Program Overview

Security Studies Certificate Program

The Security Studies certificate program is designed to provide students with the skills and credentials necessary for expanding their employment opportunities in corporate and public security. This program teaches in-demand skills important to the field of private security, in corporate and other settings.

Program Description

The security studies certificate program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of transdisciplinary topics such as accounting, computer studies, information systems, and crime analysis. The curriculum includes advanced crime and law courses, enabling students to have fluid conversations with professionals from different backgrounds about security, whether corporate or private.

At a Glance

• College/School: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Security Studies certificate program includes:

• Required Courses:
  • Upper Division Core Courses:
    • CRJ 412 International Terrorism
    • CRJ 419 Domestic Terrorism
    • CRJ 463 White Collar Crime
    • CRJ 464 Organized Crime
    • JUS 467 Terrorism, War, and Justice (CIVI)
    • POS 364 National Security, Intelligence, and Terrorism (SOBE)
  • IT Elective Courses:
    • ACO 131 Global Cybersecurity
    • CIS 105 Computer Applications and Information Technology (QTRS)
    • CPI 101 Introduction to Informatics (QTRS)
    • CSE 100 Principles of Programming with C++ (QTRS)
    • CSE 110 Principles of Programming (QTRS)
    • IFT 202 Foundations of Information and Computer System Security
  • Other Elective Courses:
    • Upper Division Other Electives:
      • ACC 382 Accounting and Financial Analysis
      • FIS 431 Technology, Security and Insecurity in Global Politics
      • PAF 426 Intelligence Analysis and Homeland Security
      • PAF 461 Homeland Security
      • POS 466 Migration, Environment and Global Security
      • POS 467 International Security (GCSI)
      • SGS 466 Migration, Environment and Global Security
      • STS 364 Science, Technology, and National Security

Enrollment Requirements

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a non-degree-seeking graduate student.

Program Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes for the Security Studies certificate program include:

• Apply knowledge from computer information systems and accounting to private sector security concerns.
• Demonstrate competency in how the criminal justice system, including the police, courts, correctional agencies, and the private sector respond to crime and security issues, including domestic terrorist threats.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Security Studies certificate program find a strong job market in the public and private sectors. Employment opportunities include supervisory and management positions in corporate and public security as well as in criminal justice agencies at federal, state, and local levels. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.