Security program manager education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a security program manager. Security program managers usually study criminal justice, business, or management. 58% of security program managers hold a bachelor's degree, and 21% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 1,028 real security program manager resumes to see exactly what security program manager education sections show.

The most common colleges for security program managers are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.

There are also many online security program manager courses to help get the education required to be a security program manager.

There are certain security program manager certifications that you should consider. These security program manager certifications include Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP).

What education do you need to become a security program manager?

What degree do you need to be a security program manager?

The most common degree for security program managers is bachelor's degree, with 58% of security program managers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 21% and associate degree degree at 16%.

Bachelor's, 58%

Associate, 21%

Master's, 16%

High School Diploma, 1%

Other Degrees, 4%

What should I major in to become a security program manager?

You should major in criminal justice to become a security program manager. 26% of security program managers major in criminal justice. Other common majors for a security program manager include business and management.

Criminal Justice, 26%

Business, 19%

Management, 7%

Computer Science, 7%

Other Majors, 41%

Most common colleges for security program managers

Security program managers often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, American University, and University of Maryland - College Park. Here are the most common colleges for security program managers in the US based on their resumes.

Security program manager common college	Percentages
University of Phoenix	18.30%
American University	15.03%
University of Maryland - College Park	7.84%
Strayer University	5.88%
George Mason University	5.88%

Show more common security program manager colleges

Best majors for security program managers

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Criminal Justice	25.7%
2	Business	18.6%
3	Management	6.8%
4	Computer Science	6.8%
5	Computer Information Systems	6.6%

Show more common security program manager majors

Best colleges for security program managers

The best colleges for security program managers are Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, and Northeastern University.

A security program manager 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 program managers. 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 program managers.

1. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,465

Enrollment

6,483

2. University of Washington

Seattle, WA • Private

In-state tuition

$11,207

Enrollment

30,905

3. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

4. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

5. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

6. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,522

Enrollment

13,760

7. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$10,610

Enrollment

40,329

8. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

9. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

10. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$14,760

Enrollment

31,451

20 best online courses for security program managers

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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. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

4.1

(1,311)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)...

4. ISO/IEC 27005:2022. Information security risk management

4.6

(878)

Understand the framework proposed by ISO for managing information security risks in an organization...

5. Security Awareness Training

The security of an organization is of the utmost importance and every member of the organization's staff plays a vital role in defending against cyber threats. One of the best ways to protect the organization is to institute a company-wide security-awareness training initiative. This course is a complete foundational security awareness training program that covers a wide array of topics for nearly every type of end-user and learner level. The content is designed to allow organizations to be...

6. Information Security Management Fundamentals for Non-Techies

4.6

(13,166)

Learn the Fundamentals of Information Security Management for Non-Techies...

7. ISACA CISM Certified Information Security Manager

(285)

One of the highest paid certifications! Become a Certified Information Security Manager!...

8. Security Management: Excellence in Private Protection

4.5

(905)

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

9. Information Security Fundamentals - Cyber Security Bootcamp

4.2

(267)

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

10. Cyber Security: Awareness For Everyone (2023)

4.6

(343)

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

11. The Complete Cyber Security Course: Network Security!

4.6

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Volume 2 : Network Security, Wi Fi Security, Wi Fi Hackers, Firewalls, Wireshark, Secure Networking. + Password Managers...

12. Information Security Awareness: An Introduction for UK SMEs

4.4

(412)

Combating Security Threats and Cultivating Information Security Awareness...

13. [2023] Information Security A-Z™: Cyber Security Bootcamp

4.3

(743)

Become an expert in ISO/IEC 27001, Risk Management, Cryptography, Cyber Forensics, Malware & clear your Interview!...

14. Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)

4.5

(656)

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

15. The Complete Cyber Security Awareness Training for Employees

4.1

(466)

Learn Cyber Security Awareness and Best Practices with SIA's Top Cyber Security Experts...

16. Introduction to Corporate Information Security

4.1

(454)

This course explains why information security and its management are important for any modern organization...

17. Information Systems Security for Professionals: CISSP

4.5

(2,165)

Making Next Gen Information Security Leaders...

18. ISO/IEC 27002:2022. Information security controls

4.5

(770)

Learn about the comprehensive set of information security controls proposed by ISO/IEC 27002:2022...

19. ISO/IEC 27001:2022. Information Security Management System

4.5

(10,956)

Learn how your company can protect its information with an ISMS that meets the requirements of ISO/IEC 27001...

20. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

4.5

(8,761)

Managing identities and their access level is the most important part of cyber security frameworks...

Top 10 most affordable universities for security program managers

The most affordable schools for security program managers are Baruch College of the City University of New York, california state university - los angeles, and brigham young university.

If the best universities for security program managers 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 program managers.

1. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

2. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

3. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

4. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

5. Minot State University

Minot, ND • Private

In-state tuition

$7,064

Cost of attendance

15,576

6. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

7. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

8. University of Houston - Victoria

Victoria, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$6,491

Cost of attendance

19,075

9. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

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 program managers

The hardest universities for security program managers to get into are Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, and Northeastern University.

Some great schools for security program managers 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 program managers 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. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,492

3. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

4. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,508

5. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

6. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

7. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

8. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,512

9. George Washington University, The

Washington, DC • Private

Admissions rate

42%

SAT average

1,380

10. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for security program managers

The easiest schools for security program managers to get into are Ottawa University, capitol technology university, and university of baltimore.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a security program manager 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 program managers.

1. Ottawa University

Ottawa, KS • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,024

2. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

3. University of Baltimore

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,020

4. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

Admissions rate

92%

SAT average

1,031

5. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

6. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

999

7. Thomas More University

Crestview Hills, KY • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

1,099

8. Chestnut Hill College

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,026

9. Marymount University

Arlington, VA • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,065

10. Iona College

New Rochelle, NY • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,089

Average security program manager salary by education level

According to our data, security program managers with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $148,343 annually. Security program managers with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $145,556.

Security program manager education level	Security program manager salary
Master's Degree	$145,556
Bachelor's Degree	$137,089
Doctorate Degree	$148,343
Some College/ Associate Degree	$116,009

Security program manager education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

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.

Updated January 8, 2025

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