• Security & Management Degrees
• 2-Year Criminal Justice Degrees
• Bachelor's Degrees in Criminal Justice
• Careers in Private Security

Private Security Career Information

Private security is a rapidly growing career area with various opportunities for employment. Private security officers provide protection to individuals and private businesses. Private security guards may protect by patrolling a given area or by using any combination of patrol and electronic surveillance equipment.  Regardless of how they perform their jobs, private security guards are responsible for ensuring the safety of the individuals or businesses assigned to their protection.

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

The educational background and requirements for private security can vary considerably. In most cases, minimum requirements for security guards include being at least 18 years of age, have no convictions of violence or perjury on their record, and have some education or formal training in a related field.  Some higher paying private security jobs may require a more formal education such as a degree in criminal justice with an emphasis in private security. Security degree curriculums include studying topics such as crisis deterrence, protection, weaponry, report writing, use of electronic surveillance devices, and public relations. Increased pay, rank, and supervisor level positions are often more abundant for those with an educational background in private security. Those interested in management level careers in private security or government security will be interested in a Bachelor's of Science in Organizational Security & Management.

Private Security Salary and Job Outlook

Future opportunities for private security officers are estimated to continue to increase. It is anticipated that over the next 5 years the number of private security companies will more than double. Average starting salaries range from $21,000 to $31,000 per year depending on education and experience. With the need for increased security in our country, private security guards are needed to perform an increasing amount of duties previously carried out only by police officers. For those entertaining a career in private security, look to enhance your career choices by considering a security degree from one of the accredited universities below.

Online Criminal Justice and Private Security Degrees

= Staff Recommended

University of Phoenix Online: University of Phoenix B.S. in Organizational Security & Management degree prepares students for careers in the security industry. Students will develop their management skills, take courses in terrorism and homeland security among other private security organization relevant courses. University of Phoenix also offers some of the most current criminal justice programs in the field. Request free information today.

B.S. in Organizational Security & Management
Associates of Arts Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
MS in Administration of Justice and Security

Kaplan University:

AASCJ / Private Security
BSCJ / Private Security

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