More than half the world's population live in countries like the United States where private security personnel outnumber law enforcement officers. This program teaches skills important to corporate and other forms of private security, including accounting, computer and information systems, and crime analysis.
The security studies certificate program provides students with the skills and credentials necessary to expand their employment opportunities in corporate and public security.
Through the 24 credit hour curriculum, students receive extended education in transdisciplinary topics such as accounting, computer studies and information systems, and crime analysis and in advanced crime and law courses. Upon completion of this certificate, students are well equipped to have fluid conversations with professionals from different backgrounds about security, whether corporate or private.
At A Glance
Security Studies (Certificate)
- Offered by: Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Program requirements
Degree requirements
The following courses are required: (12 credit hours)
ACC 382 Accounting and Financial Analysis (3)
CIS 105 Computer Applications and Information Technology, CS (3)
CRJ 201 Criminal Justice Crime Control Policies and Practices (3)
CRJ 419 Domestic Terrorism (3)
Select two from the following: (6 credit hours)
CRJ 410 Procedural Criminal Law (3)
CRJ 412 International Terrorism (3)
CRJ 413 Forensics (3)
CRJ 450 Crime Analysis (3)
CRJ 463 White Collar Crime (3)
CRJ 464 Organized Crime (3)
Select one from the following: (3 credit hours)
CIS 235 Introduction to Information Systems (3)
CPI 101 Introduction to Informatics, CS (3)
CSE 100 Principles of Programming with C++, CS (3)
CSE 110 Principles of Programming, CS (3)
CSE 180 Computer Literacy, CS (3)
Select one from the following: (3 credit hours)
CRJ 484 Internship (3)
LES 305 Business Law and Ethics for Managers (3)
LAW 480 Business, Law and Society (3)
A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required for upper-division course work.
Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
Enrollment requirements
Students should meet with an academic advisor from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice to formally add the certificate to their degree plan.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Career outlook
Graduates of the security studies certificate program find a strong job market in the public and private sectors. Employment opportunities exist in supervisory and management positions in corporate and public security, as well as in criminal justice agencies (federal, state and local). Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.