As an international student looking to study security management in 2025, you want to choose a degree program that will provide you with a strong foundation in security principles and technology as well as connections to internships and jobs after graduation.
By selecting one of the top security management degrees recommended in this article, you can position yourself for career success with world-class instruction and hands-on learning. The programs highlighted here were chosen for their academic rigor, experienced faculty, focus on emerging security threats, and history of placing international graduates in security roles across industries.
Whether your interests lie in physical security, cybersecurity, emergency management or another security concentration, this list offers diverse options across the United States to launch your security management career as an international student.
Why Study Security Management?
Diverse Career Opportunities
A degree in security management opens up various career opportunities in both public and private sectors. You can work as a security director or manager overseeing operations at organizations. You can also work as an information security analyst, protecting digital assets and networks. Other options include working as a cybersecurity consultant, forensic investigator, or for federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security.
Job Growth and Security
The job market for security management roles is expanding rapidly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for information security analysts are projected to grow by 28% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than average. Security management directors and consultants are also in high demand. Earning a degree in this field provides job security and opportunities for career progression.
Develop Technical and Soft Skills
A security management program equips you with a mix of technical and soft skills that are useful for leadership and analytical roles. You gain knowledge of security frameworks, risk management, compliance, and threat assessment. You also strengthen skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These competencies prepare you for diverse responsibilities in the field.
Competitive Salaries
Security management professionals are typically very well compensated for their skills and experience. According to PayScale, information security managers in the U.S. earn an average salary of $118,000 per year. Salaries for security directors and consultants are often significantly higher, ranging from $140,000 to over $200,000 annually depending on the region and organization. Earning a degree in security management can lead to a successful and financially rewarding career.
In summary, studying security management opens up opportunities for an expanding array of stable, well-paying jobs in both public and private sectors. A degree also provides both technical knowledge and soft skills that are useful for leadership roles. The field offers diverse career paths with competitive salaries and potential for progression to more senior positions.
Top Schools for Security Management Degrees
King’s College, London
King’s College London offers a Master of Science in Security and Risk Management that provides advanced knowledge and skills related to security and risk management. The program covers areas such as security risk assessment, business continuity planning, crisis management, and cybersecurity.
With its location in London, students have opportunities for internships and networking in the security industry. King’s College is a prestigious school that has been educating students since 1829.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, part of the City University of New York system, provides bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in security management and related fields. The master’s in Protection Management prepares students for leadership roles in the security industry.
The program covers topics such as threat assessment, emergency management, and security technology. John Jay College has partnerships with major security organizations in New York City, offering students opportunities for internships and jobs after graduation.
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and a graduate certificate in Information Assurance Management. The master’s program provides knowledge and skills related to risk management, compliance and policy development, and leading cybersecurity programs.
Students can focus on management or technical tracks. The information assurance graduate certificate covers areas such as security architecture, operations security, and security risk management. The University of South Florida has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
With opportunities for internships, strong industry connections, and a focus on management and leadership skills, these top schools provide international students an excellent education in security management. By choosing a program that aligns with your interests and career goals, you can prepare yourself for a successful career as a security management leader.
Security Management Degree Program Overview
Program Curriculum
Security management degree programs provide students with a strong foundation in core security concepts and technologies. The curriculum typically covers areas such as security risk assessment, disaster recovery planning, business continuity management, information security management, and physical security. Students can expect to take courses on topics like:
- Security Risk Analysis: How to identify, assess, and mitigate security risks in an organization.
- Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning: How to develop, implement, and maintain emergency management and business continuity plans.
- Information Security Management: How to apply security controls to protect an organization’s data, networks, and computer systems.
- Physical Security: How to design and implement effective security measures to protect people, infrastructure, and assets.
Career Outlook
Graduates of security management degree programs can pursue careers as information security analysts, security managers or directors, business continuity planners, and physical security specialists. According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook in these fields is positive. For example, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 28% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Program Formats
Security management degrees are offered at the bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate levels. Programs are available in traditional on-campus formats as well as online. On-campus programs may allow for more networking opportunities and hands-on learning. Online programs offer more flexibility and may be better suited for working professionals. Some schools also offer accelerated programs for students with relevant work experience.
