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Security management specialist education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a security management specialist. Security management specialists usually study criminal justice, business, or finance. 44% of security management specialists hold a bachelor's degree, and 22% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 505 real security management specialist resumes to see exactly what security management specialist education sections show.
The most common colleges for security management specialists are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.
There are also many online security management specialist courses to help get the education required to be a security management specialist.
What education do you need to become a security management specialist?
What degree do you need to be a security management specialist?
- Bachelor's, 44%
- Associate, 22%
- High School Diploma, 14%
- Master's, 12%
- Other Degrees, 8%
What should I major in to become a security management specialist?
- Criminal Justice, 23%
- Business, 20%
- Finance, 7%
- Computer Science, 6%
- Other Majors, 44%
Most common colleges for security management specialists
| Security management specialist common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Phoenix | 13.73% |
| American University | 7.84% |
| Park University | 7.84% |
| Columbia Southern University | 5.88% |
| Ashford University | 5.88% |
Best majors for security management specialists
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Criminal Justice | 23.2% |
| 2 | Business | 19.7% |
| 3 | Finance | 7.1% |
| 4 | Computer Science | 6.1% |
| 5 | General Studies | 5.6% |
Best colleges for security management specialists
The best colleges for security management specialists are Boston University, Stanford University, and Northwestern University.
A security management specialist with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for security management specialists. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become security management specialists.
1. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Enrollment
9,142
2. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$9,808
Enrollment
13,990
3. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,488
Enrollment
30,018
4. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Enrollment
9,394
5. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$53,948
Enrollment
17,238
6. Howard University
Washington, DC • Private
In-state tuition
$26,756
Enrollment
6,166
7. SUNY at Albany
Albany, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$10,011
Enrollment
13,434
8. Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$3,926
Enrollment
9,835
9. SUNY College at Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,369
Enrollment
5,229
10. SUNY College at Oswego
Oswego, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,440
Enrollment
7,039
20 best online courses for security management specialists
Advertising disclosure
1. Managing Network Security
Almost every organization uses computer networks to share their information and to support their business operations. When we allow network access to data it is exposed to threats from inside and outside of the organization. This course examines the threats associated with using internal and external networks and how to manage the protection of information when it’s accessible via networks. In this course, a learner will be able to: ● Describe the threats to data from information communication...
2. Introducing Security: Aligning Asset and Risk Management
Course 1 - Introducing Security and Aligning Asset Management to Risk Management In this course, we're going to start by discussing the security concepts, identifying corporate assets, and discussing the risk management process. Course 1 Learning Objectives After completing this course, the participant will be able to: L1.1 - Classify information security and security concepts. L1.2 - Summarize components of the asset management lifecycle. L1.3 - Identify common risks and vulnerabilities. L1.4...
3. ISO/IEC 27005:2022. Information security risk management
Understand the framework proposed by ISO for managing information security risks in an organization...
4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)...
5. Microsoft Azure Management Tools and Security Solutions
Microsoft Azure offers a wide range of services to deploy your applications. To keep control of your environment and to make deployments easier, it also offers a wide array of management tools and services. In this course, you will be introduced to these tools and services and you will be asked to help choose the best one for a given business scenario. Some modules cover software development processes and services. You will learn about cloud monitoring solutions for your applications and...
6. Play It Safe: Manage Security Risks
This is the second course in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate. These courses will equip you with the skills you need to apply for an entry-level cybersecurity job. You’ll build on your understanding of the topics that were introduced in the first Google Cybersecurity Certificate course. In this course, you will take a deeper dive into concepts introduced in the first course, with an emphasis on how cybersecurity professionals use frameworks and controls to protect business operations. In...
7. Information Security Management Fundamentals for Non-Techies
Learn the Fundamentals of Information Security Management for Non-Techies...
8. ISACA CISM Certified Information Security Manager
One of the highest paid certifications! Become a Certified Information Security Manager!...
9. Cybersecurity Management and Compliance
In this course, you’ll learn about data and record management, Information security, standards and policy formation, and implementation. You’ll also explore cloud adoption frameworks and regulatory compliance frameworks. This course will take you one step closer to the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate, which requires no degree or prior experience. After completing this course, you'll be able to: • Explain the principles of cloud security planning • Identify security...
