SIA, University of Phoenix partner to expand access to Bachelor’s Degrees in security

SILVER SPRING, Md.— University of Phoenix® College of Security and Criminal Justice and the Security Industry Association (SIA) today announced a partnership to provide those who have completed a SIA Certified Security Project Manager (CSPM®) credential with 21 credit hours to apply toward a Bachelor of Science in Security Management from the University. The goal of the agreement is to nimbly respond to industry demands by providing flexibility to security professionals to advance and upskill in an ever-changing industry, which is estimated to have a $350 billion annual market in the United States alone[1].

“University of Phoenix is proud to partner with the Security Industry Association to provide security professionals with flexible learning options and industry-aligned curriculum that will further their education and build upon the skills gained through a CSPM certificate,” said Spider Marks, executive dean for University of Phoenix College of Security and Criminal Justice.

Security professionals holding CSPM certificates have a minimum of approximately three years of hands-on project management experience. However, a survey by the Project Management Institute found that the majority of CSPM certificate holders in the U.S. do not have college degrees. 

“The increasing complexity in the security industry has resulted in expanding demands for educated professionals,” said Don Erickson, chief executive officer of the Security Industry Association, a leading organization advocating for advancement of the security industry. “This agreement offers seasoned practitioners who already possess management experience to apply their practical skills toward a degree that supports their career advancement while also meeting industry needs.”

The agreement between University of Phoenix College of Security and Criminal Justice and SIA is just one example of a growing list of strategic initiatives the College is undertaking as it increases its focus on meeting educational needs within the security sector. The University recently partnered with ASIS Foundation to develop the Enterprise Security Competency Model. This first-of-its-kind model is designed to represent the competencies that are essential to be prepared for a career in today’s ever-changing security industry. The U.S. Department of Labor has recognized the competency model by publishing it to the Department’s website.

For more information about the CSPM Certification, visit http://www.securityindustry.org/Pages/Certification/CSPM-Certification.aspx.

To learn more about the degree programs offered through the College of Security and Criminal Justice or for information on the University’s educational partnerships, visit http://www.phoenix.edu/colleges_divisions/criminal-justice.html.