Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Depending on your career path, you might need to complete one or more degrees in criminal justice. Typical degree programs include:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
- Job-Specific Certificate
Criminal Justice-related careers involve all areas of daily life, from security guards at our workplace to police officers and the secret service that protect our elected officials. Most careers related to criminal justice are state or locally funded, which means the salary comes from tax dollars. If you live in a growing area, growth potential is bigger. If your area is not growing, there might be more competition for these civil-service positions.
Depending on your personal goals, you could complete your coursework in criminal justice in as little as a year (for a certification) or as long as four years (for a Bachelor’s Degree). You also might decide to return to school to get a Master’s Degree, or you might need to get re-certified later in your career.
How to Become a Security Guard
Security guards spend their time protecting property or people against illegal activities such as theft, arson, and vandalism. Security guards may be armed. They use a variety of communication methods to contact police or other authorities as conditions warrant.
While the main function of a security guard is the same, the environments in which they work can be stationary or mobile. For example, a stationary security guard could maintain a presence at a reception desk, and a mobile guard could patrol an establishment's perimeter.
There is no specific educational requirement to pursue a security guard career. However, a high school education or equivalent certification is generally preferred. Some employers require education beyond high school and provide on-the-job training.
Most states require a license in order to be employed as an armed security guard. Because some employers require security guards to be armed, the associated training and licensing legally needed to carry a firearm can be a requirement to pursue a security guard career.
Security Guard Salary
Security guard salaries are provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean security guard salary depends on the type of security guard career you pursue:
- Investigation or security service mean salary $22,200
- Local government mean salary $27,700
- General hospital mean salary $29,000
(Salary data retrieved 6/13/11)
To get the education you need to become a security guard, find a degree program now!