10. Security Management: Excellence in Private Protection
A complete Security Management knowledge suite of managing security operations, programs/services, budgets, & personnel...
11. Introduction to Compliance Risk Management CRM
Compliance risk management CRM for Compliance, Risk Management, Internal Audit and IS Security Professionals...
12. ISO/IEC 27002:2022. Information security controls
Learn about the comprehensive set of information security controls proposed by ISO/IEC 27002:2022...
13. Introduction to Corporate Information Security
This course explains why information security and its management are important for any modern organization...
14. Information Security Fundamentals - Cyber Security Bootcamp
A Beginners Awareness Guide on Information Security & Cyber Security to Keep Online and Offline Devices Safe!...
15. Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)
Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO) Certification Exam Prep Course...
16. ISO/IEC 27001:2022. Information Security Management System
Learn how your company can protect its information with an ISMS that meets the requirements of ISO/IEC 27001...
17. The Complete Cyber Security Course: Network Security!
Volume 2 : Network Security, Wi Fi Security, Wi Fi Hackers, Firewalls, Wireshark, Secure Networking. + Password Managers...
18. Risk Management for Cybersecurity and IT Managers
The management's guide to understanding Risk Management decisions in cybersecurity and information technology (IT)...
19. PCI DSS Bootcamp: The A-Z™ Information Security Course
Master the 12 Requirements of PCI DSS v4.0 Compliance, Cyber Security and Identity Access Management + Practice Test...
20. [2023] Information Security A-Z™: Cyber Security Bootcamp
Become an expert in ISO/IEC 27001, Risk Management, Cryptography, Cyber Forensics, Malware & clear your Interview!...
Top 10 most affordable universities for security management specialists
The most affordable schools for security management specialists are SUNY Farmingdale, california state university - bakersfield, and usf sarasota-manatee.
If the best universities for security management specialists are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for security management specialists.
1. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
2. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
3. USF Sarasota-Manatee
Sarasota, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,587
Cost of attendance
13,043
4. California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,942
Cost of attendance
14,469
5. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
6. Minot State University
Minot, ND • Private
In-state tuition
$7,064
Cost of attendance
15,576
7. SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,238
Cost of attendance
21,567
8. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
9. Clayton State University
Morrow, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$5,419
Cost of attendance
17,697
10. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for security management specialists
The hardest universities for security management specialists to get into are Boston University, Stanford University, and Northwestern University.
Some great schools for security management specialists are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for security management specialists based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
2. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
3. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
4. George Washington University, The
Washington, DC • Private
Admissions rate
42%
SAT average
1,380
5. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
Admissions rate
40%
SAT average
1,376
6. University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK • Private
Admissions rate
41%
SAT average
1,321
7. Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY • Private
Admissions rate
50%
SAT average
1,284
8. Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA • Private
Admissions rate
28%
SAT average
1,429
9. University of Denver
Denver, CO • Private
Admissions rate
56%
SAT average
1,300
10. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,466
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for security management specialists
The easiest schools for security management specialists to get into are Nyack College, notre dame college, and gwynedd mercy university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a security management specialist without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for security management specialists.
1. Nyack College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
98%
SAT average
999
2. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
3. Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,031
4. Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, TX • Private
Admissions rate
98%
SAT average
1,003
5. University of North Texas at Dallas
Dallas, TX • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
992
6. Curry College
Milton, MA • Private
Admissions rate
93%
SAT average
1,026
7. Felician University
Lodi, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
999
8. Presentation College
Aberdeen, SD • Private
Admissions rate
97%
SAT average
1,050
9. Manor College
Jenkintown, PA • Private
Admissions rate
94%
SAT average
898
10. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, OK • Private
Admissions rate
68%
SAT average
964
Average security management specialist salary by education level
| Security management specialist education level | Security management specialist salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $105,981 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $91,956 |
| Doctorate Degree | $108,921 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $74,763 |
Security management specialist education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025