Post job

Safety and security officer education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, safety and security officers don't need a college education. The most common degree for safety and security officers is bachelor's degree with 36% graduates, with only 28% safety and security officer graduates earning associate degree. Safety and security officers who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or Miami Dade College. Some good skills to have in this position include patrol, patients and customer service.

Popular safety and security officer certifications include First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, Security 5 Certification, or OSHA Safety Certificate . To improve safety and security officer qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in safety and security officer education paths.

What education do you need to become a safety and security officer?

What degree do you need to be a safety and security officer?

The most common degree for safety and security officers is bachelor's degree, with 36% of safety and security officers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 28% and associate degree degree at 22%.
  • Bachelor's, 36%
  • Associate, 28%
  • High School Diploma, 22%
  • Master's, 5%
  • Other Degrees, 9%

What should I major in to become a safety and security officer?

You should major in criminal justice to become a safety and security officer. 42% of safety and security officers major in criminal justice. Other common majors for a safety and security officer include business and general studies.

Best majors for safety and security officers

RankMajorPercentages
1Criminal Justice41.6%
2Business12.6%
3General Studies6.7%
4Law Enforcement4.0%
5Liberal Arts3.8%

20 best online courses for safety and security officers

Advertising disclosure

1. Systems and Application Security

coursera

Welcome to Systems and Application Security Course! In the Systems and Application Security Course, you will gain an understanding of computer code that can be described as harmful or malicious. Both technical and non-technical attacks will be discussed. You will learn how an organization can protect itself from these attacks. You will learn concepts in endpoint device security, cloud infrastructure security, securing big data systems, and securing virtual environments. Objectives 1. Identify...

2. Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)

udemy
4.5
(656)

Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO) Certification Exam Prep Course...

3. Planning and Implementing a Security Incident Response

udemy
4.4
(1,105)

Learn all about planning and implementing a Security Incident Response along with best practices and recommendations...

4. CCSO - Certified Cloud Security Officer

udemy
4.7
(1,162)

Prepare for the Mile2® Certified Cloud Security Officer Exam (CCSO) with this course...

5. Automotive Cyber Security

udemy
4.2
(1,627)

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

6. Security Guard Training Course

udemy
4.4
(383)

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

7. Cyber Security: Awareness For Everyone (2023)

udemy
4.6
(343)

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

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

udemy
4.5
(3,902)

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

9. Preventing and Surviving an Active Shooter Incident

udemy
4.5
(4,367)

Active Shooter/Violent Intruder Prevention and Response...

10. IT Security 101 - Cyber Security for Beginners

udemy
4.2
(390)

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

11. OSHA Workplace Safety (General Industry 6 Hr Class)

udemy
4.5
(2,583)

Learn the requirements and standards associated with OSHA and workplace safety. Safety best practices for the workplace...

12. Information Security Fundamentals - Cyber Security Bootcamp

udemy
4.2
(267)

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

13. High Voltage Electric Vehicle Safety

udemy
4.4
(302)

Electric Vehicle Safety Battery Pack Fire Safety Electric Shock Safety Accidental Safety High Voltage Components...

14. NEBOSH health and safety Management System

udemy
4.3
(448)

It Shows the Start point to Build your Health & safety Career and how to Join the field and becoming HSE Specialist...

15. Microsoft 70-346: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requ.

udemy
4
(385)

Microsoft 70-346: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements...

16. OSHA Safety Pro: Deadly Concrete Dust. Crystalline Silica.

udemy
4.4
(478)

OSHA's General, Construction, and Maritime Industries Hazard Prevention and Safety Standard...

17. Cyber Security Guidelines for Organizational Users

udemy
4.4
(469)

ISO 27001 Cyber Security Guidelines to stay Safe & Secure online for Users in Office, Working-From-Home or Roaming Users...

18. OSHA Safety Pro: Trenching Excavation & Soil Mechanics

udemy
4.3
(727)

A quick yet detailed certification in OSHA safety with a focus on Trenching, Excavation, & Soil Mechanics...

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

udemy
4.4
(667)

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

20. Security Management: Excellence in Private Protection

udemy
4.5
(905)

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

Average safety and security officer salary by education level

Safety and security officers with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $44,211 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, safety and security officers earn a median annual income of $39,351 compared to $36,003 for safety and security officers with an Associate degree.
Safety and security officer education levelSafety and security officer salary
Master's Degree$44,211
High School Diploma or Less$34,129
Bachelor's Degree$39,351
Some College/ Associate Degree$36,003

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.

Browse protective service jobs