Safety and Security Institute
The Safety and Security Institute will build upon programming already being offered by Valencia College and the School of Public Safety to provide professional and leadership training for private security officers and managers, as well as homeland security specialists. The Safety and Security Institute will be the first of its kind to provide standardized training and certifications to the security professionals working within Central Florida's many airports, hotels, theme parks and attractions.
Valencia College and the School of Public Safety currently offer the following programs, which may be beneficial to students interested in entering or advancing within the fields of safety and security.
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.
Pathways to Advanced Degrees
Bachelor's Opportunities
Students who complete the Criminal Justice Technology A.S. degree may utilize the Articulated A.S. to B.S. Career Path to transfer to any Florida public university as a junior to complete a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. And through the DirectConnect™ to UCF program, Valencia graduates will receive guaranteed* admission to the University of Central Florida, which offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice on Valencia College West Campus. (*Consistent with university policy.)
Master's Opportunities
Professionals who participate in the Public Safety Leadership Development Certification Program (PSLDCP) will receive credits toward the Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Executive from the University of Central Florida, which is offered exclusively to PSLDCP participants.
Continuing Education
Courses and Training
Valencia's Continuing Education division and the School of Public Safety have partnered to bring professional training, seminars and workshops to the public safety community. We provide opportunities for security officers, animal control officers and others working in the fields of safety and security.
The 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 Institute and Fire Rescue Institute, and the University of Central Florida's Criminal Justice Program.
Internal Training for Valencia College Security Officers
Valencia's Criminal Justice Institute and Valencia's Safety & Security Office have established a collaborative training allowing security officers to attend specified blocks of regularly occuring institute training. This training is currently only open to Valencia security officers and is scheduled by the campus security supervisors at a rate of no more than 2 officers per campus, under normal circumstances. This training is repeated every 2-3 months.
Interactions in a Diverse Community & Interviewing and Report Writing
Future Opportunities
Programs for future development may include:
- Bachelor's degree in Homeland Security Public Safety
- Theme Park and Hotel Security Officer Professional Development
- ASIS Certified Protection Professional (through Security Management Certificate)