The University of Phoenix® College of Security and Criminal Justice and ASIS International announced the launch of the Enterprise Security Competency Model, to represent the competencies that are essential for being prepared for a career in today’s security industry.

The ASIS Foundation partnered with University of Phoenix College of Security and Criminal Justice, engaged in multiple research initiatives to identify the specific professional competencies and skills that are required to respond to the security risks that enterprises are most likely to face over the next five years. The goal of these research efforts was to establish consensus on which security competencies are needed across industries to close the skills gap by defining clearer career pathways for tomorrow’s professionals.

“The Enterprise Security Competency Model provides guidance for both employers and job-seekers as the need for identifying talented security professionals continues to grow,” said Bernard Greenawalt, CPP, vice president, Securitas USA. “The Model is an excellent demonstration of the results that can be achieved through the collaboration of industry and educational organizations.”

“The dynamic between a rapidly changing environment and a lack of industry-accepted competencies contributes to the skills gap and the related misalignment of educational programs available to support the industry,” said Spider Marks, executive dean, College of Security and Criminal Justice, University of Phoenix. “Through this Enterprise Security Competency Model, University of Phoenix is able to provide the educational degrees, training and certificate programs to prepare security professionals and employers for these challenging and rewarding roles.”

“The Enterprise Security Competency Model designed by University of Phoenix College of Security and Criminal Justice in collaboration with the ASIS Foundation defines the foundation and path for educating security professionals,” said Dr. Linda Florence, CPP, president of the ASIS Foundation Board of Trustees. “This is a critical step for ensuring professionals responsible for the security of our critical infrastructure, assets and people across all sectors and industries are properly and consistently educated and prepared for their roles.”

www.phoenix.edu/security