Airport security officers are trusted with keeping us safe on the ground, and in the air, and airport security officers are one of our first lines of defense against repeating that horrific day. If you think you have what it takes to become an airport security officer, read on to learn what an airport security officer does and what is required to become one.

Passenger screening is the highest priority for airport security officers and they generally work in teams who operate and monitor: baggage loading, the x-ray monitor that screens carry-on luggage, physical bag inspections, passenger monitoring through metal detectors, and explosive trace detection. Airport security officers are usually rotated through these various positions to keep them sharp and focused on the job at hand. So, how do you become an airport security officer?

Most airport security officers need to have an associates degree and two years of work experience in the aviation industry or four years professional experience with two years being in the aviations industry. Courses in criminal justice are recommended as well. Applicants must also have a clean criminal background and be US citizens. Courses in criminal justice are recommended as they are designed to prepare students for the skill set needed as airport security officers. Courses will encompass classes in homeland security, security management, interviewing and investigative techniques, legal operations and report writing, as well as others.

If a job protecting America's skies is appealing to you, check out becoming an airport security officer today.

The following schools offer criminal justice degrees which can help you gain the skills to become an Airport Security Officer: