Law, Public Safety and Security
The School of Public Safety, Legal Studies, and Education at Valencia College provides comprehensive education, training and resources for our communities’ first responders. It houses three major program areas: Criminal Justice, Fire Rescue and Safety and Security.
Our law enforcement and corrections academies and fire science academy and minimum standards class for fire fighters meet Florida's training requirements and qualify students to take the state certification exams within their field. We also offer industry certifications and advanced specialized training, as well as two-year Associate in Science (A.S) degrees in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice and Fire Science Technology.
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For general enrollment questions, assistance is available through our virtual Answer Center or by contacting Enrollment Services.
Programs and Degrees
Associate in Science
Jump right into the job market with an A.S. degree from Valencia College. You can gain the marketable skills needed for an exciting career and a well-paying job in a little over two years if you are enrolled full time. Or you can build on your skills and transfer into an eligible bachelor’s degree offered at Valencia College or another Florida state college.
- Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice – Experiential Learning Program
- Emergency Medical Services Technology
- Fire Science Technology
- Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Applied Science
The Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Public Safety Administration provides students with essential management skills and real world knowledge needed for leadership in public safety organizations at the local, state or federal government levels as well as the private sector
Academy Track
Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Academy Track
The Law Enforcement Academy Track is an A.S. Degree program that is designed to provide students with the education, training, skills and abilities for a successful law enforcement career. The program will introduce students to a wide range of topics, including criminal justice, legal knowledge, defensive tactics, investigations and the court system, among others. Students can complete four semesters of intensive coursework over a two-year timeframe.
Fire Science Academy Track
The Fire Science Academy is a fast-paced degree-granting program that provides students with three components of career development in just two years: A.S. degree in Fire Science Technology, EMT (Emergency Medical Technology) Technical Certificate (must pass a state exam), and Minimum Standards Training - Firefighter I and Firefighter II (must pass a state exam).
Technical Certificate
Get on the fast track to career success with a technical certificate. Technical certificates are designed to prepare you for entry-level employment or to upgrade your skills for job advancement, and most can be completed in one year or less. You can also use your credits earned toward the completion of a related A.S. degree.
- Emergency Medical Technology (EMT)
- Paramedic Technology
- Technical Certificate - Criminal Justice Specialist
- Technical Certificate - Fire Officer Supervisor
- Technical Certificate - Homeland Security Specialist
- Technical Certificate - Homeland Security - Law Enforcement Specialist
- Technical Certificate - Hospitality Security Specialist
Career Certificate
Get the training you need to become a Florida certified Law Enforcement Officer, Correctional Officer or Fire Fighter from one of Valencia’s academy programs. Some credits can also be applied toward an A.S. degree in Criminal Justice or Fire Science.
Certifications
- Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Certifications - Fire Officer I
- Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Certifications - Fire Officer II
- Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Certifications - Fire Service Instructor
- Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Certifications - Fire Safety Inspector I
- Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Certifications - Fire Safety Inspector II
- Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Certifications - Fire Safety Investigator I
Advanced Specialized Training
Valencia College offers professional training courses, programs, seminars and workshops dedicated to the public safety community, including specialized training for sworn Florida law enforcement, corrections or probation officers, and fire service professionals of all levels.
Continuing Education
Continuing Education provides non-degree, non-credit programs including industry-focused training, professional development, language courses, certifications and custom course development for organizations. Day, evening, weekend, online and distance learning courses are available.
Career Center
Job search strategies, employment readiness tips and more at four on-campus locations.
Visit a Career Center
Bachelor of Applied Science Degree
If safety is your chief concern, prepare for a leadership role in law enforcement, fire rescue, emergency medical services or public and private protective services at Valencia College. Gain entry into this program with any A.A. or A.S. degree from a regionally accredited institution.