Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Private Security

If you’ve always had a secret ambition to live a life like, say, The Green Lantern, or if you’ve always idealized Superwoman and thought that having her job might be pretty cool, then you might want to look into getting a private security associate degree.

Why Get A Private Security Associate Degree?

Ok, so getting an associate degree in private security isn’t going to turn you into the Green Lantern. And, even if you graduate with a 4.0 you won’t get to wear a snazzy outfit like Superwoman does.

But, a private security associate degree is going to teach you how to protect people. You’ll get to learn how to analyze information to look for criminals, and how to look after your client’s best interests.

It’s definitely an exciting career choice!

Now, you probably already know that almost anyone who is over 18 and doesn’t have a criminal record can get a security job. So why spend the time to get a private security associate degree?

Well, if you take the first step towards getting your private security degree, you’ll be able to get your foot in the door of many organizations who wouldn’t look twice at you otherwise. With an associate degree, you’re qualified to work as a manager or supervisor instead of just a guard.

More importantly, if you keep going with your education to get your Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a specialization in private security, then you’ll be in a position to take advantage of some really great opportunities. And, you’ll earn a lot more money.

What You’ll Learn In A Private Security Associate Degree Program

Getting an associate degree in private security is going to allow you to take some really cool classes. You’ll get to take courses such as:

Emergency Response
Crisis Management
Communications and Technology Security
Occupational Health and Safety
Public Health Safety
Terrorism Risk Safety and Response

Not all schools will offer a private security associate degree. Many offer criminal justice associate degrees with a concentration in private security, so keep this in mind as you’re searching for potential schools.

Careers With A Private Security Associate Degree

The great news about getting your associate degree in private security is that you can work for almost anyone. And, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a job; private security is one of the fastest growing sectors out there. The Department of Labor estimates that this field will grow by at least 17% through 2016.

Private security specialists work for celebrities and other high-profile families, private companies, public service companies (like hotels and resorts), laboratories, state and local governments, and international organizations.

Now, how much you earn in private security depends on a few factors: your qualifications, your part of the country, and who you’re working for.

This is where it really pays to keep going with your education. Security guards earn, on average, $10 per hour. Managers don’t do much better. But if you get your Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a specialization in private security, you can expect to earn at least $55,000 per year. And probably much more than that, depending on who you work for.

So, this is definitely a fun and fascinating degree to get, but it will definitely pay off to keep going with your education in this field!

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information