Key takeaways
- Security and risk management degree specializations:
- Cyber risk and cybersecurity
- Corporate risk
- Information security
- Loss prevention
- climate security
- Business continuity
- Disaster management
- Top colleges:
- American Public University System
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Grand Canyon University
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- The University of Texas at Dallas
- St. John’s
- Average costs:
- In-state tuition: $7,882 per academic year
- Out-of-state tuition: $33,891 per academic year
- Estimated ROI:
- In-state 10-year ROI: approximately 2,605%
- Out-of-state 10-year ROI: approximately 529%
- Possible risk management job roles:
- Information Security Analyst
- Loss Control Consultant
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Emergency Management Specialist
- Entry-level GRC analyst
- Information Security Engineer
The world we live in today is filled with dynamic security challenges, and a security and risk management degree prepares you to deal with them all. Through the program, you will learn about protecting the physical self, managing risks, safeguarding information, and personal identity, among other topics.
In this 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.
Summary: Security and risk management degree
| Degree levels |
|
| Bachelor’s degree credit hours | 120 credits, 4-year duration |
| Top colleges for a security and risk management degree |
|
| Specialization options |
|
| Average cost for a bachelor’s degree |
|
| Average annual income for entry-level jobs | $85,280 per year |
| Estimated ROI |
|
What is security and risk management?
Security risks exist at all levels, including individuals, communities, as well as business organizations. With the rapidly advancing world today, different types of risks emerge every day, making it essential for organizations to not only manage risks but also put in place prevention and recovery strategies.
Moreover, risk management is a constantly ongoing and evolving process that needs to be pursued with utmost care and expertise. Many international standards, such as the ISO 31000, lays the foundation for organizations to follow and implement in their risk management processes.
In addition to this, there are various parts and stages of risk management, with the most important ones being risk assessment, followed by mitigation. Many studies and reliable definitions portray security and risk management as a process of identifying risks, measuring risks, and mitigating loss of security.
In today’s landscape, security and risk management is an essential process that have branched out into various forms and kinds, including:
- Strategic risks
- Financial risks
- Operational risks
- Compliance risk
- Data and cyber risk
Academic path — degrees for security and risk management
Since there is an increasing demand for security and risk experts, it is undeniable that more and more colleges are now offering professional education in this field. Therefore, there are different types and levels of security and risk management degrees, including:
Associates degree
This is a basic-level degree that lasts for up to 2 years. It may require between 60 and 75 credit hours, and is often offered by community colleges. However, some state-owned or private institutions with 4-year degrees may also offer a 2-year associate’s degree. While you can use this degree to find internships, co-ops, and entry-level jobs, a bachelor’s degree in security and risk management may be necessary for career advancement.
Bachelor’s degree
There are two types of risk management bachelor’s, including:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
Both types vary in terms of freedom to choose your courses, structure, and format. However, both BA and BS degrees are professional undergraduate-level degrees that have an average duration of up to 4 years, with credit hours ranging between 120 and 130. Furthermore, this level of degree is required for entry-level and mid-level risk management jobs, as suggested by the BLS.
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
Masters degree
A masters or grad degree in security and risk management is all about advanced studies in risk management, threat analysis, and other key components. This degree level can take between 1 and 2 years, and is a professional degree needed for excelling in your career at managerial levels.
Post-graduate degrees
Any kind of degree, whether a PhD or doctoral program, offers the chance to build on prior knowledge and experience in the subject matter. The duration for this level of degree can vary based on several factors such as college requirements, full-time or part-time enrollment, and so on.
Specializations in security and risk management bachelor degrees
In bachelor’s degrees, students are required to choose between concentration tracks. So, some popular specializations and concentration tracks offered in risk and security management degrees are:
Cyberrisk
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
Read more: The most comprehensive guide to an undergraduate cybersecurity degree
Corporate risk
Corporate risk management is also sometimes referred to as CRM. In simple terms, CRM is an ongoing process that strives to protect the company’s operations, ensure it is able to meet its mission and vision, and aims to protect company assets.
Moreover, in this specialization, you can learn to pinpoint threats such as economic shifts, as well as create and implement strategies to mitigate risks, such as diversification. Furthermore, CRM is essential for taking calculated measures and ensuring an organization’s integrity and managing financial stability.
Some courses you may study in this specialization are:
- Risk Measurement & Modeling
- Economics
- Capital allocation
- Measuring Risk Attitudes
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
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
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. Moreover, 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
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
Curriculum and core courses
Before you commit to any college major, understanding the program’s learning objectives and outcomes is important. So, here is a quick look at what you will learn or get exposed to during your bachelor’s degree in security management.
