2022-2023 Graduate Bulletin

Security Management, Master of Science

Program Director: Professor Alex Alexandrou

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 701Introduction to Protection Management Systems

3

SEC 731Risk, Threat and Critical Infrastructure

3

SEC 732Privatization: Models and Applications for Private Security

3

SEC 733Legal, Regulatory and Administrative Issues in Private Sector Justice

3

Total Credit Hours:12

Required Management Analytic Courses

SEC 715Analytical Methods in Protection Management

3

PAD 705Organization Theory and Management

3

PAD 744Capital and Operational Budgeting and Fiscal Management

3

PAD 750Security of Information Technology

3

Total Credit Hours:12

Electives

Select four courses:

SEC 703Analysis of Building and Fire Codes

3

SEC 711Introduction to Emergency Management

3

SEC 712Theory and Design of Fire Protection Systems

3

SEC 730Private Security: Function and Role in Homeland Defense

3

SEC 740Safety and Security in the Built Environment

3

SEC 753Theory and Design of Security Systems

3

SEC 754Contemporary Issues in Security Management

3

SEC 762Business Continuity Planning

3

SEC 781Risk Analysis and Loss Prevention

3

SEC 791Security Management Thesis

PAD 748Project Management

3

Total Credit Hours:12

SEC 791: 6 credit hours.