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Bachelor's Degree in Private Security

4 Years
Duration
24
Courses
144
Credit Hours
$72,000
Total Cost

This program prepares students to plan, manage, and lead protective services in the private sector, from corporate campuses and retail operations to event venues and executive protection details. You'll learn how private security organizations operate alongside public law enforcement, how liability and licensing shape day-to-day decisions, and how to build security programs that hold up under audit and legal scrutiny.

Graduates go on to supervisory and management roles with contract security firms, corporate loss prevention teams, private investigation agencies, and in-house security departments for hospitals, universities, and large employers. The self-paced, four-year format lets you build a full bachelor's credential while continuing to work in the field.

1
General Courses
10 Courses
GEN 101
Introduction to the Humanities
A broad survey of the art, literature, and ideas that have shaped human culture.
  • Landmark works in art and literature
  • Philosophical movements across eras
  • Interpreting cultural artifacts in context
GEN 102
Social and Cultural Geography
Exploring how geography shapes societies, economies, and cultural identity.
  • Population patterns and migration
  • Urban and rural land use
  • Regional cultural differences
GEN 103
English Composition
Developing clear, well-organized writing for academic and professional contexts.
  • Building a strong thesis and outline
  • Paragraph structure and transitions
  • Revising drafts for clarity and tone
GEN 104
College Algebra
Building fluency with algebraic methods used across academic disciplines.
  • Solving linear and quadratic equations
  • Working with functions and graphs
  • Applying algebra to real-world problems
GEN 105
World Religions
A comparative look at the beliefs and practices of major world faiths.
  • Core beliefs of major traditions
  • Religious ritual and practice
  • Religion's influence on society
GEN 106
Ethics
Examining moral theories and how they apply to everyday decisions.
  • Major ethical theories and frameworks
  • Applying ethics to real-life dilemmas
  • Evaluating competing moral claims
GEN 107
Art Appreciation
Building a vocabulary for understanding and evaluating visual art.
  • Elements and principles of design
  • Major art movements through history
  • Analyzing meaning in visual works
GEN 108
Pre-Calculus
Strengthening the mathematical foundation needed for advanced coursework.
  • Polynomial and rational functions
  • Exponential and logarithmic relationships
  • Trigonometric identities and graphs
GEN 109
Human Biology
An introduction to how the human body functions at the systems level.
  • Structure and function of major organ systems
  • Cellular processes and genetics basics
  • Health, nutrition, and disease prevention
GEN 110
World History
Tracing major civilizations, conflicts, and turning points across the globe.
  • Rise and fall of major civilizations
  • Global trade and cultural exchange
  • Key turning points of the modern era
2
Core Courses
8 Courses
CJ 125
Introduction to Criminology
Surveys the major theories used to explain why crime occurs and who commits it.
  • Classical and positivist explanations of criminal behavior
  • Biological, psychological, and social risk factors
  • Applying theory to real crime trends
SS 126
Sociology
Introduces core sociological concepts for understanding group behavior and social institutions.
  • Socialization and the formation of social norms
  • Social stratification and inequality
  • Institutions shaping community and family life
CJ 448
Corrections
Examines how jails, prisons, probation, and parole function within the justice system.
  • Sentencing structures and incarceration models
  • Community supervision and reentry programs
  • Institutional management and inmate rights
CJ 493
Issues in Criminal Justice
Explores current controversies and emerging challenges facing justice agencies today.
  • Policy debates shaping law enforcement and courts
  • Emerging technology and its impact on practice
  • Analyzing case studies of contemporary reform
CJ 519
Criminal Procedures
Covers the constitutional rules governing arrest, search, and trial procedure.
  • Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections
  • Rules governing arrest, interrogation, and evidence
  • Pretrial, trial, and appellate procedure
CJ 585
Investigation
Develops practical techniques for gathering and documenting evidence in criminal cases.
  • Interviewing witnesses and suspects
  • Evidence collection and case documentation
  • Case file organization and follow-up strategy
LLS 642
Introduction to Laws
Provides a foundation in legal systems, sources of law, and how statutes are interpreted.
  • Structure of federal, state, and local law
  • Reading statutes, regulations, and case law
  • Basics of civil versus criminal liability
CJ 720
Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Compares how different countries structure policing, courts, and corrections.
  • Adversarial versus inquisitorial court models
  • International approaches to policing and sentencing
  • Lessons from cross-national justice reform
3
Specialist Courses
6 Courses
PRS 151
Fundamentals of Protection and Safety
Introduces the core principles behind protecting people, property, and information assets.
  • Basic protection theory and risk concepts
  • Physical safety planning fundamentals
  • Roles and responsibilities of protection personnel
PRS 199
Security and Technology
Surveys the tools and systems modern security programs rely on for monitoring and control.
  • Surveillance and alarm system fundamentals
  • Access control and credentialing technology
  • Integrating technology tools into daily operations
PRS 266
Introduction to Private Security
Introduces the private security industry, its scope, and how it complements public policing.
  • History and growth of the private security sector
  • Roles across guard, investigative, and consulting services
  • Relationship between private security and law enforcement
PRS 423
Proactive Security
Focuses on preventing incidents before they happen through planning and vigilance.
  • Threat identification and early warning indicators
  • Preventive patrol and deterrence strategy
  • Building a proactive security culture
PRS 541
Introduction to Homeland Security
Introduces the agencies, policies, and strategies that protect against large-scale threats.
  • Structure of homeland security agencies
  • Critical infrastructure protection basics
  • Emergency preparedness and response coordination
PRS 706
Fundamentals of Terrorism
Examines the origins, motivations, and tactics behind terrorist activity.
  • Ideological and organizational drivers of terrorism
  • Common attack methods and target selection
  • Counterterrorism strategy and prevention efforts
$72,000
Total Program Cost
$500
Per Credit Hour
144
Total Credit Hours

Fees are billed per term and are subject to change. Financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans are available to students who qualify.

Explore Financial Aid

Admission requires High School Diploma or GED.

01

Submit Your Application

Complete the online application with your basic and academic details.

02

Advisor Review

An admissions advisor reviews your application and any transfer credit.

03

Enroll & Begin

Receive your decision, complete enrollment, and start your first term.

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