Skip to Main Content

Protective services


What are protective services majors?

Most protective services programs cover topics related to law enforcement, emergency management, and homeland security. Coursework can include classes in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, and political science. As a protective services major, you will learn about the criminal justice system, how to respond to emergencies, and how to keep communities safe. You’ll also gain skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. With a degree in protective services, you’ll be able to pursue careers in law enforcement, security, and other safety-related fields.

How much do protective services majors make?

Protective services graduates typically make between $40,000 and $93,000 per year. The national average of reported salaries for protective services degrees is $60,000. The highest paying major within protective services is Military systems technology with an average salary of $85,000. The lowest paying major within protective services is Fire protection and prevention with an average salary of $60,000.
Protective services majorsAverage salarySalary
Military systems technology$85,000
Fire protection and prevention$60,000
Fire science and firefightingNo data
Homeland security and disaster managementNo data
IntelligenceNo data
Military scienceNo data
Security science and technologyNo data

Popular protective services majors by degrees awarded

On average, around 11,300 students obtain a bachelor's degree or associate degree in all protective services fields each year. In 2021, the most popular major within protective services was homeland security and disaster management with 3,632 students obtaining a bachelor's degree and 608 students obtaining an associate degree. The least popular major was security science and technology with 107 students obtaining a bachelor's degree and fewer than 5 students obtaining an associate degree. Overall, protective services is a relatively uncommon area of study.