Security Industry Association and University of Phoenix Partner to Expand Access to Bachelor's Degrees in Security

Partnership aimed at bolstering talent pipeline to support growing demands of security industry

PHOENIX, Nov. 18, 2015 — 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 upskill and prepare for opportunities 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 [2].

“The increasing complexity in the security industry has resulted in expanding demands for educated professionals,” said Donald 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 enhancement 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 University 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 published the competency model to the Department’s website.

For more information about the CSPM Certification, visit http://www.siaonline.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 https://www.phoenix.edu/criminal-justice.html.

For more information about each of these programs, including on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by students who completed the program and other important information, please visit: phoenix.edu/.

About SIA

The Security Industry Association (SIA) (http://www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for electronic and physical security solution providers, with more than 600 innovative member companies representing more than 350,000 security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities; and collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, and owner of the Securing New Ground® conference, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities.”

About the College of Security and Criminal Justice

University of Phoenix® College of Security and Criminal Justice continues the University’s original mission when it began serving working professionals such as police officers more than 30 years ago. The College offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that provide the skills needed to develop the next generation of leaders in the security and criminal justice fields. Students are supported by faculty members who are experts and leaders in their fields, and can connect with students and professionals through online and campus networking opportunities. The College of Security and Criminal Justice’s Faculty Advisory Council reviews trends and helps keep curriculum on pace with national and international market demands. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu/cjs.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

[1] https://www.asisonline.org/Documents/ASIS%20IOFM%20Executive%20Summary%208.23.13.%20final.pdf

[2] Project Management Institute. Project Management Salary Survey (2013). Seventh Edition. Page 243