Protective Services Operations Majors
At some colleges and universities across the United States, protective services operations is offered as a major for programs leading to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Students who select a concentration in protective services operations will likely take extensive coursework in security intelligence, operations planning, surveillance systems, security communications, access control, contingency planning, crowd control, and evacuation tactics. Learning about weapons and explosives with hands-on firearm training are also common. Many graduates from protective services operations programs will also join a specialized 11-day training session with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to further develop their practical protection skills.
Careers in Protective Services Operations
Possible future careers for protective services operations majors are basically limitless in the criminal justice field depending on the specific environment you wish to work. Students who have graduated from a protective services operations program are likely most qualified to become a security guard, armed car guard, gaming surveillance officer, internal security manager, bodyguard, animal control supervisor, loss prevention officer, security chief, or railroad police. After entering a police academy, graduates could also become law enforcement officers, patrol officers, corrections officers, detective, or criminal investigator. Others may wish to work as firefighters, emergency management directors, homeland security intelligence analysts, or private detectives to protect lives too.
Protective Services Operations Job Outlook
In general, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the outlook for graduates in the protective services operations should remain favorable over the next decade. Job growth may be slightly lowered by government budget cuts, but there will always be a need for courageous individuals to enter protective roles and keep our nation’s citizens safe from threats. Security guards have one of the fastest-growing protective services jobs with 12 percent growth predicted before 2022. Private detectives and investigators are also seeing above-average job growth at 11 percent. Individuals can receive the best prospects in the protective services operations by attaining a bachelor’s degree and building extensive security experience.
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In a time when our world is constantly threatened by violent acts, terrorist attacks, and even cyber crimes, professionals in the protective services operations are essential for being the first line-of-defense in safeguarding our country’s citizens from harm. Although protective services operations majors can be difficult to find, earning a degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, emergency management, homeland security, or public safety can lead to many of the same careers. If you think you have the inquisitiveness, resourcefulness, patience, and decision-making skills needed to succeed in providing security, you should consider protective services operations as your rewarding career aspiration.