NCJ Number
115935
Journal
Security Management Volume: 33 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1989) Pages: 87-90
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Higher educations is crucial for security professionals and should be accomplished through sound programs and curricula that are based on input from security practitioners.
Abstract
Security professionals need the critical thinking skills, skills in written and oral communication, and creativity that are promoted or enhanced through college study. Many institutions now offer courses in security. The curricula vary widely, but most programs are offered in the form of concentrations, associate degrees, or certificates through criminal justice departments. Some programs have been developed to help stem declining enrollments in these departments, and many programs show an impracticality resulting in lack of contact with security practitioners. In addition, many programs teach security management without the necessary background courses in business, management, statistics, law, insurance, English, and psychology. Academicians and practitioners need to work together to address these problems. They should design curricula incorporating a multidisciplinary approach to security, use guest lectures from representatives of industry and government, encourage internship programs, and take other steps. Graduate curricula should address professional needs as well as students' potential need to transfer credits to other programs. Institutions should also consider directing certificate and associate degree programs toward entry-level jobs, because these programs do not fully prepare students for managerial positions.