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CIP 43.0109 Homeland Security and Law Enforcement

Security and Loss Prevention Services

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

52

2025 · 5 schools

International share

9.6%

5 international students

Bachelor's degrees

19

5.3% international

Master's degrees

28

14.3% international

Overview

Security and Loss Prevention Services is a specialized field focused on protecting an organization's assets from theft, fraud, and other forms of loss. This program prepares students to develop strategies and implement measures that enhance security and minimize risks within various environments, such as retail, corporate, and public sectors.

Students in this field learn about risk assessment, crisis management, and the implementation of security protocols. The curriculum often includes topics such as surveillance techniques, loss prevention strategies, emergency response planning, and the legal aspects of security. Additionally, students are trained in the use of technology and systems that aid in surveillance and monitoring, such as CCTV systems and access control systems.

The growing concern over safety and security in both public and private sectors has increased the demand for professionals skilled in loss prevention. Graduates may find opportunities in various roles, including security management, risk assessment, and loss prevention analysis. They can work in a range of industries, including retail, finance, hospitality, and government agencies.

Furthermore, the program emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making and the role of security personnel in maintaining a safe environment. With the rise of e-commerce and digital transactions, understanding cybersecurity as part of loss prevention strategies is also becoming increasingly relevant.

Overall, a degree in Security and Loss Prevention Services equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively safeguard assets and enhance organizational resilience against potential threats.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2002 to 2025, graduates fell 55% and the international share went from 2.6% to 9.6%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
71.2%
Asian
1.9%
Hispanic
7.7%
Black
5.8%
Other
3.8%
Intl.
9.6%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 5 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#276 University of New Haven Connecticut 43 3
— Cuyahoga Community College District Ohio 3 0
— Delta College Michigan 2 0
— Northern Michigan University Michigan 2 0
— New England College New Hampshire 2 2

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Security Guards 1,283,470 $20.42 $42,470
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers 81,480 $28.80 $59,900
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary 13,150 — $87,550
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators 9,520 $21.94 $45,630
Transit and Railroad Police 4,390 $44.14 $91,810

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.