Key takeaways
- A security management degree is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in security and protection services.
- A bachelor’s degree in the field can prepare you for career opportunities such as Criminal Investigations Special Agent, Security Consultant, Security Manager, and more.
- Through the program, you will develop a wide range of professional competencies such as risk assessment, information security analysis, emergency planning, disaster management, and more.
- Concentration tracks available in a security management bachelor’s degree program include cybersecurity, information security, climate security, emergency and disaster management, and others listed below.
- 36% of employed professionals in the field have at least a bachelor’s degree, and an additional 23% have an advanced degree.
- Colleges offering the program on-campus include the American Public University System, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Grand Canyon University, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and more.
- Maryville University, Grand Canyon University, American Military University, and others also offer an online security management degree.
The world we live in today is filled with dynamic security challenges, and a security management degree prepares you to deal with them all. Through the program, you will learn all about protecting the physical self and managing risks, protecting information, personal identity, and more. Here, you will develop a versatile skill set, preparing you for several career opportunities in security and risk management.
In this degree guide, we discuss in detail the program, career opportunities, and earning potential and list colleges offering a security management bachelor’s online and on-campus.
What is security management?
Security management is essentially the protection of assets. However, since we operate in a digitally-driven world, the term assets is broad, including everything from physical assets such as people and property to virtual assets, including intellectual property, information, and so on. Thus, being able to identify assets is a part of security management.
Additionally, the field includes the development of procedures and policies to protect named assets. However, the most important aspect of this field is the implementation of the outlined security protocols. Protecting different types of assets requires different types of security measures thus, security management is a vast field. Some types of security management are:
- Information Security Management
- Physical Security Management
- Personnel Security Management
- Identity and Access Management
- Compliance and Risk Management
- Supply Chain Security Management
- Event Security Management
- Cybersecurity Management
- Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Management
Those interested in a career in the field should consider a formal education in security management. Job opportunities in the field include Emergency Management Director, CIA Officer, FBI Agent, Computer Forensics Investigator, and more. However, a college education is a prerequisite for the majority of senior or managerial-level positions.
What does a security management degree entail?
A security management degree is a versatile program encompassing everything from homeland security defense, emergency management, risk assessment, emergency planning, project management, and more. Through the program, you will learn to assess threats and security risks within an organization and acquire the skills and competencies needed to manage security operations. You can pursue a degree in security management at varying levels, from an associate to even a PhD.
Associate’s degree in security management
An associate degree is a two-year undergraduate program offered by community colleges and some 4-year colleges and universities. Through the program, you will develop foundational skills in the field, preparing you for assistant-level positions. However, the scope of learning in an associate program and the career opportunities they present are limited.
Bachelor in security management
A bachelor’s degree in security management is a four-year undergraduate program. It offers a comprehensive learning curriculum, enabling students to develop a wide range of competencies and skills. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree benefit from a wider range of career opportunities and enjoy higher pay and greater job stability than associate degree graduates, as per a report by BLS.
Masters in security management
Those aspiring to move up to the corporate ladder and take on leadership roles in an organization should consider pursuing an advanced degree in security management, such as a master’s. A master’s degree typically spans 1 to 3 years and features a niche-focused curriculum. Through the program, you will develop the skills needed to take on managerial-level positions and lead security management efforts, develop policies, oversee implementation, and more.
PhD in security management
A doctoral degree features a research-intensive curriculum. Here, you will learn the latest research methodologies, best practices, and more. The goal of the program is to make you an expert in the field, enabling graduates to efficiently communicate security issues and partake in and navigate the policy-making process. A PhD is also ideal for those who want to go into academia or secure a professorship teaching security management at the college level.
Bachelor’s degree in security management – Program details
A bachelor’s degree is a four-year program featuring an extensive curriculum in security management. According to Education Pays, a report by BLS, a bachelor’s degree is the ideal entry-level qualification for aspiring professionals, providing a better scope of learning, higher pay and job security, and lower unemployment rates than an associate’s.
At the bachelor level, you will come across either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Security Management. Different colleges offer the program under slight name variations, such as a bachelor of security and risk management, strategic security and protection management, or safety, security, and risk management. However, the major-specific curriculum is essentially, and there are only slight variations in the general education or university core requirements.
