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Private Security Certificate

School of Criminal Justice

At Kaplan University, you can study to earn a Private Security Certificate while enjoying the convenience and flexibility of online learning.
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Corporations are continually concerned with loss prevention, risk management, and the safety and security of their businesses and employees. These trends have led to an increasing need for qualified security professionals in a variety of industries. At Kaplan University, you can study to earn a Private Security Certificate while enjoying the convenience and flexibility of online learning.

Program Highlights

The online Private Security Certificate curriculum is designed to help you:

  • Develop the fundamental skills required for preventing and investigating various types of crime, including white-collar crime and fraud
  • Explore the trial process and gain an understanding of tort law
  • Study constitutional concepts such as search and seizure and discovery
  • Understand the U.S. criminal justice system and the processes for juvenile and adult offenders

What are the Career Opportunities?

This program provides you with the specialized knowledge necessary to seek employment in law enforcement, court systems, corrections, and private and corporate security.*

Prepare for Certification

Certification can give you an edge when competing for jobs in private or corporate security and other areas of criminal justice. The Private Security Certificate may help you earn the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification or qualify for membership in the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS).

Prepare for Future Studies

If you wish to pursue further studies, credits earned in fulfillment of this certificate may be applied toward the requirements of Kaplan University associate's and bachelor's degree programs.When the time is right, come back and earn your associate's or bachelor's degree online at Kaplan University.

Curriculum for the Private Security Certificate

Course # Course Title Credits
CJ 101 INTRODUCTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM 5
INTRODUCTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
This course provides an overview of the criminal justice system in the United States. Students gain an understanding of the philosophy and development of the criminal justice system, the current state of the criminal justice agencies and institutions, and the issues and challenges facing them.
CJ 125 INTRODUCTION TO FRAUD EXAMINATION 5
INTRODUCTION TO FRAUD EXAMINATION
The goal of this course is to provide students with the fundamental skills needed to practice in the field of fraud investigation and examination. It will provide the necessary foundation for understanding advanced, complex cases and to begin preparation for certification as a fraud examiner. Students will study actual cases of fraud and topics ranging from cash larceny thefts and reimbursement schemes to corruption and witness interviewing.
CJ 180 PRIVATE SECURITY 5
PRIVATE SECURITY
This course introduces students to the private security profession in the United States. Topics covered include current trends and the role of private security compared to that of police officers. Students explore specialized security fields and career opportunities in various industries. The course also explains computer security, the organizational role for security, risk analysis, litigation, and technological advancements.
CJ 210 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION 5
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
This course explains the importance and legal significance of evidence. It demonstrates how the investigative process works, from crime scene preservation to case preparation and courtroom presentation. It also examines various techniques used during criminal investigations, such as photography, interviewing, evidence handling, and scene reconstruction, and how each applies to specific types of crimes.
CJ 212 CRIME PREVENTION 5
CRIME PREVENTION
This course provides an overview of the diverse field of crime prevention with a heavy emphasis on primary prevention and a minor focus on secondary and tertiary prevention. Students will explore such elements of crime prevention as physical environmental design, the role of the community and the mass media, deterrence, community policing, school programs, drug abuse issues, and rehabilitation.
CJ 228 RISK MANAGEMENT 5
RISK MANAGEMENT
The essence of the field of security is to protect the assets of the employer or client and to prevent and control losses. This course is designed to give students an advantage upon entering the security field by providing a solid foundation in the techniques of risk analysis and risk management. It will help students understand the decision-making process regarding loss prevention, which will allow them to communicate and work with superiors as the process moves from basic security surveys to selection of loss-prevention techniques.
CJ 264 WHITE-COLLAR CRIME 5
WHITE-COLLAR CRIME
This course examines the various types of white-collar crime, as well as the methods used to investigate and prosecute economic crime. This course also includes a study of the economic, social, and political impact of white-collar crime on society.
CJ 305 LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF CRIMINAL EVIDENCE 6
LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF CRIMINAL EVIDENCE
This course explores the trial process, the definitions and types of evidence, and proof. Students will learn about trial proceedings and the role of the prosecutor and defense counsel. They will gain a thorough understanding of the different types of evidence, including real or physical evidence, testimonial evidence, documentary evidence, and demonstrative evidence. They will also study constitutional concepts such as the Exclusionary Rule, search and seizure, and discovery.
CJ 443 SECURITY MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 6
SECURITY MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
This course will guide students toward an understanding of the role of management within a security organization and explain techniques and offer practical methods that will help them achieve effective security department management. During the course, students will examine the following issues and topics: basic management and organizational theory; individual roles of security management personnel; policy and procedure; current computer applications that can help all aspects of security function; the importance of security statistics; and how to sell security to the organization. One of the course's major themes is the importance of security within the organization and within the community.
PA 310 TORT LAW 6
TORT LAW
Paralegals must be familiar with tort law, as they will undoubtedly encounter tort issues at some time, no matter in what area of law they work. This course includes topics such as negligence, defamation, malpractice, strict liability, product liability, intentional torts, misrepresentation, and issues of liability and insurance.
Total Program Requirements 53
Total Program Requirements

You Could Save Time and Money on Your Kaplan University Degree

Credit for Prior Learning

Our undergraduate degree programs feature large pools of open electives designed to offer greater flexibility when applying transfer credits toward program requirements. In addition, you can enroll in our portfolio development course, which helps you document your work and life experience in a portfolio you can submit for consideration for college credits. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs for undergraduate programs. Refer to the University Catalog for our transfer of credit policy.

Students in the Military

Kaplan University is proud to support our military and veterans in their educational pursuits by offering significantly reduced tuition. Undergraduate program tuition is reduced up to 55 percent for active-duty servicemembers and up to 38 percent for veterans. In addition, Kaplan University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program for all of our graduate programs, and both active-duty servicemembers and veterans are eligible for special tuition rates for these programs. A 10 percent tuition reduction is also available to spouses of active-duty servicemembers. For more information, call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor or visit the Kaplan University military site.

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour $371.00
Total program requirements Private Security Certificate 53
Total cost of tuition $19,663.00
This program requires a $100 technology fee per term (online students only). A nonrefundable application fee, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, may be required at the time of enrollment. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. 
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*Additional police academy training may be required for law enforcement jobs.
Although certain programs at Kaplan University are designed to prepare students to take various certification or licensing exams, the University cannot guarantee the student will pass those exams. In some cases, field experience, additional coursework, and/or background checks may be necessary to take or to successfully pass the exams.