Core courses in a risk and management bachelor’s program
Courses offered can significantly vary by college. However, the variations are often only in name. Therefore, the core concepts and teaching methods are typically the same. So, here is a list of general courses and major-specific courses that you may come across during your 4-year degree.
General education courses:
|
Major-specific courses
|
Labs and practical work
Many universities emphasize hands-on lab experiences for students to ensure an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals. During exposure to practical work and lab simulations, students get to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations. Here are some ways students may work in labs and practical scenarios:
- Virtual lab simulations that have mock security threats
- Labs with industry-standard tools and software that allow insightful learning
- Virtual competitions to enhance competence
- Assignments and projects with tasks such as setting up firewalls, creating mock security plans, and running control tests
- Exposure to tools such as Kali, Linux, and other industry-leading names
- Capstone projects that enable students to test their knowledge on large-scale projects and assessments
Risk frameworks — NIST, ISO, and more
Risk frameworks are internationally agreed-upon and standardized levels at which all organizations aim to operate—security management-wise. Therefore, students enrolled in relevant programs are taught about these frameworks and how they can apply them to their organization. Typically, colleges teach these frameworks by using:
- Online resources
- Research papers
- Short quizzes
- Theoretical Q&A
- Case studies
- Class discussions
- Practical assignments
- Lab simulations
- Internships and co-ops
The most popular and common frameworks taught are NIST and ISO. These are internationally recognized and thoroughly focus on risk assessment, mitigation, recovery, and strategy. These frameworks are essential for any bachelor’s coursework as:
- Students learn a professional language of risk and security
- Students learn to translate high‑level risk strategies into practical controls and policies
- They help build skills and knowledge that employers seek and value
Read more: How Cybersecurity Bachelor Coursework Teach Risk Frameworks (NIST & ISO)
Admission requirements for the security and risk management degree
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
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 credits 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.
Top colleges for a security and risk management degree
Here is a list of top colleges for security and risk management degrees.
|
College |
Program name |
Tuition costs |
| American Public University System | Bachelor of Arts in Security Management | $350 per credit
$250/credit hour with Preferred Military Rate (source) |
| John Jay College of Criminal Justice | BS in Security Management | $7,470 in-state
$15,420 out-of-state (Source) |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Bachelor of Security and Emergency Management | $5,595 in-state
$14,595 out-of-state Per semester (source) |
| Eastern Kentucky University | Bachelor of Business Administration — Risk Management & Insurance | $5,220 flat rate per academic year
(source) |
| Grand Canyon University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management | $7,300 per academic year
(Source) |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Security, Intelligence, and Safety — various programs | $45,888 per academic year
(source) |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Risk Management | $8,232 in-state tuition
$20,982 out-of-state (source) |
| St. John’s | Risk Management and Insurance, Bachelor of Science | $53,980 per semester with 18 credits
(source) |
| Note: All data is as of January 2026. | ||
Colleges by state: Cybersecurity and Risk Programs – Top Colleges by State 2025-2026
Getting a security and risk management degree online
Online programs are taking the educational world by storm as an increasing number of students turn to virtual learning. Same goes for security and risk management degrees, with lots of great colleges offering 100% online programs.
Advantages of an online degree
Firstly, online programs remove geographical barriers, which is why they are so much more accessible. This is especially important if you reside in a state or city with limited college options. Students from anywhere in the world can access high-quality education, thanks to an increasing number of online programs across different fields of study.
In addition to this, 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.
Furthermore, not having to travel to campus saves a significant amount of time as well. Instead, students can utilize this time and energy towards pursuing part-time employment, certifications, or other productive activities. This also provides them the chance to manage a good work-life-study balance.
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. Additionally, the majority of the online programs offer self-paced learning, pre-recorded lectures, and so many other such benefits.
Don’t worry about practical learning in online programs. Explore Top Cybersecurity Bachelor Programs with Virtual Labs and Simulations.
Disadvantages of online degrees
On the flipside, a virtual learning program may not be ideal for everyone. There are some drawbacks that you might wish to consider, such as social isolation due to distanced or virtual learning setups. Moreover, some students prefer getting real-time or in-person feedback from teachers, which may not be possible in virtual classrooms.
In addition to this, most online programs are designed to be self-paced. Therefore, a good amount of motivation and discipline is required to self-lead the 4-year commitment.
Moreover, online students have to arrange the technology required, such as webcams and laptops. They also cannot rely on technical support from campus staff or on-campus resources.
