How To Become A Security Program Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a security program manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.

As we continue progressing towards a world where information technology has a hand in giving us what we need, we should also take care of our security. Some of our sensitive personal data are already floating around the internet, and it would only take one talented hacker to gain access to these data. The same goes for company-related data. As such, companies hire security program managers to help manage security concerns.

Security Program Managers are knowledgeable on the different security programs that the company may need, depending on the requirement. They should be able to identify the pros and cons of each security program and assess which one would be the most beneficial to them. Aside from that, they should also know how to operate the program and should be able to conduct troubleshooting and basic maintenance.

If you are interested in internet security and programs, this is a job that would suit you. You should have good information technology-related skills and management skills.

What's a day at work look like for a security program manager?

Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.

Program Director & Assistant Professor, Maryville University

A bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders can prepare you for three different tracks. First, it can prepare you to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). This is someone who works under a fully credential speech-language pathologist. Often times, they carryout intervention plans developed by a fully credentialed speech-language pathologist. If graduate school is on your horizon, a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders will prepare you for acceptance into a Speech-Language Pathology program, or an Audiology program. If you are not accepted into a graduate program right away, working as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) is a great way to get experience in the field!

ScoreSecurity Program ManagerUS Average

Salary

8.5

Avg. Salary $133,121

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.6

Growth rate 16%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

1.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.21%

Asian 12.58%

Black or African American 6.83%

Hispanic or Latino 10.25%

Unknown 5.22%

White 64.92%

Gender

female 22.69%

male 77.31%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a security program manager

Explore security program manager education requirements

Most common security program manager degrees

Bachelor's

58.3 %

Associate

20.9 %

Master's

16.2 %

Start to develop specific security program manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Security Program	13.16%
Program Management	9.88%
Oversight	8.25%
Cloud Security	7.46%
Cloud	6.96%

Complete relevant security program manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New security program managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a security program manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real security program manager resumes.

Gain additional security program manager certifications

Security program manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific security program manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for security program managers include Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP).

More About Certifications

Research security program manager duties and responsibilities

Utilize the COBIT framework to properly manage projects and as a best practices guide.
Monitor all the controls, reports, and coordination activities for the security team to achieve PCI compliance.
Manage development of all internal and external vulnerability scanning products including PCI scanning.
Manage and provide direct security oversight for contract requirements supporting all functions of clear facilities operations and management e.g.

Prepare your security program manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your security program manager resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a security program manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable security program manager resume templates

Build a professional security program manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your security program manager resume.