Studying Organizational Security and Management: Degrees at a Glance
Organizational security and management degrees teach students security and administrative skills that can be used for careers in government, public and private security or management, military service or law enforcement. Many times, degree programs in these subjects may be titled 'security management'. O*NET Online predicts that security manager job opportunities will increase 3%-9% between 2010 and 2020, and that opportunities for security management specialists will increase 10%-19% during that same period of time.
| Associate | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | People who want a solid foundation to being a security-related career | Students who would like to be eligible for a wider variety of security-related careers |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Retail loss prevention specialist ($31,000)** - Private investigator ($49,000)* | - Security management specialist ($64,000)** - Loss prevention specialist ($67,000)* - Security manager ($100,000)** |
| Time to Completion | 2 years, full-time | 4 years, full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Coursework | - Coursework - Senior seminar |
| Prerequisites | - High school diploma or GED | - High school diploma or GED |
| Online Availability | Rare | Yes |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures), **O*NET Online (2011 figures).
Associate Degrees in Organization Security and Management
Associate degree programs in organization security and management are rare; often, these programs are offered as concentrations in homeland security or emergency management degree programs. However delivered, these programs teach students the basics of public safety and security.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Skills earned in these programs can be used in a wide variety of careers***
- Curriculum of these programs provide a good base for future education or career advancement***
- Graduates of these programs are eligible for careers that may pay above-average salaries*
Cons
- Some jobs may require a bachelor's degree, meaning that you may be under qualified for some position
- You may compete against bachelor's degree holders for some jobs
- The careers these programs lead to may require you to work odd hours
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), **O*NET Online, ***Grossmont College.
Courses and Requirements
Core courses in these programs cover security and business topics, such as information security, security management, personnel security, workplace security and emergency preparedness. Courses you may take could include:
- Criminal law
- Ethics
- Risk assessment
- Investigative techniques
Online Degree Options
Online associate degree programs in this field are rare. When offered, they may be in hybrid format, requiring you to complete some courses in-person. The curriculum of these programs tends to be the same as their on-campus counterparts.
Getting Ahead With This Degree
To get ahead with your degree, consider joining an association related to your intended career field. For example, the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS) offers student memberships, the benefits of which include the ability to participate in networking events and attend educational programs.
Degree Alternatives
If you like the idea of working in security, but would prefer to be more hands-on in your career, you might consider becoming a police officer. To become a police officer, you must attend police academy and complete on-the-job training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for police officers are expected to increase 7% between 2010 and 2020. Also according to the BLS, in May 2011 patrol officers earned an average annual salary of $56,000, nationally, and supervisors $81,000 a year.
Bachelor's Degrees in Organizational Security and Management
Bachelor's degree programs in organizational security and management typically take four years to complete. Some schools may offer degrees in related fields, such as criminal justice, homeland security or emergency management, or concentrations within the security management program in topics like information or government security.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Field of study is versatile and can lead to a career in a variety of fields***
- The advanced knowledge you acquire in one of these programs may prepare you for advanced or higher-level careers that include managing many types security protocols**
- Degree leads to hands-on positions, which may be appealing to you**
Cons
- May not be prepared for some careers after graduation and may need additional training*
- Jobs in which you are prepared for upon graduate are predicted to experience slower-than-average growth*
- Career fields available to program graduates may include dangerous situations*
Sources: *BLS, **O*NET Online, ***Saint Louis University.
Courses and Requirements
Bachelor's degree programs typically require completion of approximately 120 course credit hours. Program curriculum cover the legal and business aspects of security. Courses you may take might include:
- Border security
- Global terrorism
- Effective emergency planning
- Protective services
Online Degree Options
Organizational security and management bachelor's programs are offered online or in hybrid formats. Generally, the curriculum of online programs tends to be the same as their on-campus counterparts.
Getting Ahead With This Degree
To stand out against your competition, in addition to joining a professional organization, you might consider earning certification. The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) offers the Certified Safety Professional, Associate Safety Professional and Safety Trained Supervisor credential, as well as others. Each level has education, training and experience requirements, and requires passing an exam.
