Online Private Security Certificate

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Program at a Glance
  • Complete 10 courses designed to introduce you to the field of private and corporate security.
  • Prepare for security certifications, which can give you an edge when competing for jobs.
  • Learn from professors who bring real-world experience to the courses they teach.
  • Credits earned in this certificate program can apply toward a Purdue Global associate’s or bachelor’s degree program.
COURSE EFFORT 15–18 Hours per Week
COURSE LENGTH 10-Week Terms
Course Details
CREDITS REQUIRED 53
COST PER CREDIT $371
Ways to Save
How Do I Get Started?

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

July 3
July 31
August 21
September 18

Private Security Certificate Overview

Businesses are continuously concerned with loss prevention, risk management, and the safety and security of their business and employees. This leads to a need for qualified security professionals in a variety of industries. With our online Private Security Certificate, you can develop the skills to advance in this dynamic field.

The online Private Security Certificate examines the range of security responsibilities and how to provide asset protection to clients in private and business environments. 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.

See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

Admissions Requirements

To enroll in the online Private Security Certificate program, you must possess an associate’s or bachelor’s degree within the criminal justice field from an accredited institution OR provide proof of work experience in law enforcement, the military, or an associated area of criminal justice within the last 18 months and meet additional criteria determined by the Dean.


Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

Purdue University Global Is Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission

This accreditation covers all academic programs, all regional locations, and all programs provided via distance education. For more information, please visit HLCommission.org or call 800-621-7440.

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.

Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:

  1. Active Listening
  2. Critical Thinking
  3. Speaking
  4. Monitoring
  5. Coordination

Top Jobs With This Degree

Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2016–2028) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Prior experience may be necessary for leadership positions. Local, state, and federal law enforcement jobs may require additional training or education including additional state-approved higher education beyond the Purdue Global degree. This program was not designed to meet any specific state’s requirements, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information. Graduates of Purdue Global criminal justice programs are not eligible to attend police academies in Minnesota.

Prepare for the Next Step in Your Career and Education

Prepare for Certified Protection Professional (CPP) Certification

The Private Security Certificate can help you prepare for the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification exam. You could also qualify for membership in the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS).*

Get a Head Start on Your Next Degree

By completing the online certificate program, you’ll not only earn a valuable credential to make an immediate impact on your career, but you’ll also lay the groundwork for your next degree. Qualified credits can apply toward a Purdue Global associate’s or bachelor’s degree.†

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Discover your work interests and use them to chart your ideal career path.

Learn More

Purdue Global’s Private Security Certificate is designed to increase your knowledge in private security, exploring concepts and theory in the field of organizational behavior as well as the investigative process.

Sample Courses
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Police Operations
  • Crime Prevention
  • Criminal Procedure
  • Supervisory Practices in Criminal Justice
  • Managing Criminal Justice Organizations
See All Private Security Courses
Credit Breakdown
  • Major Credits53
  • Total Credits53

Ways to Save

Program Cost Estimator

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current cost per credit
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Maine residents will pay $420.00 per credit for all graduate programs, with the exception of the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Tuition does not include University fees and associated program fees. View tuition and fee information or contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

View Criminal Justice and Fire Science Faculty Directory
97% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
45% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
218 Faculty publications in 2017–2018
Nearly 87,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2017–2018

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis and Center for Teaching and Learning. 2017–2018 academic year. Note: all figures include data prior to the March 2018 purchase of Kaplan University by Purdue University and subsequent creation of Purdue University Global.

Gainful Employment Disclosures

Access gainful employment information, including program length, tuition costs, financing options, and success rates.‡

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School Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about our criminal justice programs and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.

†The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning Assessment policy.

‡Purdue University acquired Kaplan University in March 2018 and created Purdue University Global, which is following the same curriculum format and instructional delivery methods as developed and used by Kaplan University. These disclosures are based on Kaplan University data reported prior to the acquisition.