency Planning Specialist, and Immigration/Customs Officer.