Protective Services Operations
A program focusing on the principles and techniques of providing physical security protection to clients in various environments and situations. Includes instruction in security intelligence and information resources, operations planning and surveying, operations security, weapons and explosives, defense and offense techniques, security and surveillance systems, communications systems, perimeter and access control, weapons of mass destruction, contingency planning, crowd control, cover and evacuation, combat and vehicle techniques, and applicable legal and administrative responsibilities.
- Schools offering
- 5
- Annual completions
- 10
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $52k
About this major
A program focusing on the principles and techniques of providing physical security protection to clients in various environments and situations. Includes instruction in security intelligence and information resources, operations planning and surveying, operations security, weapons and explosives, defense and offense techniques, security and surveillance systems, communications systems, perimeter and access control, weapons of mass destruction, contingency planning, crowd control, cover and evacuation, combat and vehicle techniques, and applicable legal and administrative responsibilities.
Examples of specialized tracks: Land Transportation Security, Physical Security, Protective Operations, Evasive and Defensive Driving.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police and sheriff's patrol officers | $76k | +3.1% | High school diploma or equivalent |
| First-line supervisors of police and detectives | $106k | +2.9% | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Private detectives and investigators | $52k | +6.0% | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary | $71k | +2.0% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Emergency management directors | $86k | +3.0% | Bachelor's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$52k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$47k
Bachelor's
$54k
Top colleges for Protective Services Operations
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc-San Juan | San Juan, PR | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc-San Sebastian | San Sebastian, PR | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide | Daytona Beach, FL | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| South College | Knoxville, TN | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| EDP University of Puerto Rico-Caguas | Caguas, PR | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Related majors to explore
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
33,388 completions/yr
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
20,738 completions/yr
Criminal Justice/Police Science
7,520 completions/yr
Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other
3,184 completions/yr
Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
1,490 completions/yr
Homeland Security
1,355 completions/yr
Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management
1,270 completions/yr
Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
1,074 completions/yr
Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Protective Services Operations field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Protective Services Operations worth it? Read verdict