Security Studies

Overview

Security studies programs prepare people to protect others and keep them safe. Students learn to protect property such as homes and businesses.

Security studies programs include topics such as:

• Property protection
• Personal protection

Schools

Several community colleges offer associate degree programs in security studies. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

A few colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in security studies. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years of full-time study to complete.

A few universities offer graduate degrees in security studies. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• Cyber-computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
• Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation
• Homeland Security
• Law Enforcement and Police Science

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

• Parking Enforcement Officers
• Security Guards
• Transportation Security Screeners

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

• Corrections Officers
• Detectives and Investigators
• Police Patrol Officers
• Private Detectives and Investigators

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• American Police System
• Business Function of Security
• Criminal Evidence
• Evaluation of Security Programs
• Information Security
• Integrated Security Systems
• Law for Security Personnel
• Methods of Security
• Organized Crime
• Principles and Theory of Security Management
• Risk Analysis and Loss Prevention
• Security Concepts
• White-Collar Crime

Things to Know

Many people continue their studies to get a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

Often, retired law enforcement and military officers transfer their skills and experience to working in private security. Many programs are tailored to these people.

Many security studies programs are offered part time, with day and evening classes.

Schools

King-Snohomish Area

Highline College

• Private Security Academy Certificate

West Side Area

Skagit Valley College

• Criminal Justice--Criminal Justice Emphasis
• Criminal Justice--Private & Commercial Security