School of Public Safety, Legal Studies, and Education
Safety is the number one concern in any community, and in a region with record tourism, our public safety professionals must be able to respond to any crises that may arise. The Valencia College School of Public Safety, Legal Studies, and Education offers degree programs, industry certifications, advanced training and leadership programs for careers in fire rescue, law enforcement, corrections, safety and security, paralegal and education–all under one umbrella. This approach unifies education and training standards across all divisions of public safety, promoting cross-sector training and vital collaboration between public safety agencies. In addition to quality education, our students pay tuition that's about half the cost of a state university with opportunities for financial aid.
Programs
Whether you're looking for a rewarding career in public safety, or are a state-certified profesional in the field, we have a program for you. You'll also find a career program if you are a college graduate who wants to become a certified school teacher or if you are interested in paralegal studies.
Professionals can use existing certifications in fire rescue, law enforcement and corrections to receive college credits toward an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree. This will accelerate the completion of your degree while giving your more opportunities for promotion and higher pay.
Our faculty includes highly credentialed public safety, legal studies and education professionals with the field experience needed to bring the latest best practices in four major program areas.
An A.S. degree can be earned in as little as two years. Coursework includes general education requirements. Programs include:
The B.S. degree prepares you to enter an advanced position within a specialized career field. The upper-division courses build on an associate degree and take as little as two years to complete. Programs include:
- Public Safety Administration
- Elementary Education (Planned Launch 2025)
Get the training you need to become a Florida-certified Law Enforcement Officer, Correctional Officer or Fire Fighter from a Valencia College academy program. Some credits can also be applied toward an A.S. degree in Criminal Justice or Fire Science.
Certification programs fulfill the coursework requirements set forth by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training and the Florida Department of Education.
Most certificate programs can be completed in as little as one year. Upon completion, credits earned can be applied toward a related A.S. degree program. Certificate programs include:
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.
The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program at Valencia College is designed for individuals who want to teach, but hold a bachelor's degree in an area other than education. This alternative certification program provides the knowledge and tools necessary for earning a Florida Professional Educator's Certificate. Learn More
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Why Valencia College
In addition to the quality of education you’ll receive at Valencia College, this program also saves you money and time. An associate degree from Valencia College—the most affordable public college in the state—will cost you about half of what you’d pay at a public university. As a student at Valencia College School of Public Safety, Legal Studies, and Education, you may be eligible for scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
In as little as two years, you can complete one of our degree programs and enter the workforce. Most of our programs offer flexible class times to accommodate your work schedule. You can be awarded college credits for work experience and state industry certifications, decreasing the time it takes to earn your A.S. degree and lowering the overall cost of tuition.
Central Florida is home to record tourism and more than 2.6 million residents is growing daily, which is increasing the need for community resources. Valencia College School of Public Safety, Legal Studies, and Education was created to meet these demands and keep our community safe.
The School of Public Safety, Legal Studies, and Education partners with local agencies to ensure that our programs are current with best practices. Our advisory board includes leadership from all branches of public safety. If you would like to be involved, let us know.
Graduates of the School of Public Safety, Legal Studies, and Education are expected to enter a robust workforce upon graduation. With over 70 million visitors to the Central Florida each year, the need for public safety and law enforcement professionals is critical. The local legal industry is booming as well, due in part to the presence of a federal courthouse in Orlando. In May 2024, there were more than 5,000 teacher job vacancies that need to be filled, and vacancies at this level have been consistent in recent years.
- Corrections Officer
- Firefighter – EMT
- Homeland Security Specialist
- Law Enforcement
- Paralegal
Careers
Graduates of the School of Public Safety, Legal Studies, and Education enter professions including:
Public Service Careers
- Police Officer
- Deputy Sheriff
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Correctional Officer
- Crime Analyst/Technician
- Criminal Justice Administrator
- Detective and Investigator
- Loss Prevention Specialist
Fire Rescue Careers
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Fire Officer
- Fire Safety Inspector
- Fire Safety Investigator
- Fire Service Instructor
Legal Studies Careers
- Legal Assistant
- Paralegal
The School of Public Safety, Legal Studies, and Education serves as the "hub" with state-of-the-art technology and the latest in simulation training. Programs are offered across seven locations.
Locations include:
- School of Public Safety
- Valencia College East Campus
- Valencia College Lake Nona Campus
- Valencia College West Campus
- Mid Florida Tech Fire Training Facility
- Valencia College Osceola Campus
- Valencia College Poinciana Campus
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Testimonials
Officer DeCarlos Hill
Law Enforcement Academy '17
Jordan Cannizzaro
Fire Rescue Institute '21
Joshua Tyrrell
Fire Science Academy