• This program is offered online.

  • Private Security Certificate

    Corporations are continually concerned with loss prevention, risk management, and the safety and security of their businesses and employees. These trends have led to an increasing need for qualified security professionals in a variety of industries. At Kaplan University, you can study to earn a Private Security Certificate while enjoying the convenience and flexibility of online learning. 

    Private Security Certificate Program Highlights

    The online Private Security Certificate 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 

    What are the 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.* 

    Prepare for Certification

    Certification can give you an edge when competing for jobs in private or corporate security and other areas of criminal justice. The Private Security Certificate may help you earn the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification or qualify for membership in the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS).† 

  • Kaplan University offers multiple start dates, giving you greater flexibility with your education, life, and work schedules.

    Jun 05

    Online Start Date
    Jun 05, 2013

    Jul 03

    Online Start Date
    Jul 03, 2013

    View the Academic Calendar

  • Curriculum: All Tracks

    Certificate Requirements

    CJ 101: INTRODUCTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (5 Credits)

    This course provides an overview of the criminal justice system in the United States. Students gain an understanding of the philosophy and development of the criminal justice system, the current state of the criminal justice agencies and institutions, and the issues and challenges facing them.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 53
    Total Program Credits: 53

    CJ 125: INTRODUCTION TO FRAUD EXAMINATION (5 Credits)

    The goal of this course is to provide students with the fundamental skills needed to practice in the field of fraud investigation and examination. It will provide the necessary foundation for understanding advanced, complex cases and to begin preparation for certification as a fraud examiner. Students will study actual cases of fraud and topics ranging from cash larceny thefts and reimbursement schemes to corruption and witness interviewing.

    Prerequisites Required: CJ 101

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 53
    Total Program Credits: 53

    CJ 180: PRIVATE SECURITY (5 Credits)

    This course introduces students to the private security profession in the United States. Topics covered include current trends and the role of private security compared to that of police officers. Students explore specialized security fields and career opportunities in various industries. The course also explains computer security, the organizational role for security, risk analysis, litigation, and technological advancements.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 53
    Total Program Credits: 53

    CJ 210: CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION (5 Credits)

    This course explains the importance and legal significance of evidence. It demonstrates how the investigative process works, from crime scene preservation to case preparation and courtroom presentation. It also examines various techniques used during criminal investigations, such as photography, interviewing, evidence handling, and scene reconstruction, and how each applies to specific types of crimes.

    Prerequisites Required: CJ 101

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 53
    Total Program Credits: 53

    CJ 212: CRIME PREVENTION (5 Credits)

    This course provides an overview of the diverse field of crime prevention with a heavy emphasis on primary prevention and a minor focus on secondary and tertiary prevention. Students will explore such elements of crime prevention as physical environmental design, the role of the community and the mass media, deterrence, community policing, school programs, drug abuse issues, and rehabilitation.

    Prerequisites Required: CJ 101

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 53
    Total Program Credits: 53

    CJ 227: CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (5 Credits)

    This course examines the constitutional protection and due process afforded every person arrested in the United States. It provides students with a thorough understanding of the U.S. justice system from the time of arrest through the sentencing of the criminal off ender. In addition, this course examines such matters as victims' rights and the effects of gangs on the crime problem.

    Prerequisites Required: CJ 101

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 53
    Total Program Credits: 53

    CJ 264: WHITE-COLLAR CRIME (5 Credits)

    This course examines the various types of white-collar crime, as well as the methods used to investigate and prosecute economic crime. This course also includes a study of the economic, social, and political impact of white-collar crime on society.

    Prerequisites Required: CJ 101

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 53
    Total Program Credits: 53

    CJ 305: LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF CRIMINAL EVIDENCE (6 Credits)

    This course explores the trial process, the definitions and types of evidence, and proof. Students will learn about trial proceedings and the role of the prosecutor and defense counsel. They will gain a thorough understanding of the different types of evidence, including real or physical evidence, testimonial evidence, documentary evidence, and demonstrative evidence. They will also study constitutional concepts such as the Exclusionary Rule, search and seizure, and discovery.

    Prerequisites Required: CJ 101; CJ 140 recommended

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 53
    Total Program Credits: 53

    CJ 444: MANAGING CRIMINAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS (6 Credits)

    This course deals with concepts and theory in the field of organizational behavior. The course focuses on the historical perspectives of organizational theorists, theories of motivations and leadership, and future trends and developments in modern organizations.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 53
    Total Program Credits: 53

    PA 310: TORT LAW (6 Credits)

    Paralegals must be familiar with tort law, as they will undoubtedly encounter tort issues at some time, no matter in what area of law they work. This course includes topics such as negligence, defamation, malpractice, strict liability, product liability, intentional torts, misrepresentation, and issues of liability and insurance.

    Prerequisites Required:

    PA 201

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 53
    Total Program Credits: 53

    Tuition & Fees: All Tracks

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    All Tracks Online &
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    Tuition and Fees

    Some programs have additional associated fees that are not included in the price of tuition. Click here or check with an Admissions Advisor for more information. 

    Learn More about Kaplan University Tuition and Fees  

    Notice to Learning Center Students

    Kaplan University Learning Center students will only complete a portion of this program on site. You will need to complete at least 50% of the program requirements online, or through transfer credit awarded via prior learning assessment. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak with an admissions advisor.

    Scholarships and Grants

    Learn more about grants and Kaplan University Scholarships and that may help reduce the cost of your education.

    Kaplan University tuition reductions (including active-duty, spouse, and veterans military tuition rates; scholarships; grants; vouchers; and alumni and alliance reductions) cannot be combined. 

    Tuition Rates for Military Students and Spouses

    Kaplan University has significantly reduced many of our tuition rates and fees for active-duty servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans. Click here for more information.
     

  • * Additional police academy training may be required for law enforcement jobs.

    † While many of Kaplan University's degree programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue continued bachelor-, graduate-, or doctorate-level education, the University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any programs.

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