What Is Security Management?

Want to learn about an important field of work that involves protecting a company's assets? Perhaps you're interested in finding a career in this field.

If so, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll discuss the field of security management. You'll learn about what it is, the careers it can lead to, and a few of the schools offering related degree programs.

What Is Security Management?

Security management is a broad field encompassing various job titles and duties. Security management professionals are tasked with protecting assets within a company, corporation, or other agency.

These assets can include:

• people (employees)
• data
• facilities
• technology

Security management professionals protect these assets from various threats within and without the organization, as well as from cybersecurity issues.

They do this by educating those within the organization about potential threats, creating policies to address those threats, and monitoring, managing, and resolving any issues that come up.

Security management is an essential component of any business. Without proper security measures, a company may experience security breaches, destroyed or stolen data, and loss of trust.

While there are various security management software programs available, security management professionals are also needed to install and monitor those programs and address other threats.

What Is a Security Management Degree Program?

With security management becoming more and more important, there is an increased demand for individuals with specialized training in protecting company assets.

As such, many colleges, universities, and technical and trade schools are beginning to offer training programs in this rapidly expanding field.

Security management degree programs may or may not have security management in their name. Relevant degree programs can include:

• cybersecurity
• emergency management
• criminal justice

That said, some schools offer specific security management and security studies degree programs. Examples of these programs include a Bachelor of Science in security management.

Though bachelor's degrees are common, security management degree programs are available at various levels.

Many students obtain associate degrees, while others pursue master's degrees in security management after graduating with their bachelor's degree.

Still other students pursue a certificate in emergency management, either in conjunction with their bachelor's degree or in place of it.

That said, the vast majority of security management professionals need to have a bachelor's degree, even if it is in an unrelated field. A certificate alone is rarely enough to help you get a job.

What Jobs Can You Get with a Security Management Degree?

Security management professionals hold a variety of job titles and perform many different roles. The characteristic that ties them together is that they work to protect an organization's assets.

Some of the many job titles you can pursue with a security management degree include:

• security manager
• CIA officer
• FBI agent
• corporate security consultant
• intelligence collector
• computer forensics investigator
• risk analyst

Many security management professionals work for government agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Others find employment with private businesses, corporations, and other companies, while some work for non-profit organizations, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Some work in various security roles within the military.

Regardless of the specific job title, most security management professionals spend much of their time working with computers, conducting security analysis, and creating new policies and procedures.

What Schools Offer Security Management Degree Programs?

Are you looking to enter the field of security management? The best place to start is with a bachelor's degree in the field. Keep reading as we discuss three schools offering degree programs in security.

American Military University

American Military University is a branch of the American Public University System. This internet-based school offers all of its degree programs online.

One program offered is a Bachelor of Arts in security management. This well-rounded degree program is a great choice for current and former military members looking for new ways to protect the homeland.

The program will teach students to identify and mitigate security threats through a variety of processes and strategies. Courses are completed in eight- and 16-week blocks.

Southwestern College

Southwestern College is a small, private school located in Winfield, KS. Many of its degree programs are available in a flexible online format that will suit the busy lives of adult students.

Consider enrolling in the school's online Bachelor of Science in security management. This program teaches practices and procedures regarding both private and government security.

The program includes a capstone project and requires 124 total credits to graduate. Courses are taught one at a time in 6-week blocks.

University of Texas, El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso is a public school and branch of the University of Texas System. It offers both online and on-campus degree programs to a student body of over 25,000.

Students can enroll in the fully online Bachelor of Arts in security studies. This degree program provides a strong foundation in security practices relating to the military and various intelligence agencies.

This program prepares you to seek a variety of job titles with various government, military, and private agencies. It includes both capstone and study abroad opportunities.

Pursue a Career in Security Management

Security management is a growing field, and the demand for knowledgeable professionals is continually increasing.

If you plan to pursue a career in security management, check out the schools outlined in this article and the degree programs they provide.