Typical program curriculum
General education courses in a bachelor of arts program feature courses in the liberal arts and humanities along with some major relevant courses. Whereas in a bachelor of science program, the general education courses include natural science and mathematics courses alongside some major relevant courses. However, both programs offer nearly identical learning outcomes as the core curriculum essentially covers the same topics and focuses on building similar competencies.
General education courses
The general education section features courses in Arts and humanities, social sciences, history, mathematics, political sciences, communication, and natural sciences.
- Information Literacy
- Composition
- Speech
- Intercultural Communication
- Introduction to Geography
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- International Relations
- Social Media and Society
- Practical Food Safety and Awareness
Major-specific courses
Courses under the major-specific section vary by college. However, the variations are often only in name, and the topics covered in this section are essentially the same. Here is a list of major-specific courses you may come across in a security management degree.
- Introduction to Security Operations and Management
- Corporate Risk Management
- Physical Security Systems
- Project Management
- Emergency Planning
- Contemporary Issues in Security Management
- Principles and Theory of Security Issues
- Global Terrorism
- Security Administration
- Physical Security
- Research Design and Methods
- Legal and Ethical Aspects of Security
- Evaluation of Security Programs
Additionally, students will need to complete the required credit hours by taking courses from the general electives and concentration tracks.
Concentration tracks in a security management degree
Security management is a vast field. Thus, many colleges offer students the ability to pursue a particular concentration track as per their career aspirations. However, not all colleges and universities offer specializations within a security management degree. Here, students can focus on choosing electives in line with their career goals.
Government Security
Through this specialization, you will develop an in-depth understanding of what drives the United States government’s security mechanism. Here, you will learn about the US Constitution, the National Industrial Security Operating Manual, executive orders, and other legalities, rules, regulations, and protocols relating to security. Moreover, since government correspondences involve confidential information, you will also learn information assurance techniques and strategies.
Here are some courses you can expect to take in this specialization:
- Foundations of US Government Security
- Protecting US Government Facilities
- US Government Personnel Security
- Industrial Espionage
Information Security
Here, you will learn how to defend against threats and attacks conducted using information technology. Through the program, you will learn to analyze an organization’s information security protocols, identify its information security requirements, and devise protocols, techniques, and guidelines to combat threats. Here are some courses you can expect to take in this specialization:
- Law Enforcement Intelligence Application
- Computer and Network Security
- IT Security: Auditing
- Law, Privacy, and Digital Data
Loss Prevention Management
Through this specialization, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of risk management strategies and techniques in an organizational context. The program covers various aspects of risk management and loss prevention, the impact of safety regulations and protocols in risk mitigation, supply chain risk management, and more. Here are some courses you can expect to take in this concentration track.
- Human Resource Management
- Retail Operations
- Risk Management
- Supply Chain Management
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is an in-demand field, as the number of cyber threats has risen dramatically over the past few years. Here, you will learn how to protect computer networks, data, and physical and meta-infrastructure from criminals operating digitally. Courses in this specialization can include:
- Information Assurance
- Information Systems Management
- Risk Assessment
- Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities
Business Continuity
Business continuity is essentially a business’s resilience, simply defined as the ability to recover quickly and with minimal losses from a disruption. Disruptions can come in many forms, including natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, as well as man-made disasters such as power outages, cyber threats, and so on. Here, you can expect to come across courses such as:
- Project Management
Crisis Management - Business Continuity Audit
- Business Continuity and Risk Assessment
Climate Security
What was once a topic for discussion is now a very real phenomenon causing massive floods, hurricanes, heat waves, and more. Through this specialization, you will learn how to protect organizations, people, and assets from environmental challenges. Additionally, you will learn how to lead environmentally sustainable economic efforts to focus on preserving the environment, in turn reducing environmental threats to business efforts.
