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Security Services Administration

Security services administration professionals play leadership roles in efforts to keep people and property safe from crime, terrorism and other threats. Degree programs in this field can prepare you for a variety of security positions. Read on to learn more about security services administration.

Is Security Services Administration for Me?

Security services administration professionals perform management duties in the security field. As a security manager, you might make plans and oversee actions that protect people, property, facilities and business assets. You could identify risks and investigate incidents where security measures were violated. You may hire, train and oversee security staff.

Career options for security services administration professionals exist in the private security and corporate security industries, as well as with law enforcement, government and military positions. You might also launch your own security firm or work as a consultant.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected that employment for security guards, including those who worked in investigation and security services, would increase 19% between 2010 and 2020. The BLS reported that the average salary for guards in the investigation and security services industries was approximately $25,000 as of 2011. According to PayScale.com in July 2012, the highest paid ten percent of security managers earned approximately $97,000 or more, while the lowest paid ten percent earned about $31,000 or less.

How Can I Work in Security Services Administration?

The requirements for entry-level management jobs in security services administration depend upon the specialty, but you'll typically need a degree in security or a related major plus relevant work experience. Security administration and security management programs are typically offered at the bachelor's and master's degree levels.

Bachelor's and master's degree programs in security administration and security management may qualify you for jobs in the private security industry, corporate security, government, law enforcement and the armed forces. You could also pursue self-employment by starting your own security business or working as an independent consultant.

Degree programs in security services administration and security management typically teach you how to protect private, corporate and government properties. You might learn how to create emergency response plans and prepare staff to react. Your studies may include how to gauge if a situation poses a threat and how to write assessment reports. Many of these degree programs include studying homeland security topics.

Courses in degree programs usually examine terrorist risks, infrastructure security, industrial espionage, assessment of security plans, crime prevention, cyber security and emergency planning. Some schools offer Bachelor of Business Administration or Master of Business Administration programs with an emphasis in security management.

You could seek certification after joining the workforce. ASIS International, an association for security professionals, offers credentials including the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation for security managers. To be eligible for the CPP certification, you must have earned at least a bachelor's degree and worked in security services for seven years including three years in management. If you don't possess a degree, you'll need nine years of security work experience including three years in management to qualify for CPP certification.

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