Security Management

Online Graduate Certificate in Security Management

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$0 Application Fee
$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation

0 Entrance Exams
No GRE/GMAT Required

About This Program

Deeply explore a range of security sectors—from industrial espionage to cybercrime to contemporary issues in security asset protection—with American Public University’s (APU) security management certificate program.

With APU’s graduate certificate in security management, you will learn about strategic decision making and how to evaluate security programs, while conducting risk-assessment analysis of computer facilities, including identifying types of threats and probabilities of occurrences.

This online program covers material typically needed by those with professional interests in executive protection and recovery, trade secret protection, background investigations, surveillance, IT security, and cybersecurity.

NOTE: Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications, but may be helpful in preparing to earn such certifications.

What You Will Do

  1. Evaluate the vulnerabilities, threats, and countermeasures related to assets protection
  2. Analyze personnel, information, and physical security
  3. Assess resource allocation methods as they apply to appropriate security through the use of protective services
  4. Conduct risk assessment analysis of computer facilities, identifying types of threats and probabilities of occurrences

Program at a Glance

Number of Credits
18
Cost Per Credit
$455 | $250*
$386.75** | $409.50***
Courses Start Monthly
Online
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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Choose 18 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 2604

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This course is a study in the major decisions made by law enforcement executives from a variety of levels and locales. These decisions include issues in crisis management as well as inter-relationships among community leaders with police executives. Management styles are addressed to determine the most effective methods of implementing solutions to macro social community problems. Additionally, strategic decision-making processes are assessed to evaluate fairness and the aspects of voluntary cooperation and attitudes of all parties. The intent of the course is to provide a thorough analysis of executive decision making from which the student can appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of executive decisions while reflecting on the student’s own style and approach to decision making.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/27/24 - 11/01/24 11/04/24 - 12/29/24 Fall 2024 Session I 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2593

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The course focuses on advanced administration and management issues related to corporate security functions, including strategic and operational management, risk management, contract security services, management of emergencies and loss prevention. Students will assess vulnerabilities and recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Report on terrorist attacks upon the Unites States. Facility protection standards are used to determine appropriate courses of action, from a security management perspective, using threat models and risk assessment concepts. Research is required and application of critical thinking is applied to address external threats and countermeasures. Practical exercises are conducted to apply research findings.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2584

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The course provides a comparative analysis of relevant security programs in the public and private sectors. The concept of defensible space, internal and external access control and psychological security barriers are examined and evaluated during this course.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/27/24 - 11/01/24 11/04/24 - 12/29/24 Fall 2024 Session I 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2585

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This course is an in-depth study of contemporary issues in security management. The course will focus on tools that the professional security manager can use to increase productivity and lower operational cost. Topics explored: personnel security issues (background checks), budgeting, security liability, human resources issues and equal opportunity rights.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/27/24 - 11/01/24 11/04/24 - 12/29/24 Fall 2024 Session I 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2594

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This course provides a detailed history of protective services. Topics covered include training and background requirements, obtaining contracts, selecting, training, and managing a security team, security surveys, dealing with clients, legal issues, importance of networking, information sources, and special considerations for clients in high profile industries.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/27/24 - 11/01/24 11/04/24 - 12/29/24 Fall 2024 Session I 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2595

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This course will examine cybercrime and the legal, social and technical issues cybercrime presents. With a multi-disciplinary perspective, we will focus on ways information technology is used to commit crimes, investigative techniques used to discover the crimes, and the challenges involved in prosecuting cybercrimes These challenges include jurisdictional issues, application of traditional laws to cybercrimes, and privacy issues encountered during prevention, investigation and prosecution.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/27/24 - 11/01/24 11/04/24 - 12/29/24 Fall 2024 Session I 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2596

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This course provides a framework for understanding and protecting against industrial espionage. It reviews the history of industrial espionage, current methods of information elicitation, and explores counterespionage options to defend organizations. Students will also learn how companies place their proprietary and protected information at risk as well as how to prevent unwanted information disclosure. Topics such as the Economic Espionage Act of 1996 and operational counterintelligence are covered. The purpose of the course is to teach how to recognize and neutralize serious threats to both business and government entities.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/27/24 - 11/01/24 11/04/24 - 12/29/24 Fall 2024 Session I 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2598

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This course stresses the core principles of the CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) concept. Students learn how to work with architects, city, and municipal planners to ensure new or refurbished construction is designed in such a way as to minimize or eliminate criminal activity. Topics covered include initial planning considerations, gathering information from multiple sources, formulating and implementing the plan based on core CPTED principles, and the need for modifications and review over time.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/27/24 - 11/01/24 11/04/24 - 12/29/24 Fall 2024 Session I 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Nov 4
Register by Nov 1

Admission Requirements

  • All APU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA®).
  • Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

CHEA® is a registered trademark of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. 

Materials Cost

Technology fee: $85 per course 

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

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Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance