Public Safety Management

Public Safety Management primary interest area
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Program Description

Elevate your career in public safety with our Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Management program. Designed specifically for the dynamic needs of today’s public safety professionals, our comprehensive curriculum dives deep into the administration of all-hazard emergency management and public safety. Gain the essential skills to lead people, navigate organizational change, foster innovation, and address ethical and legal considerations in emergency environments. With specializations tailored to contemporary public safety policies, including community risk reduction and critical infrastructure protection, you’ll be equipped to tackle the toughest challenges facing communities today.

This program’s Academic & Career Pathways:

Read more about Public Safety
Public Safety
Darren Hall
Associate Professor
Darren has been activity in the fire service field for over thirty years and recently retired from the City of Coronado Fire Department as a Fire Captain. Like most eager firefighter candidates, Darren spent countless hours in various fire service agencies and educational institutions gaining the proper blend of experience, training, education, and community involvement required for the contemporary firefighter candidate. His experiences evolved from participating in a Fire Explorer program, working as a Reserve Firefighter, Seasonal Firefighter and Firefighter Cadet, before being selected as a firefighter for the City of Coronado.

Darren earned a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University, an Associate's degree in Fire Science (Miramar College) and a Associate's Degree in Public Administration from Southwestern College. Darren is also a Master Instructor with the CA State Fire Marshal's Office. He has taught entry-level firefighter candidates through ROP (Regional Occupation Program) and Southwestern College and also is the Fire Technology Program Director at San Diego Miramar College. Captain Hall was recognized as the California State Fire Training Officer of the Year Award in 2011 through California State Firefighter's Association (CSFA).
Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Email Darren Hall at dmhall@sdccd.edu to schedule a Zoom Meeting
 Meet Online
R1-108F
(619) 388-7969
dmhall@sdccd.edu
Web Page
Darren Hall

Department of Fire Protection Technology & Emergency Medical Technician

Chair: Mary Kjartanson
R1-108C
(619) 388-7968
mkjartan@sdccd.edu

School of Public Safety

A-201
(619) 388-7860

Program Pages

Application for Public Safety Management Baccalaureate Degree
Degree and Certificate Requirements
Public Safety Management Courses
Student Interest Form

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Public Safety Management

Baccalaureate Degree Frequently Asked Questions

Ethnic Studies: 

Q: I already took something similar elsewhere? I already hold a BA/BS Degree? Can this be waived or petitioned? 

A: In California, for a course to fulfill the Ethnic Studies requirement, it must have been approved by the state at the time the student took the course. If the course was not approved at that time, it will not count toward fulfilling the Ethnic Studies requirement, even if the content seems relevant. In such cases, the student will need to complete a state-approved Ethnic Studies course to meet graduation requirements. 

Public Safety Unrelated Associate Degrees

Q: I already hold a degree, but in a non-related field, can I still be eligible? I also have lots of work experience, even though my degree is non-related? 

A: To be admitted into the Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Safety Management, you must already hold a recognized and accredited associate degree in public safety or equivalent.  

Non-Accredited Programs

Q: I already have units or a Public Safety degree, but the institution was not regionally accredited at the time I earned them? 

A: San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) will only accept transfer credits and degrees from institutions that are regionally accredited. This means that to transfer credits or have any degree count towards the Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Safety Management at SDCCD, the credits or degree must come from a regional accrediting body, at the time the courses or degree were completed.  

Regional Accrediting Agencies: 

  • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges 

  • Higher Learning Commission 

  • New England Commission of Higher Education 

  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities 

  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

  • WASC Senior College and University Commission 

California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) 

Q: I’ve completed or am completing the California State University General Education-Breadth (CSU-GE) pattern, or I have completed already and hold an associate's degree.  Do I still need to fulfill any additional Cal-GETC general education requirements for this new degree?  

A: Starting in Fall 2025, the new Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Safety Management will only accept the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) for general education requirements.  

https://www.sdccd.edu/students/images/calgetc.png 

Missing General Education Classes 

Q: If I cannot complete all my general education Cal-GETC classes before the fall admission, am I still eligible to apply? 

A: The program permits up to four missing general education requirements from the Cal-GETC GE, provided that none of these missing courses are from Areas 1A, 1B, 1C, or Area 2. 

(Priority admissions will be given to those who have all requirements finished and not pending.) 

Grades 

Q: Will a C- grade be allowed to fulfill the Cal-GETC? I already earned credit in my other general education and a C- was acceptable.  

A: Cal-GETC will require a C grade or higher in all areas (C- is NOT allowed). 

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) / Credit by Exam (CBE)

Q: Will I be able to get credit for certain State certifications to avoid taking a required class? What about receiving credit for my general education classes? 

A:  San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) offers flexible options for earning degree-applicable units: 

  1. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL): You can earn credits towards your degree by utilizing State certifications, which can fulfill major requirements and apply towards your degree. 

  1. Credit by Exam: For certain general education and major courses, SDCCD allows you to earn credit by passing an approved exam, demonstrating your knowledge in the subject. 

Please take a moment to review the Miramar Fire Technology CPL and SDCCD CPL webpages for information on eligible courses and the application process: 

Fire Technology Credit for Prior Learning (Link)

 https://www.sdccd.edu/students/credit-for-prior-learning/cbe.aspx 

In-progress coursework 

Q: I am in the process of completing my associate's degree? 

Q: I am in the process of completing all my general education classes? 

Q: I am in the process of completing area 1A, 1B, 1C and area 2 needed for admissions? (see link below for reference) 

https://www.sdccd.edu/students/images/calgetc.png 

A: If any of the three statements apply to you, you are still eligible to apply to the program, provided that you complete all of them by the summer prior to the start of the fall semester.