Security Management, Master of Science
Program Director: Professor Robert Till
The Masters of Science in Security Management provides a focused examination of practices and procedures unique to supervision in the private security industry. The degree targets those already employed in private security and those who seek the long range opportunities in an industry and occupation that is economically lucrative and professionally rewarding. The course of study stresses traditional topical coverage in security studies including management, risk analysis and the role of technology in private sector protection programs. In addition, the program delivers some innovative conceptual analysis of the private security industry with its stress on homeland defense and security protocols, the phenomenon and undeniable trend of privatization on the public justice model and a strong emphasis on critical infrastructure.
This program is completed fully online.
Degree Requirements
The program requires 36 credits of coursework. Full-time students shall follow a two-year sequence, while part-time students may complete the course of study in 3 to 4 years.
Students may elect to follow the Security Management General Track or Thesis Track.
General Track - Comprehensive Exam/Project
All students on the general track must pass a comprehensive examination designed to evaluate students’ understanding of key knowledge and their ability to formulate responses to conceptual and practical applications of theories and practices taught in the program, and to express themselves effectively in writing for a professional audience. The Comprehensive Exam/Project is offered once every Fall and Spring term.
Thesis Track
Permission from the program director is required in order to select the thesis track, which is available to students who meet the following criteria:
- Completed at least 12 credits with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Earned a grade of B+ or higher in SEC 715 Analytical Methods in Protection Management
The thesis track fulfills 6 credits of the elective requirements.
Required Core Courses
| SEC 701 | Introduction to Protection Management Systems | 3 |
| SEC 731 | Risk, Threat and Critical Infrastructure | 3 |
| SEC 732 | Privatization: Models and Applications for Private Security | 3 |
| SEC 733 | Legal, Regulatory and Administrative Issues in Private Sector Justice | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Required Management Analytic Courses
| SEC 715 | Analytical Methods in Protection Management | 3 |
| PAD 705 | Organization Theory and Management | 3 |
| PAD 744 | Capital and Operational Budgeting and Fiscal Management | 3 |
| PAD 750 | Security of Information Technology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Electives
Select four courses:
| SEC 703 | Analysis of Building and Fire Codes | 3 |
| SEC 711 | Introduction to Emergency Management | 3 |
| SEC 712 | Theory and Design of Fire Protection Systems | 3 |
| SEC 730 | Private Security: Function and Role in Homeland Defense | 3 |
| SEC 740 | Safety and Security in the Built Environment | 3 |
| SEC 753 | Theory and Design of Security Systems | 3 |
| SEC 754 | Contemporary Issues in Security Management | 3 |
| SEC 762 | Business Continuity Planning | 3 |
| SEC 781 | Risk Analysis and Loss Prevention | 3 |
| SEC 791 | Security Management Thesis | |
| PAD 748 | Project Management | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |