Security and Protective Services Pathway
Is your student a good problem-solver? Can they anticipate people’s reactions and understand why they act a certain way? Are they in good physical shape? Then they might be right for a career in security and protective services!
Students in this pathway prepare for careers working in public buildings such as museums or art galleries to protect paintings and exhibits by inspecting people and packages entering and leaving the building. They may also work in factories, laboratories, government buildings, data processing centers, and military bases. Security officers protect information, products, computer codes, and defense secrets and check the credentials of people and vehicles entering and leaving the premises.
Gain real-world skills through project-based learning.
Career Prep* uses project-based learning (PBL) curriculum for many courses in this pathway. The curriculum is designed to hone students’ problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, and team collaboration skills. It is taught by experienced professionals and encompasses law, criminology, and so much more!
Our Security and Protective Services Pathway Curriculum in Detail
All our students take the core courses required for high school graduation in their state. The chart below shows the additional classes that Security and Protective Services Pathway students take. You can see the rest of the curriculum by viewing the full course list.
CAREER FOUNDATION COURSES
These courses are building blocks that prepare students for more specialized pathway courses.
CAREER PREPARATION COURSES
These courses prepare students for industry-recognized certification exams.
OPTIONAL CAREER LEARNING COURSES
While not required, these courses provide an opportunity for students to gain knowledge and skills that are useful in their chosen careers.
Careers in Criminal Justice 1
Careers in Criminal Justice 2
National Security†
OR
Cybersecurity Track:
Security+ with Exam Prep 1
Security+ with Exam Prep 2
Computer and Cloud Fundamentals††
Cybersecurity
Note: Pathway courses are subject to change.
†New in fall 2022
††New in spring 2023
Get credentialed.
In a world where competition for jobs, pay increases, and academic success continues to increase, certifications provide a credible, third-party assessment of a student’s skills and knowledge of a given subject. Students in this pathway can prepare to take these industry-recognized certification exams:**
EMPLOYMENT READY CERTIFICATIONS
Students have acquired skills to perform a job with little or no support.
CompTIA A+
EMPLOYMENT READY ADVANCED CERTIFICATIONS
These certifications indicate students have earned one or more pre-requisite Employment Ready certifications and demonstrated advanced skills.
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
Get ahead of the competition.
We encourage students to jumpstart the job search by helping them create a professional résumé, cover letter, and profile on Tallo, the leading professional networking platform for Gen Z. Plus, they connect virtually to working business professionals and entrepreneurs through Nepris.***
Find a School Near You that Offers the Security and Protective Services Pathway.
Career Prep programs with the Security and Protective Services Pathway are available at tuition-free K12-powered, public online schools in the following states:
Don’t see your state? Check out the tuition-based option here in the Security and Protective Services Pathway. There are also tuition-free options in related fields like the Law Enforcement Services Pathway!
Choose a career. Prepare for the future.
Students in this pathway can prepare for a wide variety of careers in the field of education, including:
Security guards protect property from illegal activity in a variety of places, including industrial settings, retail stores, and office buildings. Because many buildings are open 24 hours a day, security guards and officers often must work around the clock. Drug testing may be required both as a condition of employment and randomly during employment.
2021 Median Salary
$31,470
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Faster than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 12, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htmbls.gov/ooh/protective-service/security-guards.htm.
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Most information security analysts work for computer companies, consulting firms, or business and financial companies.
2021 Median Salary
$102,600
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Much faster than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 20, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit https://wwbls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm.
Transportation Security Screeners screen passengers, baggage, or cargo to ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. They may operate basic security equipment such as x-ray machines and hand wands at screening checkpoints.
2021 Median Salary
$46,380
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Average
Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 29, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/oes/current/oes339093.htm.
FAQs
Security guards typically require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Most states require security guards to be licensed by the state, especially if they carry a firearm.
Education and experience requirements vary according to the position and rank. For most TSA jobs, you must have a high school diploma or GED, be a U.S. citizen, be able to pass a drug screening and medical evaluation, and pass a background investigation (credit check and criminal check).
Learn more about course offerings in other career fields.
Business Management & Administration
Criminal Justice & Community Services
Education & Training
Engineering & Manufacturing
Health Sciences
Hospitality & Tourism
Information Technology (IT)
Marketing
Visual Arts & Communications
*Career Prep is a program for grades 9–12. Some schools offer career exploration in middle school.
**Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.
***Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.