Security management bachelor's and master's programs are primarily available at 4-year colleges and universities. Many programs focus on physical or cyber security, while master's degree programs typically emphasize leadership issues.
10 Schools with Security Management Programs
The following list includes a number of public and private schools that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in security management.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's, Master's | $7,827 (undergraduate); $10,350 (graduate)* |
| National University | La Jolla, CA | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's, Master's | $13,320 (undergraduate); $15,480 (graduate)* |
| University of Houston-Downtown | Houston, TX | 4-year, Public | Master's | In-state $8,913; Out-of-state $21,273* |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | 4-year, Public | Undergraduate Certificate, Minor | In-state $14,460; Out-of-state $39,766* |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Lowell, MA | 4-year, Public | Undergraduate Certificate | In-state $15,180; Out-of-state $32,827* |
| California State University-Fullerton | Fullerton, CA | 4-year, Public | Certificate | In-state $6,886; Out-of-state $18,766* |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 4-year, Public | Undergraduate Certificate | In-state $6,368; Out-of-state $22,467* |
| University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA | 4-year, Public | Graduate Certificate | In-state $17,653; Out-of-state $49,032* |
| Ashworth College | Norcross, GA | 4-year, Private | Undergraduate Certificate | $1,399 (full program cost, 2018-2019)** |
| Ashford University | San Diego, CA | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's | $12,160* |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES),**School Websites
School Selection Criteria
When selecting a program in security management there are a number of things to consider.
- Individuals interested in security management may choose from a variety of security fields, including computer information security, network security and homeland security, as well as personal and property security.
- Because security management programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels, students need to consider their career goals and the level of training available at their prospective school. Program length may also be a factor.
- Students should find out whether an internship is offered in their program. Getting real-world experience is an important way to network and show employers you have hands-on training in the field.
- Many programs are available through online study, which may be valuable for students who need scheduling flexibility.
Bachelor's Degree in Security Management
Bachelor's degree programs in security management introduce students to core topics, such as physical security, loss prevention, information security, property crimes and cyber-crimes. Some programs may also require an internship and a senior project. Admission requirements usually include a high school diploma or equivalent, personal letters of recommendation and college entrance exam scores. For a security management degree, students may also need to undergo a security background check.
Master's Degree in Security Management
A graduate degree in security management focuses on broader, research-oriented leadership topics, such as security and crisis management and human resource management. A master's degree program usually requires a supervised research project, such as a thesis or in-depth case study. An undergraduate degree in a field related to security management is usually required for admission to a graduate program, along with letters of recommendation, a letter of intent and Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. Some schools may also require applicants to have working experience in the security management field.
Security management can be pursued through on-campus or online studies at a number of institutions that offer undergraduate certificates, bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. It is also possible to complete a graduate certificate at some schools.
