With a security degree you qualify for a career in retail loss prevention or business surveillance. While those with experience in running convoy security for the military or those with a high school level education can obtain private security work, those with a certificate or degree in private security have an edge over others when aspiring for competitive positions. These courses teach students about the latest surveillance tactics and security measures needed to ensure that resources of private companies are well-protected.

Many jobs involve providing security in and around retail outlets and construction outfits. To do well in these jobs you need surveillance skills and the ability to assess the intent of a wide variety of people.

In both certificate and degree programs, students will be taught the difference in their roles from that of local law enforcement employees. Other skills taught include ways of identifying and responding to threats to workers and property. Students are also taught proper emergency response methods when facing a natural disaster or man-made crises.

Additionally, many degree courses teach ways of helping retailers to implement loss prevention programs. The coursework will teach students to identify possible thieves or shoplifters and establish a protocol for interacting with law enforcement officials. Such store detectives, with a degree in private security could be asked to testify in court.

With a degree in security management, you can qualify for management positions as you will know how to manage a security team effectively to protect business assets.

As in the case of other advanced degrees in the field of criminal justice, a security management degree teaches leadership techniques to help manage fellow security professionals. Other skills taught include planning, logistics, and policies to have effective security procedures. Additionally, you will be taught how to interact with law enforcement agencies to achieve maximum response.

Apart from coursework in monitoring and surveillance, students working for a degree in security management are likely to learn ways of establishing continuity plans in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. These include methods to protect key data and equipment. These professionals could be involved in creating protocols for the evacuation of people and liaising with law enforcement agencies during crises to protect employees of clients.

Additionally, students will be taught about asset protection in the event of natural issues, fire, or terrorist attack. They will learn to work with top company officials to establish priorities when disaster strikes. This can include helping companies maintain regulations and policies in line with state or local regulations.

Professionals in security and protective services ensure safety by working in organizations such as law enforcement and fire departments. Some are employed by private individuals or companies to protect life, data, and property. Yet other security experts work on computer security. While a physical security personnel needs some training in law enforcement, a computer security professional needs training in encryption and data security.

There are many certificate, associate’s and bachelor’s degree courses catering to those interested in working as physical security providers.

A degree in physical security and protective services will teach subjects such as security threat and risk assessment, analysis and evaluation of security systems, physical security applications, loss prevention, and ethics of security and the law. Degrees in homeland security, for instance the BS in Homeland Security and Public Safety, teach issues such as emergency training, national security, counter-terrorism, and local security. Besides, students are taught subjects such as domestic and international terrorism, constitutional law, and hazardous materials handling. Degrees in security management teach one to assess as well as plan and implement strategies for companies providing security services. Students enrolled in these courses also learn about potential threats, designing prevention measures, and physical security.

Career options vary depending on your choice of security degree. Those with a homeland security degree can become first responders in a fire service, police force, or medical emergency services. Graduates from this program are considered experts in protection and crime prevention. Experts in homeland security also work in border and transportation security.