Master's Degrees in Loss Prevention

<p>Many safety, security and emergency management master's degree programs will teach you about loss prevention. Criminal justice master's degree programs often discuss loss prevention, too. A typical curriculum includes at least one course in loss prevention, and graduates of a master's degree in security or criminal justice often go on to work as loss prevention managers in the retail industry. You can also earn a bachelor's degree in loss prevention management, which will also qualify you for many jobs in the field. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Fields</b></td><td>Criminal justice, safety, security and emergency management</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Course Topics</b></td><td>Risk analysis, security program development, protection protocol, research</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Program Format</b></td><td>On campus or online</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Degree Options</b></td><td>Bachelor's and master's degrees available in fields relating to criminal justice and loss prevention management</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Annual Salary (May 2020)*</b></td><td> $67,290 (for all <i>Police and Detectives</i>) <br /> $31,050 (for all <i>Security Guards</i>) <br /> $53,320 (for all <i>Private Detectives and Investigators</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2019-2029)*</b></td><td> 5% (for all <i>Police and Detectives</i>) <br /> 3% (for all <i>Security Guards</i>) <br /> 8% (for all <i>Private Detectives and Investigators</i>)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInAMasterSDegreeProgram">What Will I Learn in a Master's Degree Program?</h3> <p>Criminal justice master's degree programs deal extensively with the legal system and law enforcement. You'll learn how to work in an administrative role and be a leader within a police department or other law enforcement organization. Research is usually a big part of a master's degree program in criminal justice, and many programs will require you to complete a thesis. Some loss prevention agents and managers have earned degrees in criminal justice. </p> <p>Master's degree programs in safety, security and emergency management sometimes include courses in loss prevention, though the focus of most courses is to prepare you to work in homeland security or a related field. You'll take courses in business asset protection, risk analysis and security program development. A security systems course will teach you about creating and maintaining safety and protection protocol. You may also be able to choose a concentration in occupational safety, which covers loss prevention procedures. </p> <h3 id="section---CanILearnOnline">Can I Learn Online?</h3> <p>Online options abound for students interested in earning a master's degree in criminal justice or security management. Most online programs use a classroom interface, such as Blackboard, that provides a platform for viewing lectures, presentations and video. You'll also participate in discussion with instructors and classmates through e-mail and message boards. You'll complete readings and assignments on your own time, though school deadlines usually apply. </p> <h3 id="section---ShouldIConsiderABachelorSDegree">Should I Consider a Bachelor's Degree?</h3> <p>Bachelor's degree programs in loss prevention management are often available through a school's criminal justice department. If you choose this degree program, you'll take courses that discuss the practices and principles of protecting assets in a retail environment. You'll learn about retail accounting procedures, investigations and inventory control systems. Other courses discuss the role of management in effectively protecting company assets. You'll also take courses in criminal justice and the legal issues surrounding loss prevention. Criminal procedures and civil rights are also covered. You may be required to participate in an internship.</p>