Degree Overview: Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree in Private Security
Majors Overview December 11, 2013Those who are interested in providing physical protection for businesses, valuables, homes, and individuals, may want to look into private security management. There are not any Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree programs in private security management particularly; however, coursework may be accessible through a program like an Associate of Science (A.S.) in criminal justice.
A.S. Programs in Criminal Justice
Students enrolled in a two-year associate degree program in criminal justice are provided with an understanding of the U.S. legal system, crime prevention, corrections, criminal law, behavior and investigation. Those interested in pursuing a career in private security management would benefit by earning an associate degree program in criminal justice.
Students enrolled in the program can expect to learn how to track down and apprehend intruders, assist companies with crime prevention strategies and work in a team with other law enforcement officials and security managers. Some schools offer criminal justice degree programs are allowed by some schools that permit students to focus on security, criminal investigation, and loss prevention.
Education Requirements
Community colleges, technical schools and vocational schools are among the institutions that most commonly offer associate degree programs in criminal justice. Admission criteria often require applicants to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. In some schools, students seeking admission may be required to submit to a background check.
Coursework
Coursework in associate degree programs in criminal justice comprise of core courses that could lead to various career options that could range from law enforcement officer to private security officer. Coursework in criminal justice courses that relate more particularly to security management includes topic areas such as:
•Special issues in law
•Physical security planning
•Homeland security
•Criminology
•Elements of investigation
•Corporate security
•Loss prevention planning
Career Choices
Those who successfully complete an associate degree program in criminal justice and are keen on working in the private sector can aspire to work with security management firms, individual businesses and insurance firms, in security management positions. They can choose from common job titles such as:
•Loss prevention specialist
•Investigator
•Security guard
Continuing Education Choices
Private security management professionals seeking continued education may seek to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice, organizational security or security management. They could also look beyond the bachelor’s degree to earn a Master’s degree.