Some courses you can expect to take in this specialization are:
- Environmental Security
- Models and Scenarios for Disaster Risk Reduction
- Climate Catastrophes: A Case Study Approach
- Food Security
Disaster Management
Through this specialization, you will learn how to prepare for and respond to disasters. The term disasters here refers to any natural, man-made, economic, material, or environmental impact that hinders the ability of a community or people to survive or cope. Through this specialization, you will learn essential skills such as emergency preparedness, project management, and more. Courses you can expect to take in this specialization include:
- Community Planning in Emergency Management
- International Disaster Management
- Project Management
- Strategic Collaboration
Admission requirements
The admission requirements for a bachelor of security and risk management vary by college. However, the general admission requirements are the same even though the specific requirements can be quite different. Moreover, the criteria for first-time college students are different from those of second-time collegegoers. Those applying after high school graduation will have to submit the following:
- High school diploma / GED equivalent
- High school transcripts – additional specific requirements may apply (for example, 3 years of math, 3 years of English, minimum GPA, and so on)
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) – additional specific minimum score requirements may apply
- Recommendation letters – typically 2 to 3
- College essay
- Language testing scores – for international students
- Completed college application form
- College application fees
Associate degree graduates
The admission requirements for associate degree graduates are different from those for high school graduates. Associate degree graduates will have to submit the following:
- Associate degree
- Official transcripts of the associate degree – at least 60 transferable credits
- Recommendation letters
- College essay
- Language testing scores – international students
- Completed college application form
- Application fees
Additional requirements
Some colleges may also require students to clear a background check to determine if they have any past violations, credit reports, and more. Make sure to carefully read through the admission requirements so you are aware of all the documents you need to submit.
Graduation requirements
A bachelor’s degree in security management typically features 120 to 135 credit hours. To earn your bachelor’s degree, you need to complete the required credit as distributed between general education, major-specific, electives, and concentration-specific courses. Keep in mind that colleges have a minimum GPA or grade requirement for each course. Typically, you need to earn a C or a GPA of 2.5 to graduate from the program.
Additionally, you will have to complete an internship and a capstone project to fulfill the graduation requirements. Make sure to double-check that you have submitted and earned a good grade on all your assignments, as such issues can cause issues during graduation.
Colleges offering a degree in security management
Finding a good college to pursue a college education is a time-consuming and challenging task. To make college planning for aspiring security management professionals easier, here is a list of colleges offering the program on-campus.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| American Public University System | 100% | 27% | $350/credit – Military and Veteran Discounts available |
| John Jay College of Criminal Justice | 51% | 64% | $7,470 in-state
$15,420 out-of-state |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | 70% | 37% | $5,595 in-state
$14,595 out-of-state |
| Eastern Kentucky University | 64% | 44% | $10,020 in-state
$20,930 out-of-state |
| Grand Canyon University | 78% | 47% | $17,450 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | 65% | 62% | $11,665 |
| University of Arizona | 87% | 64% | $13,626 in-state
$41,095 out-of-state |
Colleges offering a security management degree online
Here is a list of online schools offering a security management degree. Online programs are ideal for students looking for a more flexible learning curriculum.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Southwestern College | 70.2% | 21.3% | $1,344 in-state
$9,492 out-of-state |
| American Military University | N/A | 53% | $350/credit hour |
| National American University | 100% | 4% | $16,065 |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 45% | 86% | $11,505 in-state
$40,306 out-of-state |
| Grand Canyon University | 78% | 47% | $17,450 |
Is an online security management degree worth it?
Online programs are taking the educational world by storm as an increasing number of students turn to the virtual learning method for a number of reasons. However, just because everyone is doing it doesn’t mean that you, too, should blindly follow in their footsteps. Here, we list the pros and cons of the program to give you an idea of whether it is the right choice for you or not.
Advantages of an online degree
Firstly, online programs remove geographical barriers, which is its major benefit or advantage. Students from anywhere in the world can now access high-quality education without having to worry about obtaining a visa, arranging accommodation, traveling and living costs, and so on. This also brings us to our second point.
The cost of attending an online program is significantly lower than that of attending an on-campus program. Students don’t have to account for accommodation, utilities, travel, and so on, which leads us to our third point.
Not having to travel to class saves a significant amount of time that can be spent pursuing formal employment. It also adds convenience to the learning curriculum and offers flexibility, unlike any other educational program.
Lastly, but most importantly, students enjoy a greater sense of freedom and achievement as they take charge of their learning curriculum and schedule. If you enroll in an asynchronous program, you can take classes at any time of the day or week and take as many classes as you like.
