Prepare for a Rewarding Career Serving Your Community
At SPC you can prepare for a career that gives you the opportunity to be of service to your community, state or nation. Whether you're seeking a career in government, public service or the legal profession, our Public Safety, Public Policy, and Legal Studies programs are taught by highly qualified professionals and provide valuable internship opportunities.
Build Your Career in Public Safety
Advance your public safety career by earning an academic degree or certificate from St. Petersburg College. We offer specialties in computer investigations, crime scene technology, homeland security, emergency administration and management and fire science technology.
Attend One of our Public Safety Training Academies
Protect and serve your community by completing one of our public safety academies in Law Enforcement, Corrections, Equivalency of Training (EOT) or Firefighting. These programs provide hands-on education and professional preparation in real-world facilities to help you learn specific and employable skills. SPC's cutting-edge Fire and Public Safety Training Center offers simulations of real-life emergencies and is one of the most advanced in the state.
Chart your path in paralegal studies
A career in the legal world is quite attainable and sustainable through our Paralegal Studies programs, approved by the American Bar Association. We offer an associate degree, a bachelor's degree and an advanced certificate program.
An Ethical Focus
The Public Safety, Public Policy and Legal Studies Department hosts the Applied Ethics Institute, which prepares SPC students to be responsible and ethical citizens as well as informed and active community participants. Students and groups have earned thousands of volunteer hours through the Institute's involvement in service organizations throughout Pinellas County, including All Children's Hospital, Habitat for Humanity and the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. The Institute also offers topical and interesting seminars, lectures, ethics training and continuing education programs.
Real-world facilities in Public Policy
The Public Policy and Administration facilities at the Seminole Campus include a 70-seat tiered classroom modeled after a city council chamber to give public policy students an authentic experience. The room also serves as a lab for a variety of public policy, administration and engagement activities and as a location for SPC's award-winning Model United Nations program.
Median Salary in the Tampa Bay Area
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
$60,150
Emergency Management Directors
$98,830
Forensic Science Technicians
$65,230
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A lot of my classes applied directly to dealing with issues at my job.
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I was completely prepared by SPC to do this job.
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I never would have stood out if not for being a Public Policy student at SPC.
Public Safety, Public Policy and Legal Studies News
Sep 30, 2026
SPC Launches its Own Police Department to Strengthen Campus Safety
New SPC Police Department adds sworn law enforcement officers to College’s existing security operations
Sep 29, 2026
SPC Supports First Responders During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Helping first responders build resilience, support their peers and prioritize mental health.
Jul 29, 2026
College Invests in First Responder Programs
Modernized facilities enhance training and strengthen community impact.