Top colleges for an online risk management degree
If you are a self-driven student, a working parent, or a returning student, then online risk management degrees may be suitable for you. So, to help you get started, here are the top colleges for an online risk management degree:
|
College |
Program name |
Tuition |
| Southwestern College | Security Management | $20,332 per academic year
(source) |
| National American University | Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Security and Protection Management | $380.00 per credit hour
(source) |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Cybersecurity Management & Policy | $330 per credit in-state
$499 per credit out-of-state (source) |
| Western Governor University | Online Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Degree | $8,300 yearly average
(source) |
| Note: All data is as of January 2026. | ||
Career paths with a degree in risk management
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 | $124,910 a year |
| Security Manager | $79,399 a year |
| Security Consultant | $104,724 a year |
| Loss Control Consultant | $88,254 a year |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $102,396 a year |
| Immigration and Customs Inspector | $92,000 a year |
| Police Officer | $71,164 a year |
| Transportation Security Screener | $57,472 a year |
| Criminal Investigations and Special Agents | $68,354 a year |
| Emergency Management Specialist | $72,622 a year |
| Entry-level GRC analyst | $80,350 a year |
| Note: All data is as of January 2026. | |
In addition to this, there are also other types of employment opportunities you might wish to explore during the start of your career. These particularly include internships and co-ops that are most commonly a requirement for completing your degree.
Read more: How to Find Internships and Co-ops in GRC/SOC?
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.
Cybersecurity and risk management roles you can explore
If you opt for a bachelor’s degree in security management with a concentration track or emphasis in cybersecurity, there are some other excellent risk management job roles you can become eligible for.
Based on the following data the average pay for a graduate with a degree in risk and security management with a concentration track of cybersecurity is approximately $113,125 per year.
So, here is a list of popular entry-level to mid-tier job roles you can apply for with a degree in cybersecurity.
| Jobs |
Average Pay |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $103,790 per year |
| Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers | $131,450 per year |
| Information Security Engineer | $75,300 – $127,900 a year |
| Governance, Risk, and Compliance Analyst (GRC) | $100,000 a year |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | $117,000 a year |
| Note: All data is as of January 2026. | |
|
Explore more: Best Security & Risk Bachelor Programs with Cybersecurity Concentrations |
|
ROI with a bachelor’s degree in security management
Based on the different types and varieties of job roles for security management degrees – regardless of concentration tracks – the average pay scale for entry-level jobs in the USA is $85,280 per year. Moreover, the average tuition costs are as follows:
- In-state tuition cost for security and risk management degrees: $7,882 per academic year
- Out-of-state tuition costs for security and risk management degrees: $33,891 per academic year
Please note that these costs are based on assumptions including:
- One academic year includes 2 semesters (spring/fall), with total 30 credits
- Only account for tuition costs, excluding other charges such as books, housing, and food allowance
Now, with the average pay scale at $85,280, and the aforementioned tuition costs, the ROI for a bachelor’s degree in security management is:
- In-state 10-year ROI: approximately 2,605%
- Out-of-state 10-year ROI: approximately 529%
For the above-mentioned ROI, the assumptions are:
- Each degree has a duration of minimum of 4 years, hence total tuition costs are multiplied by 4
- After graduating, you work 10 years with possible career growth and salary increments
- This does not account for any other costs, such as pursuing a masters, travel, and housing
Certifications — ensuring career growth and future prospects
Many professionals tend to expand their skillset and knowledge by option for additional certifications and projects. This is also true for risk and security management degrees. However, the most popular risk and security certifications are now related to cyber risks and security.
These certifications are based on international standards, teaching the students basic frameworks that they can implement in real-world settings. Moreover, having these certifications on your cybersecurity portfolio or resume can enhance your employability.
Here is a quick overview of the two most common certifications you might be interested in:
|
Certification |
Details |
| Security+ |
|
| CRISC |
|
|
Read more: A Guide to Cybersecurity Certifications: Security+ or CRISC |
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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.
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. 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. 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.
How long is a security management degree?
The duration of a security management degree depends largely on the type of degree. Here is a general breakdown:
- Associate’s: 2 years
- Bachelors: 4 years
- Masters: 1 to 2 years
Next move: choosing a college major
Of course, your search for the ideal college majors does not end here. You need thorough research to make an informed decision and ensure apt college planning. With the right tools and expert guidance, you can kickstart a successful and meaningful career for yourself.
Explore our data and trends to see how college majors are shaping the landscape. You can also get expert degree advice or use AI-based college recommendation tools for further convenience.
We also recommend exploring colleges by state to make your college planning easier!
Compare college majors, career prospects, and costs: