Security Degree Hub Program Rankings


Security Degree Hub Program Rankings for cybersecurity education programs, professional resources, and student resources. The Security Degree Hub is an independent online guide to the best security degree programs, from cybersecurity to Homeland Security to forensics.

Security is one of the fastest-growing industrial sectors, and one of the most complex. It includes private industry, government agencies, academic research institutions, and nonprofits. With so many different possible directions for a security career, so many specializations, so many employers, and so many regions all over the world, planning a security career can be overwhelming.

What Kinds of Security Degrees Are There?

The place to start, obviously, is with a degree in security, and that’s where Security Degree Hub’s Rankings are meant to help. Security Degrees are available at various education levels and through both online and on-campus formats.

With a Security degree program, you can expect to learn the skills needed in protective service occupations. SDH’s rankings look at all sides of security education, so prospective students can determine what direction they need to go in.

Some of the most important areas of study in the security field include:

  • Cybercrime/Cybersecurity
  • Emergency and/or Disaster Management
  • Forensics
  • Fraud
  • Homeland Security
  • Information Security
  • National Defense Policy
  • Profiling
  • Public Policy
  • Threat Assessment

Associate Degrees:

With an Associate degree, you’ll be taught the basic principles. Most programs focus on laying down the foundations needed for all security careers and then branch out into subspecialties with more advanced certificate or degree offerings. Basically protecting people (or databases) and enforcing rules.

Top 10 Most Affordable IT Degree Programs

BLS estimates there are 4.9 million jobs assigned in the cluster of Security, Public Safety and Corrections. Another 3.5 million are counted as Information Technology occupations. Most of these jobs will require a bachelor’s degree. However, it is noted that computer-support positions can be had with short on-the-job training or a completed associate’s degree.

Some of the most in-demand security fields you can enter with an associate’s degree include:

  • Security Administration
  • Criminal Justice
  • Public Safety, Corrections, Law
  • Computer and Informations Systems

Bachelor’s Degrees:

Starting with a bachelor’s degree, we see more specializations available. Many students of bachelor’s programs decide to pursue advanced degrees for higher pay wages, supervisory positions, and the availability of more career opportunities.

A full 4-year degree program gives students the time to really hone in on the field or discipline they’re interested in. After getting past the general education requirements and security basics, bachelor’s students can choose electives or follow a set path to develop the skills and knowledge of much more specialized careers.

Most Affordable Homeland Security Degree Programs
Top ROTC Programs for Security Majors

Some in-demand security professions you can start with a bachelor’s degree include:

  • Homeland Security and Counterterrorism
  • Police Officer or Detective
  • CIA Operations

Master’s Degrees:

Are you looking to prepare for management within the security sector? If so, then a Master’s degree will prove helpful. Both public and private organizations look for advanced degrees on resumes when hiring for leadership positions or executive roles.

Earning a master’s degree generally takes around two years, but accelerated master’s degrees have become increasingly common as more working professionals go back to school to get their credentials. With more intense classes (generally 6-8 weeks for what a conventional master’s does in 16) and more frequent terms, students can finish an accelerated master’s in a year or less.

Top 10 Cybersecurity MBA Programs

Some of the most in-demand security master’s programs include:

  • MS Justice and Security
  • Masters in Science in Criminal Justice
  • MS Cybersecurity

Online Degrees:

The Online Degree market is booming. With over 3 million students pursuing their studies online and an estimated $20 billion dollar market, you want to be sure you’re choosing a legitimate school course path and not just lining the pockets of phony diploma mills.

Is the School Accredited? There are usually 2 accreditations prospective students might look for. First, for the institution, and second, for specialized accreditation for the program for the particular degree. Obviously, this varies, as some degrees do not require specialized accreditation.

The Department of Education will list the status of every Title IV school in the US and also their current accreditation status. Look for online programs that hold the online program to the same standard as their on-campus counterpart. With so many institutions offering degrees online, the competition for your business is rapidly increasing. Use that to your advantage, and choose wisely.

All Security Degree Hub Rankings: