Criminal Justice

Valencia College Criminal Justice is one of the most recognized and respected criminal justice training centers in the state of Florida. The Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission certifies us to deliver all Commission-approved curricula to law enforcement, correctional and correctional probation officers in Florida. With primary responsibility for the criminal justice agencies in Orange County, the Criminal Justice is a regional training center that serves over 45 organizations, including state law enforcement agencies, Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice and numerous county, municipal, regional and international agencies.

Our courses are developed in coordination with, and taught by, experts in the field who come from a variety of criminal justice agencies.

Specialized Training Credits

Eligible current or former law enforcement and corrections officers can apply Advanced and Specialized Training hours toward a degree from Valencia College.

 

 

Locations

The School of Public Safety, Legal Studies, and Education offers training and education at seven convenient locations.

Academy Programs

Our state-certified academies fulfill the training requirements to become sworn corrections or law enforcement officers in Florida. Academy graduates can also earn credits toward a two-year A.S. degree at Valencia College.

Frequently Asked Questions?

A.S. Degree Academy Track

The Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Academy Track is an A.S. Degree program designed to provide students with the education, training, skills and abilities for a successful law enforcement career over a two-year timeframe.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive:


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Associate in Science Degree

The two-year Criminal Justice A.S. degree program offers a broad background in the history, philosophy, organization, management and operation of the criminal justice system. It is a path to employment, a bachelor's degree and career enhancement. As part of Valencia's “Two for All” initiative, state-certified professionals may be able to receive credits toward the A.S. degree for professional experience.

Related Certificates:

Many certificates can be completed in less than a year and credits earned apply toward the A.S. degree in Criminal Justice. 

Criminal Justice Experiential Learning Program
The A.S. Criminal Justice Experiential Learning program provides a pathway for active duty law enforcement and correctional officers in Florida to earn an accelerated associate in science degree through the award of articulated credits for work-based learning and industry certifications. It is designed for students currently working in corrections or law enforcement who seek professional growth and/or advancement within their organizations, or employment in another field of criminal justice. Get credits for on-the-job work and completion of the state law enforcement academy for up to 33 credit hours. 

Pathways to Advanced Degrees

Bachelor's Opportunities

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration (BASPSA) at Valencia College is designed to develop essential skills and knowledge to manage and lead public safety organizations. This program focuses on discipline-specific workforce skills related to public safety personnel, policy and law, communications, and emergency planning. This program 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.

Graduates from select associate degrees have an academic pathway for admissions into the University of Central Florida through DirectConnect to UCF® (consistent with university policy). Students who wish to transfer to a university should contact their school of choice about transfer requirements and meet with a Valencia College advisor for assistance with education planning.


Advanced Specialized Training

Advanced Specialized Training Courses are open to sworn Florida law enforcement, corrections or probation officers. Officers from agencies located in Orange County have priority enrollment over officers from other counties or state agencies. Only agency training coordinators can register officers for Advanced Specialized Training courses. Contact your agency training coordinator if you are interested in enrolling in a course or program.

 Credits for Advanced Training and Experience Equivalency List

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Continuing Education

Courses and Training

Valencia’s Continuing Education division offers professional training, seminars and workshops dedicated to the public safety community. We provide opportunities for sworn law enforcement and corrections officers as well as civilian criminal justice professionals.

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Public Safety Leadership Development Certification Program

This four-week program focuses on developing public safety professionals into innovative leaders. It is offered in partnership between Valencia College Continuing Education, Valencia's Criminal Justice and Fire Rescue, and the University of Central Florida's Criminal Justice Program.

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