Business Essentials for the Security Executive

The Business Essentials for the Security Executive program at American Public University is designed to provide security professionals with a comprehensive understanding of key business principles necessary to succeed in leadership roles within the security industry. This program combines foundational business knowledge with specialized security management topics, equipping students with the skills needed to effectively align security initiatives with organizational goals, manage resources, and communicate with key stakeholders. Throughout the program, students explore essential areas such as strategic planning, risk management, financial oversight, and organizational leadership, all tailored to a security context. The coursework emphasizes critical thinking, decision-making, and ethical considerations, preparing graduates to address complex security challenges proactively and strategically. With flexible online delivery, the program allows working professionals to balance their studies with existing commitments while gaining valuable insights into business operations that directly impact security practices. The curriculum also covers relevant legal and regulatory issues, technology applications, and crisis management techniques crucial for modern security executives. By completing this program, students will be well-equipped to take on senior security roles, contribute to organizational growth, and demonstrate leadership in multifaceted security environments. The degree emphasizes practical application through real-world case studies, project-based learning, and expert instruction, ensuring that graduates can effectively implement their knowledge to protect organizational assets and support overall business success. Designed for current security professionals and aspiring leaders, the Business Essentials for the Security Executive program aims to develop highly competent, strategic thinkers capable of making informed decisions that enhance security effectiveness and organizational resilience.

The Business Essentials for the Security Executive program is designed to provide security professionals with a comprehensive understanding of fundamental business concepts, enabling them to effectively contribute to their organization's strategic objectives. This program covers a broad spectrum of topics, beginning with an overview of organizational management, including leadership principles, organizational behavior, and decision-making processes. Participants will explore the core functions of management such as planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling, with an emphasis on their application within security contexts.

Additionally, the curriculum delves into financial management and budgetary planning, equipping security executives with the skills necessary to develop, monitor, and analyze budgets, ensuring cost-effective security operations. The program also examines operational logistics, risk management strategies, and the importance of compliance with legal and regulatory standards, fostering a proactive approach to security challenges.

A key component of the program focuses on strategic communication and stakeholder engagement, emphasizing the importance of clear communication channels within organizations and with external partners. Participants will learn about project management principles, enabling them to lead security initiatives effectively from conception to completion. Ethical considerations and the development of professional integrity are woven throughout the coursework to prepare participants for responsible decision-making.

Through case studies, practical exercises, and real-world scenarios, students will gain valuable insights into the intersection of business practices and security management. The program aims to develop well-rounded security executives who can align security strategies with overall business objectives, manage resources efficiently, and lead their teams with confidence. Whether working in corporate security, government agencies, or private industry, graduates will leave with a solid foundation in business essentials tailored specifically for security leadership roles, empowering them to protect organizational assets while supporting overall business success.

Program requirements for the Business Essentials for the Security Executive degree at American Public University include a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with fundamental knowledge in business management, security principles, and strategic decision-making. Prospective students must hold a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for admission. The program typically requires the completion of 30 credit hours, which can be achieved through a combination of core courses, electives, and culminating assessments. Core courses cover topics such as Introduction to Business, Principles of Management, Business Law, Principles of Marketing, and Ethics in Business, providing students with a solid foundation in organizational operations and legal considerations. Specialized courses related to security management and executive strategies are also integral, focusing on risk assessment, security policies, and leadership for security professionals. Students are expected to engage in various types of assessments, including examinations, essays, case studies, and project work, designed to evaluate their application of theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. The program emphasizes flexible online learning, allowing students to balance their education with personal and professional commitments. Additionally, students may be required to complete a capstone project that synthesizes learning outcomes and demonstrates their readiness to assume leadership roles in security and business environments. Continuous faculty support and access to learning resources are available to facilitate student success. Prerequisites may vary depending on individual backgrounds, but generally, prior experience in security or business is recommended to maximize understanding and application of course material. Successful completion of the program prepares graduates for roles that require strategic oversight, risk management, and leadership within organizations focused on security and business integrity.

