Harper College
Fast Track Program

Private Security Certificate

Earn your certificate in about one year 

Take the first step toward a successful career in private security! This 19-credit hour certificate program is designed to serve the needs of individuals who want the core education the Law Enforcement program offers. It also provides students with basic concepts recognized in the Security Industry. It furthers the partnerships between Law Enforcement and Private Security. This certificate offers the student a unique opportunity to complete credits toward the Associate in Applied Science (AAS)—Law Enforcement degree.

Courses include: an introduction to criminal justice, forensics, patrol procedures, private security, criminal law, and investigative processes.

This fully online program means you save time by not having to travel for class sessions.  Certificate credit can be applied to the Associate in Applied Science (AAS)—Law Enforcement and Justice Administration degree.

This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. To learn more, visit the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration page.

Space is limited for the August 2025 program start.

Benefits of this Fast Track certificate

  • Earn college credit that can be applied toward an accredited Associate's degree.
  • Prepare to enter a new industry or advance your career within private security.
  • Apply newly acquired knowledge within your current position.
  • Get support from academic advisors throughout the program.
  • Interact and share experiences with fellow students as part of a cohort.
  • Learn from established industry professionals with private security expertise.
  • Save time by not having to travel to campus for classes in a fully online format.

What you'll learn

  • Learn the three aspects of our criminal justice system and how they interact
  • Understand the basic scientific methods utilized at crime scenes
  • Explore the security industry, its operations and career opportunities
  • Examine how the law applies to individuals and the types to include federal law
  • Understand investigative theory and the various techniques related to investigations
  • Learn how law enforcement operates in the United States including industry standard response to certain situations
  • Demonstrate effective writing skills to benefit you in your future career

Sample course schedule - Private Security Certificate

Your actual schedule may be different. Classes are online.

Download PDF

Career outlook

As a Private Security Certificate graduate, there are numerous career directions for you to consider. These include: 

  • Retail Security
  • Security/Event Personnel (unarmed/armed)
  • Law Enforcement Personnel

There are career opportunities within a wide range of organizations from financial services to government and can include the following. 

Next steps

For more information about Harper's Fast Track Program, please call us at 847.925.6438 or email us at FTSTUDENT@harpercollege.edu.

Last Updated: 6/17/25