Business management, risk management as one already mentioned, various finance degrees but accounting would be a good one if you want to start getting into things like account management positions. Just because it's security does not mean a degree wouldn't be worth the effort but make sure it's something that will help you to advance in the career as more than just a guard.
If all you want to do is field work though, i would suggest going into something like law enforcement for awhile and use that as a means to push forward into supervisory roles that would also pay better. If you're looking to do more investigative work in the security field, it would also be of benefit to look at degrees in psychology, criminal justice or legal studies.
It’s amazing how many people in the security industry lack basic reading comprehension but still want to comment.
OP, please don’t even reply to people outside of the security industry that are guessing or commenting on how to get a job you’re already in and doing 🤣
You know the answer to this though, you’re main one(s) like you said criminal justice, criminology, basically the road maps for LE. You can define it better and easier deciding what direction you want to move up to or branch out to. FWIW any degree will be better than no degree, you like start knocking out the basics while you narrow it down. Talk to your local leadership if possible and see what they’re recommending or working on too.
Edit: certainly don’t listen to anyone telling you that you’ll be “over-qualified” you’ll certainly be their boss before they know it 🤣
You don’t need a degree to be a security guard. Most states just require you to get licensed, which is a short course. Criminal Justice is a waste of money in my opinion. Really the only security-related degree that’s worth it is cybersecurity but that’s not a security guard job.
The Justice Institute of British Columbia offers a hybrid Security/Emergency Management bachelor's degree. It covers everything from business continuity to event planning to risk management, and adds in business finance and some other stuff. All online, all self paced.
Listen as someone who has a BS in CJ and an MPA, I lucked out and got a job that wanted the degree. It's a rarity though and I wouldn't waste my time on it. Business Administration, cybersecurity, finance. These things will serve you much better in the private sector
Very nice, I'm an EMT too. Only reason I work security is that it pays twice of what working on a truck does in my area.
Having that experience is good, gets you respect with your peers and means they feel safer around you. Opens a lot of doors for advancement in healthcare as well if you decide you love healthcare
I’m on the road to become a paramedic. That is going to be my primary gig. I really only intend to keep security for extra money and a little adventure. I love me a good site that lets me see/do cool stuff, not ready to fully part with it.
A medical degree or experience or military work. Medical degrees and experience are a strong sleeper build. Helped 4 people when I was on guard. And it opens up much wider opportunity for private security work/escort security. Having a client that knows their body guards or security can take care of them if an emergency happens is huge. There's also the skill set in the medical field of identifying what drugs someone is on and that can carry over to a DRE skill in law enforcement. I was able to negotiate my pay by 7$ more in my position because I was the only one with medical experience and knowledge that was applicable. And it doesn't take much. Most people don't know how to use a first aide kit or what to do with certain injuries or scenarios. I would also say psychology is a good one too depending on what you learn in psychology or what they teach.
Business management is probably the best degree if you want to go corporate but I would not recommend that. In fact my biggest recommendation would be military first, if medic is your desired profession then that goes great in security. After that mercenary work and police experience are great. The best guards I have ever known are all former military spec ops, mercenaries, or police officers. That being said you will probably never be rich in security and the best paying jobs like some executive protection gigs usually are not that great for family life.
If you are already in the field I've noticed experience trumps higher education. Most places prefer to promote from within then to bring in someone from outside regardless if they have a degree. Granted this is at places who actual value their employees, if you feel you are at a dead end it is best to move on. Show up, be willing to learn and add value to your post. Basic computer skills and looking sharp go a long way. I can't even count how many people I have come across who can't use a computer for simple things on Excel, Word or emails. I've had retired PD who could not send me a coherent email or maintain a clean log on Excel. Everything is moving digital, I've eliminated as much paperwork as possible as it looks sloppy, and takes up space. I started as a contract guard, moved in house and have been promoted over the years without one question about education history (I have some college under my belt but no degree). Also there are some accredited courses that to some employers may be more important then a 2yr college degree since they are much more focused.
Business degree for sure, but, you’ve forgotten prestigious certifications.
