Find out how a security management associate's degree can prepare you for work as a security officer or an emergency response professional. Learn about other career options and the employment outlook in the security field.
What Security Management Associate's Degree Programs Are Available?
Security management associate's degree programs sometimes go by different names. You receive similar training in safety management, homeland security and emergency management associate's degree programs. Some programs allow you to pursue certifications that show your proficiency in areas such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, tear gas and firearms. Internships and hands-on activities are common requirements, but you can find online programs that allow you to learn from home.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Programs</b></td><td> Safety management, homeland security or emergency management</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Course Topics</b></td><td> Legal issues, communications, emergency response plans and handling hazardous materials</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$31,080 (<i>protective service occupations</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Outlook (2019 to 2029)</b></td><td> 3% (<i>protective service occupations</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillMyCoursesCover">What Will My Courses Cover?</h3><p>The courses you take in a security management associate's degree program cover the knowledge and skills you need to properly ensure public safety for private businesses and public agencies. You learn about the legal issues in safety management and how to work within the public administration system. Communications strategies and systems are also discussed, and you gain an understanding of justice administration.
</p><p>Other courses often included in a security management associate's degree program or similar course of study teach you how to manage volunteer resources, utilize technology, create emergency response plans and handle hazardous materials. You can sometimes take courses that discuss terrorism, policing and fire response as well.
</p><h3 id="section---HowWillThisProgramImpactMyCareer">How Will This Program Impact My Career?</h3><p>An associate's degree in security management can qualify you for a number of jobs in the field. Local, state and federal governments hire security professionals, but you can also find work in the private sector. Sports organizations, hospitals, retail businesses and transportation centers frequently hire security managers to ensure the safety of their patrons, employees and property.
</p><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the security field has a high turnover rate, but security professionals with postsecondary education can often advance in their careers to supervisory positions (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Your associate's degree program in security management can prepare you for work in a variety of protective service occupations. The BLS expects job growth for careers in this field to be about as fast as the average of 3 percent increase, from 2019 to 2029.</p>