In summary, a security management degree can open up many promising career opportunities in a growing field. When choosing a program, students should consider the curriculum, career support offered, program format, and their own priorities and goals. With the right education and experience, security management professionals can help organizations safeguard their people, operations, and assets.
Admissions Requirements for International Students
To apply for a security management degree as an international student, you will need to meet certain admissions requirements.### Academic Requirements Most schools require a secondary school diploma and a minimum GPA for admission.
For undergraduate programs, a high school diploma and 2.5-3.0 GPA or higher is typically needed. For graduate programs, a bachelor’s degree and 3.0 GPA or higher is usually required. Some schools may require certain coursework in areas like mathematics, sciences or humanities.
English Language Proficiency
Since security management programs are usually taught in English, you must demonstrate English proficiency. This is done by submitting TOEFL, IELTS or other standardized test scores. The minimum scores vary by school, but are usually around 550-580 on the TOEFL paper-based test or 79-93 on the TOEFL internet-based test. For the IELTS, a minimum band score of 6.5-7.0 is common.
Application Materials
In addition to test scores, you will need to submit a completed application, application fee, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose or admission essay, and official transcripts from all schools attended. The statement of purpose and letters of recommendation allow you to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and motivation for the program.
Financial Support Documentation
As an international student, you will need to prove you have sufficient funding to pay for the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, living expenses, and healthcare. This is done by submitting bank statements, government funding documentation, or other financial support evidence with your application.
By meeting the necessary admissions requirements for international students, you will have the opportunity to earn a quality security management education. Be sure to start the application process early and check with your target schools for their specific deadlines and requirements. With the proper time and preparation, you can achieve your goal of studying security management abroad.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students
International students face unique challenges in funding their education, as they are typically ineligible for federal student aid and scholarships reserved for citizens. However, many schools and private organizations offer scholarships and aid specifically targeting international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Many schools offer merit-based scholarships for international students based on outstanding academic achievement and test scores. These scholarships may cover partial or full tuition. Private organizations such as QS and The Foundation for Global Scholars also offer merit scholarships for international students studying in the U.S. or Canada. Competitive applicants will have a strong GPA, high standardized test scores, and a clear academic purpose.
Need-Based Grants
Some schools offer need-based grants and aid for international students demonstrating financial hardship. These grants are given to students who would otherwise be unable to afford attendance. Applicants will need to provide detailed financial records proving their need. Some schools require a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score to qualify for need-based aid.
Private Scholarships
There are many private organizations offering scholarships for international students, with various eligibility criteria. These include the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the Rotary Foundation Global Grants, and the Charles Koch Foundation. Applicants will need to research the specific priorities and application requirements for each scholarship. Common criteria include academic achievement, future goals, community service, and financial need.
Student Loans
While less common, some private lenders do offer student loans for international students studying in the U.S. or Canada. However, interest rates tend to be higher, loan amounts lower, and terms less favorable compared to loans for domestic students. International students will typically need a credit-worthy co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Applicants should compare options carefully to find loans with reasonable terms.
With diligent research and a well-crafted application, international students have a good chance of finding funding to support their education through scholarships, grants, or student loans. While the options may be more limited, focusing on those targeting international applicants will yield the best results.
Conclusion
As an international student interested in pursuing a degree in security management, you now have a solid overview of some of the top programs available in 2025. By considering factors like curriculum, research opportunities, career support services, and affordability, you can make an informed decision about which school is the best fit for your goals and budget.
With enhanced skills in risk analysis, policy planning, emergency response, and more, you will gain the expertise needed to launch a successful career protecting people, assets, and information across borders. Though the application process may seem daunting, the potential rewards of earning a security management degree abroad are immense. Approach this exciting new chapter in your education with an open mind, and you are sure to thrive.