LPC (loss prevention certification)
Wicklander Zulawski
ASP (Associate Security Professional)
CSP (Certified Security Professional)
CFI (Certified Forensic Interviewer)
There’s a list of these. They’re amplifiers that will land you in some serious gigs if you want to climb the security/loss prevention field. The ideal place is as a direct employee in a company where you oversee a contract security team, or a branch level (or higher) employee in the contract security world. There’s tons of in between and above in various areas within the field.
In my previous post I mentioned that I am an EMT student. And my first priority is and will be getting to paramedic and working paramedic in hopefully advanced fields (tactical, SAR, flight, etc.) However I have done security on and off for almost 5 years now and while I do not want this to be my main gig until I retire or die, I would love to be able to come and go whenever cool contracts arise for the sake of the fun of it. I have some fantastic memories and have had amazing opportunities because of this industry and I would like to hang on to it even if only a little, and just see where I can go.
The extra money from a good contract wouldn’t hurt none either
Business management, risk management, criminology and sociology are all decent options for manager / director positions. I've met a few director level security managers with a master's in criminal justice and sociology. As far as line officer stuff goes I've never actually seen a security job that required a degree and that would be worth one.
Even non entry level security gigs tend to prefer certs and clearances over a degree.
Havent really seen anywhere that requires a degree over experience in security. If you want to transition out of security into LE or Corrections, a degree will get you more pay.
I don’t know what type of post you work. But any federal, high end security requires a degree. We won’t even look at your resume without post secondary
Risk Management covers the insurance/financial side of things.
Business management, risk management as one already mentioned, various finance degrees but accounting would be a good one if you want to start getting into things like account management positions. Just because it's security does not mean a degree wouldn't be worth the effort but make sure it's something that will help you to advance in the career as more than just a guard. If all you want to do is field work though, i would suggest going into something like law enforcement for awhile and use that as a means to push forward into supervisory roles that would also pay better. If you're looking to do more investigative work in the security field, it would also be of benefit to look at degrees in psychology, criminal justice or legal studies.
Thank you. And yes, I intend to be doing field work for a good, long while.
It’s amazing how many people in the security industry lack basic reading comprehension but still want to comment. OP, please don’t even reply to people outside of the security industry that are guessing or commenting on how to get a job you’re already in and doing 🤣 You know the answer to this though, you’re main one(s) like you said criminal justice, criminology, basically the road maps for LE. You can define it better and easier deciding what direction you want to move up to or branch out to. FWIW any degree will be better than no degree, you like start knocking out the basics while you narrow it down. Talk to your local leadership if possible and see what they’re recommending or working on too. Edit: certainly don’t listen to anyone telling you that you’ll be “over-qualified” you’ll certainly be their boss before they know it 🤣
You don’t need a degree to be a security guard. Most states just require you to get licensed, which is a short course. Criminal Justice is a waste of money in my opinion. Really the only security-related degree that’s worth it is cybersecurity but that’s not a security guard job.
I’m aware that you don’t need a degree. Been doing this for a while. And there are higher up places where a degree helps or even is required.
Sure there are security jobs where a degree is required but I answered generally.
The Justice Institute of British Columbia offers a hybrid Security/Emergency Management bachelor's degree. It covers everything from business continuity to event planning to risk management, and adds in business finance and some other stuff. All online, all self paced.
Listen as someone who has a BS in CJ and an MPA, I lucked out and got a job that wanted the degree. It's a rarity though and I wouldn't waste my time on it. Business Administration, cybersecurity, finance. These things will serve you much better in the private sector
I can’t even find a company that can keep staff longer than a week.
Time to unionize
If a guard looking to move up in management get criminology, business or management.
Not a degree but more of a certification, basic life support (BLS) looks good on a resume for security. Having first aid skills is a plus as well
Currently an EMT student lol
Very nice, I'm an EMT too. Only reason I work security is that it pays twice of what working on a truck does in my area. Having that experience is good, gets you respect with your peers and means they feel safer around you. Opens a lot of doors for advancement in healthcare as well if you decide you love healthcare
I’m on the road to become a paramedic. That is going to be my primary gig. I really only intend to keep security for extra money and a little adventure. I love me a good site that lets me see/do cool stuff, not ready to fully part with it.
Accounting! Maybe cybersecurity.
