Comparing Degrees in Criminal Justice and Security Management
January 14, 2021 2:29pm
Are you considering a degree in criminal justice or security management, but aren’t sure what the difference is between them or which is right for you? The great news is that either degree will lead to careers projected to see faster or much faster than average growth over the next decade! Here are the differences of each program offered online at Southwestern College and what careers you will be able to explore.
Criminal Justice
Degree program focus
The criminal justice degree program focuses on social and operational aspects of criminal justice. If you choose this degree, you will learn both the theory and operational practices of the criminal justice system. In the curriculum, you will explore subject matter including criminal behavior, policing, cybercrime, corrections, courts, criminal investigation, ethics, and the psychological and sociological conditions of the criminal justice environment. You will demonstrate knowledge of constitutional and criminal law, principles of search and seizure, evidence, trial process, sentencing, and other criminal procedures. You will also assess the moral and ethical dilemmas currently facing the criminal justice system.
Career potential
There are a variety of careers to choose from once you have earned your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Those jobs include but are not limited to the following:
• Police Officer
• Criminal Investigator
• DEA Agent
• FBI Agent
• Homeland Security Professional
• Forensic Science Technician
Many careers in criminal justice are expected to experience rapid growth over the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and detective careers are projected to see 5% growth through 2029 and yield an average median salary of about $65k, while forensic science technician jobs are expected to see a much faster than average growth of 14%. Those wishing to pursue these careers can expect to earn a median salary of about $59k.
Security Management
Degree program focus
The security management program is designed for those wishing to pursue employment or career advancement in managerial roles in private or government security. This degree offers subject matter focused on information security, ethics, risk management, investigations, industry best practices, and the integration of contemporary security practices and administration. As a student, you will learn to analyze legal issues and criminal justice concepts, evaluate disaster and emergency planning, produce an information security systems protection plan proposal, and appraise the motivations, trends, and tactics of international, domestic, and cyber terrorism.
Career potential
With this degree, you can pursue a number of security management related jobs in physical security, loss prevention, emergency management, and crime prevention that may include:
• Emergency Management Director
• Computer Forensics Investigator
• Project Manager
• Security Director
• Information Security Analyst
• CIA Agent
Careers in security management also look promising over the next 10 years. Computer forensics professions are projected to see about 14% growth. Those wishing to pursue those jobs can expect to earn a median salary of about $59K. Emergency management director positions are expected to see an average growth of about 4%. Those careers see an average median salary of $74.5k. On the high end of job growth and earnings are information security analyst careers, which are projected to grow more than 30% through 2029 and earn an average median salary of just under $100k.
You might also enjoy reading:
5 Degrees with Versatility
The Benefits of Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice