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Protection specialist education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, protection specialists don't need a college education. The most common degree for protection specialists is bachelor's degree with 48% graduates, with only 23% protection specialist graduates earning associate degree. Protection specialists who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or American University. Some good skills to have in this position include guest service, physical security and safety issues.

Popular protection specialist certifications include Security 5 Certification, Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS), or Certified Protection Professional (CPP). To improve protection specialist qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in protection specialist education paths.

What education do you need to become a protection specialist?

What degree do you need to be a protection specialist?

The most common degree for protection specialists is bachelor's degree, with 48% of protection specialists earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 23% and associate degree degree at 18%.
  • Bachelor's, 48%
  • Associate, 23%
  • High School Diploma, 18%
  • Master's, 5%
  • Other Degrees, 6%

What should I major in to become a protection specialist?

You should major in criminal justice to become a protection specialist. 41% of protection specialists major in criminal justice. Other common majors for a protection specialist include business and general studies.

Best majors for protection specialists

RankMajorPercentages
1Criminal Justice41.2%
2Business13.3%
3General Studies5.7%
4Psychology4.4%
5Law Enforcement2.9%

20 best online courses for protection specialists

Advertising disclosure

1. Check Point Jump Start: Cloud Security

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Check Point CloudGuard, a comprehensive cloud security portfolio, is designed to prevent the latest fifth generation (Gen V), multi-vector cyberattacks targeting enterprise cloud services Section 1: Overview of CloudGuard Product line In this course you will learn about cloud security challenges and what different Check Point CloudGuard product line can be used to protect your cloud environment. How to Secure your Cloud Environment Cloud Challenges Security in the Cloud What is CloudGuard...

2. OSHA Safety Pro: Personal Protective Equipment

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Impress management or get that job with you your ability to display life and dollar saving work place safety practices...

3. The Complete Cyber Security Course: End Point Protection!

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Volume 4 :Become a Cyber Security Specialist, Antivirus & Malware, Disk Encryption, Finding & Removing Hackers & Malware...

4. Security Management: Excellence in Private Protection

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A complete Security Management knowledge suite of managing security operations, programs/services, budgets, & personnel...

5. Linux Security and Hardening, The Practical Security Guide.

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Secure any Linux server from hackers & protect it against hacking. The practical Linux Administration security guide...

6. Information Security Basics for IT Support Technicians

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4.3
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Learn the basics of information security and what you need to know to be compliant with data protection regulations...

7. Cyber Security: Awareness For Everyone (2023)

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4.6
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Cyber Security First Steps: Privacy, Phishing, Social Engineering, Malware, Email Security, and Hackers...

8. IT Security 101 - Cyber Security for Beginners

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4.2
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Learn cyber security best practice tips on securing computer networks from internal & external IT cyber security threats...

9. The Complete Cyber Security Course: Hackers Exposed!

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Volume 1 : Become a Cyber Security Specialist, Learn How to Stop Hackers, Prevent Hacking, Learn IT Security & INFOSEC...

10. Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) for 2023

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Mastering Certified Kubernetes Security: Comprehensive Guide to CKS and Beyond...

11. Basic Certificate in Health Safety & Environment-HSE Level 2

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A comprehensive course for Safety Officers, Supervisors, Managers and Aspiring Safety Professionals...

12. Cloud Security Course: Cloud Compliance, Audits,Legal issues

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For CCSK and CCSP Aspirants - Cloud Agreements/Contracts, Legal and Compliance Concepts...

13. Cyber Security For Normal People: Protect Yourself Online

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4.6
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Lock hackers, identity thieves and cyber criminals out of your life for good with this step-by-step cyber security guide...

14. Security Guard Training Course

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4.4
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Security Officer Training In Today's Job Market...

15. Automotive Cyber Security

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4.2
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A learners Guide: Covers Automotive Security, Concepts of Security and many more...

16. Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist

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4.5
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Master Course to prepare for CKS certification...

17. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) - Security breaches under control

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4.4
(667)

A vendor-neutral introduction to DLP with hands-on labs and examples. Network security in action!...

18. Cybersecurity: Implement Security Measures to Prevent Attack

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4.2
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Defend yourself and prevent attacks with this concise training-case studies, animations, assignments and trainer support...

19. Cyber Security: Beginner's Training Guide to Online Safety!

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4.6
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Tips and tricks that teach you how to be safer online so you can prevent malware infections, scams, and identity theft...

20. Information Security Fundamentals - Cyber Security Bootcamp

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4.2
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A Beginners Awareness Guide on Information Security & Cyber Security to Keep Online and Offline Devices Safe!...

Average protection specialist salary by education level

Protection specialists with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $98,555 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, protection specialists earn a median annual income of $86,152 compared to $77,744 for protection specialists with an Associate degree.
Protection specialist education levelProtection specialist salary
Master's Degree$98,555
High School Diploma or Less$73,088
Bachelor's Degree$86,152
Some College/ Associate Degree$77,744

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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