The American Public University offers flexible and affordable financing options for students enrolled in the Business Essentials for the Security Executive program. Tuition fees are designed to be competitive and accessible, facilitating the pursuit of higher education for a diverse student body. The university provides various payment plans, allowing students to pay their tuition in manageable installments over the course of their studies. Financial aid opportunities, including federal student aid (FAFSA), military and veteran benefits, and institutional scholarships, are available to eligible students, enabling many to offset the cost of their education. Additionally, APUS partners with lending institutions to offer federal and private student loans, providing further flexibility in financing options. The university emphasizes transparent billing practices, detailed cost breakdowns, and dedicated financial services support to assist students in understanding and managing their educational expenses. Students are encouraged to explore all available resources and consult with financial advisors at APUS to determine the best financing strategy suited to their individual circumstances. The program’s online format reduces associated costs such as commuting and housing, further making higher education accessible. Although specific tuition figures for the Business Essentials for the Security Executive program are not publicly detailed, the overall university trends suggest that the cost structure remains reasonable and competitive within the online higher education landscape. Students should contact the university’s financial services department directly for precise information regarding tuition, fees, and available financial aid programs relevant to this particular program.

Accreditation

American Public University is part of the American Public University System (APUS), which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC accredits degree-granting institutions located in a 19-state region, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

ED formally recognizes accrediting commissions that meet all federal standards, and CHEA extends recognition to accrediting bodies and their institutions that meet these established standards. Accreditation should be important to you because it determines a school’s eligibility for federal and state financial aid, and may influence acceptance of transfer credits and admission to accredited graduate schools.

In addition to our HLC accreditation, our B.S. in Nursing program, as well as many of our business programs, have obtained specialized accreditation from external accrediting organizations in these specific disciplines.

Credits and degrees earned through APUS may be recognized for promotion, assignment, and position qualification standards within the military, federal government, and private sector. For students transferring to other colleges, APUS credit is considered transfer-eligible based on its accreditation. However, APUS cannot guarantee that its credit will be accepted, as acceptance of credit is always the prerogative of the receiving institution.

This level of accreditation requires a significant amount of self-study and presentation of evidence to satisfy the demanding requirements of accrediting organizations. Obtaining accreditation with HLC demonstrates our focus on providing academic excellence and the best possible experience for our students.

As an accredited institution, our university is eligible to participate in federal educational entitlement programs such as military tuition assistance, government tuition reimbursement programs, the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill, and many corporate education assistance programs. In addition, APUS has been granted approval by the Department of Education to participate in Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs.

Further information on recognition policies and standards may be found on the following websites:

U.S. Department of Education (ED)

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202

(800) USA-LEARN (800-872-5327)

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 510

Washington, DC 20036

(202) 955-6126

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500

Chicago, IL 60604

(800) 621-7440

View the APUS 2011 HLC Reaccreditation letter

In addition to our HLC accreditation, our university has obtained specialized/programmatic accreditation through appropriate governing organizations for the specific academic programs listed below. The curriculum for these programs meets the higher standards required by these external accrediting organizations.

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

Business School

A.S., B.S., and M.S. in Accounting; A.A. in Business Administration; Bachelor of Business Administration; Master of Business Administration; B.A. in Marketing; A.A., B.A., and M.A. in Management; A.A. and B.A. in Retail Management; A.A. and B.A. in Hospitality Management; B.A. and M.A. in Transportation and Logistics Management; and A.A. in Real Estate Studies.

The B.A. and M.A. in Reverse Logistics Management and the B.A. and M.A. in Entrepreneurship programs within the School of Business are not accredited by ACBSP. They will be eligible for accreditation once they have been standing for a minimum of two years and each has at least one graduate.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

B.S. in Nursing (RN to BSN)

CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public's health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and post-baccalaureate nurse residency programs.

Council for Education for Public Health (CEPH)

At this time, our university is not accredited by CEPH, and our prior application for CEPH accreditation lapsed on January 1, 2013. However, the governing body of the CEPH, at its June 2013 meeting, formally approved our request to begin the accreditation process for our Master of Public Health program. The steps and timeline for the CEPH accreditation process are subject to modification, and there is no assurance that we (or any institution seeking accreditation) will achieve this accreditation.

Management

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Sports and Health Sciences

American Sport Education Program (ASEP) (B.S.)

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) (M.S.)

Information Systems Security

National Security Agency (NSA) - Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation (IACE)

Child and Family Development

National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)

School of Education, M.Ed. Teaching, M.Ed. Educational Leadership, M.Ed. School Counseling

WV state approved educator certification programs (WVDE)