Loss Prevention Management
Northern Michigan University's program in loss prevention management can help provide credentials to professionals already working in the field, or help interested students garner the skill sets they need to successfully start a career in the field of loss prevention. Offered completely online, our program is a perfect choice for both non-traditional and traditional students alike due to its flexible nature.
For students looking to continue their previous education experience, NMU can accept up to 92 transfer credits from any accredited university within the country. Having class online allows students to fit school around previous commitments such as work and family, without totally disengaging them from their everyday life. Combine that with faculty who are easily accessible and willing to help students ease back into school, and you'll find transitioning back into higher education a great experience.
For traditional students, find that working alongside current professionals a great career development tool. Learn from their experience and create an extensive network of contacts across the country. With this network, find that a degree in loss prevention management can help you get a job anywhere your life takes you.
Our faculty are highly trained professionals who are experts in the field. They have years of real-world experience to share and are excited to help continue educating the loss prevention professionals of today.
This program is a good fit for both traditional and nontraditional students who are:
- self-motivated and disciplined
- analytical and organized
- detail-oriented
- looking to further their current career in loss prevention
"The things I learned in class I actually use everyday at work. Many of the students in my classes were already LP professionals working in the field who are now going back to school to get a degree to advance their careers. Most of my teachers were LP professionals who have actually DONE the job and have the experience and knowledge of the job, instead of just reading about it in a book. They were able to take concepts and theories from the pages of the textbook and provide real life antidotes to illustrate the point. It made learning the subject matter fun and with the convenience of online classes, really easy."
Denci Thomas
Area Loss Prevention Manager at JC Penny
Degree Requirements
Northern Michigan University’s Bachelor’s in Loss Prevention Management will prepare specialists and managers on the concepts, series and best practices associated with the field. Students will learn basic theories and concepts, as well as organizational fundamentals including goals, missions, objectives, functions, operations and roles. Classes will delve into management theory, investigative techniques and data analysis specific to loss prevention.
The focus of this program is to develop well-rounded students able to effectively work anywhere in the country in their field. Courses are designed to give students applicable knowledge for any division of loss prevention as they enter the workforce.
| Core Courses | 24 credits |
|---|---|
| LPM 101 Principles of Asset Protection | 4 credits |
| LPM 190 Communications in Loss Prevention | 4 credits |
| LPM 276 Loss Prevention Management and Human Resources | 4 credits |
| LPM 290 Retail Accounting and Inventory Control | 4 credits |
| LPM 351 Loss Prevention Data Analysis | 4 credits |
| LPM 390 Principles of Retail Investigations | 4 credits |
| Electives | 16 credits |
| At least 8 credits must be at the 300 level or above. | |
| General Education | 30-40 credits |
| General Electives | 40 credits |
| Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, or Sociology recommended. | |
| Total Credits | 120 credits |
Have questions on degree requirements? Contact us at lp@nmu.edu.
Loss Prevention Management News
On Feb. 16, 2016, the criminal justice department participated in the Michigan InfraGard quarterly meeting via a distance learning classroom in the Learning Resources Center. In attendance were various professors from the criminal justice and loss prevention management programs, as well as 37 students from instructor Grant Patient's cybercrime course.
Read more about the NRF Survey and what is important to employers when looking to hire and promote LP professionals. Thanks to Professor Robert Hanson for sharing his research online.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 12 percent growth in loss prevention jobs between 2012 and 2022. Salaries in loss prevention vary depending on degree and level of experience. Availability of raises depends on a candidates experience and education.
Where you might work: NMU loss prevention students have gone on to work in a variety of stores all over the country. Members of our Advisory Board have been associated with Lowes, Neiman Marcus, Target, Walgreens, Winn-Dixie and more. Students from our program may be currently working in a loss prevention job but are looking to advance their career through promotions or through working with larger companies.
Stay where you are or find a job anywhere in the country you want to work. Find a current list of job available around the country here.
Have questions? Contact us at lp@nmu.edu.
Student Checklist
We have outlined a step-by-step student checklist to assist you in beginning your Loss Prevention Management degree. Find a downloadable version of the checklist in PDF format and Microsoft Office Word to keep for future reference. Questions in regards to the admissions process should be directed to the Admissions office, questions in regards to computer access should be directed to the Help Desk and any questions regarding advising should be directed to Prof. Robert Hanson or the CJ Department.
- Apply for Enrollment
- Attend Online Orientation -- all students who have been admitted to NMU must attend an orientation session prior to registering for classes.
- Find Financial Aid Available for Online Students
- View Current Tuition and Fees
- Tuition Reimbursement -- In addition to any financial aid you may receive from NMU, we recommend you check with your company agent (usually the Human Resources Office) to determine if you are eligible for any company financial tuition assistance.You may be asked to provide your employer with grades and/or transcripts, in order to obtain your reimbursement.
- Activate NMU User Account -- If you have difficulties activating your account, please contact the NMU Helpdesk at 906-227-2468
- Register for Courses though MyNMU-- Class offerings will be posted to MyNMU approximately one week prior to the pre-registration period. If you are currently enrolled in courses, you will be given first priority for enrolling in courses for the following semester. If you are a new student, you must complete online orientation before you enroll in courses.
- Advising Process -- Contact your advisor, Prof. Robert Hanson or the CJ Department when you have a question about classes or the degree requirements. Download the advising sheet template, complete as much as you can and save a copy to your computer. Attach an updated version of this template when you email Prof. Hanson. You will be required to maintain a current advising sheet to help you track your degree requirements.
- Pay Your Tuition using eBill
- Order Your Textbooks through the NMU Bookstore -- You can elect to purchase your texts from any vendor. Textbooks purchased at NMU's Bookstore can be sold back at the end of the semester if the texts are being used the following semester. The NMU Bookstore also allows students to charge their textbooks to their student account. Rules for charging textbooks to your student account are:
- for online students, two forms of ID not needed, just insert your NMU IN # when ordering your books
- no cash refunds
- student must pay within 30 days to their student account (or set up a payment plan)
- must show two forms of ID
- registered students must be in good financial standing
- $500 limit per semester
- Become Familiar with EduCat -- All students are required to take an "Online Course Preparation Tutorial" before accessing their classes. Make sure to finish the tutorial before classes begin so you don't fall behind in your classwork.
- Start Learning!
If you need further assistance, please contact us at 906-227-2660 or lp@nmu.edu.