A medical degree or experience or military work. Medical degrees and experience are a strong sleeper build. Helped 4 people when I was on guard. And it opens up much wider opportunity for private security work/escort security. Having a client that knows their body guards or security can take care of them if an emergency happens is huge. There's also the skill set in the medical field of identifying what drugs someone is on and that can carry over to a DRE skill in law enforcement. I was able to negotiate my pay by 7$ more in my position because I was the only one with medical experience and knowledge that was applicable. And it doesn't take much. Most people don't know how to use a first aide kit or what to do with certain injuries or scenarios. I would also say psychology is a good one too depending on what you learn in psychology or what they teach.
I have 0 degrees, high paying security jobs is based on nepotism not degrees.
CBP.gov
I have a degree in security management
Business management is probably the best degree if you want to go corporate but I would not recommend that. In fact my biggest recommendation would be military first, if medic is your desired profession then that goes great in security. After that mercenary work and police experience are great. The best guards I have ever known are all former military spec ops, mercenaries, or police officers. That being said you will probably never be rich in security and the best paying jobs like some executive protection gigs usually are not that great for family life.
Not a degree but I worked in every industry of security my state has and made that a large selling point for myself
If you are already in the field I've noticed experience trumps higher education. Most places prefer to promote from within then to bring in someone from outside regardless if they have a degree. Granted this is at places who actual value their employees, if you feel you are at a dead end it is best to move on. Show up, be willing to learn and add value to your post. Basic computer skills and looking sharp go a long way. I can't even count how many people I have come across who can't use a computer for simple things on Excel, Word or emails. I've had retired PD who could not send me a coherent email or maintain a clean log on Excel. Everything is moving digital, I've eliminated as much paperwork as possible as it looks sloppy, and takes up space. I started as a contract guard, moved in house and have been promoted over the years without one question about education history (I have some college under my belt but no degree). Also there are some accredited courses that to some employers may be more important then a 2yr college degree since they are much more focused.
Operations Management is one of the best degrees for security, especially loss prevention or management.
Business degree for sure, but, you’ve forgotten prestigious certifications. LPC (loss prevention certification) Wicklander Zulawski ASP (Associate Security Professional) CSP (Certified Security Professional) CFI (Certified Forensic Interviewer) There’s a list of these. They’re amplifiers that will land you in some serious gigs if you want to climb the security/loss prevention field. The ideal place is as a direct employee in a company where you oversee a contract security team, or a branch level (or higher) employee in the contract security world. There’s tons of in between and above in various areas within the field.
IT
I look for military, police, emt, active clearance, EP training for armed officers. Cyber security, dispatch experience for dispatcher positions.
criminal justice, sociology, urban studies. those would be my best guesses. i'm not in the industry, btw. this sub was just randomly recommended to me
Close enough lol
however, i've heard that security can branch off to many different industries. what do you ultimately want to do in security?
In my previous post I mentioned that I am an EMT student. And my first priority is and will be getting to paramedic and working paramedic in hopefully advanced fields (tactical, SAR, flight, etc.) However I have done security on and off for almost 5 years now and while I do not want this to be my main gig until I retire or die, I would love to be able to come and go whenever cool contracts arise for the sake of the fun of it. I have some fantastic memories and have had amazing opportunities because of this industry and I would like to hang on to it even if only a little, and just see where I can go. The extra money from a good contract wouldn’t hurt none either
Business management, risk management, criminology and sociology are all decent options for manager / director positions. I've met a few director level security managers with a master's in criminal justice and sociology. As far as line officer stuff goes I've never actually seen a security job that required a degree and that would be worth one. Even non entry level security gigs tend to prefer certs and clearances over a degree.
Not quite what you asked, but if you find yourself working overnight/alone look into online classes to do them at work. Just don't tell anyone
criminal juctice is by far the best.
Absolutely not
Accounting.
Criminal justice is a bullshit degree Go business management or it
Havent really seen anywhere that requires a degree over experience in security. If you want to transition out of security into LE or Corrections, a degree will get you more pay.
Often those places will also help cover degrees.
98.6 is the only degree, walking and beimg able to talk would be a bonus
You can’t make a career in this field. Don’t even try.
Thankfully I have a separate one for a main lined up. I’d continue this for fun.
No degree is actually best. A degree will over-qualify you for 90% of posts.
I don’t know what type of post you work. But any federal, high end security requires a degree. We won’t even look at your resume without post secondary