Education, Social Services, & Public Safety
If you’re looking for a rewarding career making a difference in people’s lives, then a position in education, social services, or public safety may be a good fit for you. San Juan College has 11 degree and certificate options available in the helping professions.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree and want to become a teacher, we also have five alternative teaching certificates through our Alternative Teacher Licensure Program. Earn your Alternative Teaching Certificate in elementary, secondary, or special education.
Education, Social Services, and Public Safety Degrees and Certificates
A degree or certificate in fire science will equip you with the principles, knowledge, and skills required to begin a career in fire service.
Prepare for a career in human services with a certificate or A.A. degree. Specialize in criminal justice, general studies, substance abuse, or behavioral/mental health. You’ll receive core foundational courses and gain real-world experience through our community partnership practicum.
If you’re a certified law enforcement officer, take the first steps toward advancing your career with an A.A. degree or certificate in police science. Officers who graduated from the academy at the San Juan County Criminal Justice Training Authority can convert academy classes into SJC credits, jumpstarting their path to a degree.
Learn about the human mind with an A.A. in Psychology. You’ll obtain an understanding of cognition, emotions, personality development, and factors that contribute to human behavior. Psychology degrees are versatile, and the knowledge you’ll gain can be used in a variety of industries, including human services, health care, marketing, public safety, and business.
Become a teacher and empower our youth to be the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, healthcare workers, and change makers. Earn an A.A. in Childhood Education, Elementary Special Education, or Secondary Education. Our Alternative Licensure Certificate is a post-bachelorette professional program that prepares you for a career in teaching.
Education, Social Services, & Public Safety Career Pathways
Education, social services, and public safety professionals are a crucial part of a functional and healthy community. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects positions in the helping professions to grow from 2021-2023 as follows:
Education
- Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, 4%
- Middle School Teachers, 4%
- High School Teachers, 5%
- Special Education Teachers, 4%
- Teacher Assistants, 5%
Human Services
- Social Workers, 9%
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, 22%
- Marriage and Family Therapists, 14%
- Psychologists, 6%
- Social and Community Service Managers, 12%
Public Safety
- Firefighters, 4%
- Police Officers, 3%
Common careers for people with a degree or certificate in education, human services, or public safety include:
Education
- Teacher
- Teacher Assistant
- Daycare Provider
- Assistant Principal
- Principal
Human Services
- Case Manager
- Counselor
- Therapist
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Probation/Parole Officer
- Victim Advocate
- Social Worker
- Psychologist
- Behavioral Health/Mental Health Technician