Disadvantages of an online degree
A virtual learning program may not be ideal for everyone as it can be isolating. The lack of social interaction and real-time feedback can prove challenging for some students. Moreover, to succeed in a distance education program, you need to be disciplined and excellent time managers. If these are not skills you are known for, consider an on-campus program instead.
Moreover, online students cannot rely on technical support from campus staff or on-campus resources. They will have to be ready to tackle any challenges that may come their way. This also means that they will have to put in extra effort to build industry connections and networks.
What jobs can you get with a security management degree?
After graduation, you can explore a wealth of job opportunities in the field. The exact opportunities available to you will depend on the concentration track you pursue and the skills you develop. Here are some potential opportunities that may be available to you.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| Information Security Analyst | $120,360 |
| Security Manager | $79,399 |
| Security Consultant | $104,724 |
| Loss Control Consultant | $88,254 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $102,396 |
| Immigration and Customs Inspector | $92,000 |
| Police Officer | $71,164 |
| Transportation Security Screener | $57,472 |
| Criminal Investigations and Special Agents | $68,354 |
| Emergency Management Specialist | $72,622 |
Security management industry overview and hiring trends
In 2023, the total market size for the US Security Services industry was USD 47.8 billion. The security services industry is a huge one encompassing everything from the provision of security services such as guards and patrol services to the provisioning of security equipment such as alarms, cameras, cybersecurity, and more. Additionally, it also includes consultancy and risk assessment services.
In the past decade, the industry has grown by over USD 7.5 billion as the United State’s residents have consistently prioritized safety and security in the past years. Out of all the US security companies, ThreatLocker is the fastest-growing company, as per a report by Statista.
Hiring trends in the security management industry
According to a report by the United Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently 1,398,110 employed individuals in security and protection services. The median wage for this occupational category was $60,000 in 2022, which is slightly lower than the national average median wage of all occupations at $66,000. In 2024, the average annual salary of an employed individual in the US was $57,216 in 2024, and the average salary for nearly all roles in the security services industry are significantly higher than that.
The report also highlights that 36% of jobs in the services and protection industry require at least a bachelor’s degree and an additional 23% require at least an advanced degree, such as a master’s. Moreover, to pursue a career in the field, students must have chosen a concentration track as that greatly enhances their eligibility. The majority of students pursuing a degree in security management chose to sway toward employment opportunities in Criminal Justice and Fire Protection services.
Is security management a good degree?
A security management degree features an extensive curriculum and equips students with a broad range of skills and competencies. Through the program, you will be able to build niche-specific or general security management skills and become eligible for a wide range of job opportunities. The majority of these job opportunities mentioned above feature pay higher than that of the national average of USD $57,214.
Given that there are abundant job opportunities for security management graduates, and the pay is great, a security management degree is a good program to pursue. Whether you want to go into security management homeland security or you dream of becoming a CIA or FBI Agent, this is the degree you need to pursue.
What degree do you need to be a security manager?
There are several security manager jobs in the United States. To become eligible for one, you must at least have some sort of formal education in the field. The preferred qualification is a bachelor’s degree. However, those with an associate degree and relevant work experience may also qualify for the role of a security manager. The average annual salary of a security manager in the US is $110,000 per year.
However, the salary offered to fresh graduates with a bachelor’s degree or those with an associate degree can be lower than the figures mentioned above. Those with a master’s degree in security management have the highest earning potential in this field.
What is a security management degree?
A security management degree is a college education program that prepares students for careers in the security service industry. Here, you will learn everything from identifying assets to be protected, developing security plans, ensuring implementation, and creating a foolproof safety and security mechanism to analyzing risks, conducting security analysis, and more.
Through the program, you can develop competencies in various fields, including cybersecurity, information security, physical security, and more. If you have ever dreamt of flashing that FBI badge when catching criminals, this is the degree you should enroll in.
Become a security manager today with a bachelor’s degree!
A bachelor’s degree in security management is the ideal entry-level qualification for a career in the field. High school graduates searching for a college program to enroll in should consider a bachelor of risk and security management as it has the highest scope of learning, offers greater job opportunities than an associate degree, and has higher earning potential.
All Bachelor Degrees offer a wealth of resources for aspiring college applicants, including a college search tool and an AI essay generator. The platform also offers free and easy-to-access educational resources and degree guides for aspiring college students so you can make an informed decision. We wish you the best of luck on your college planning journey!