Public Safety Programs

Protect, Serve, and Lead with Purpose

If you’re driven to make a difference, CSM’s Public Safety programs offer powerful pathways to careers that keep communities safe and strong.

Whether you see yourself enforcing the law, managing emergencies, or responding on the front lines, CSM provides the education, training, and experience to help you succeed.

Explore programs in Criminal Justice and Fire Science Technology, where you’ll learn from seasoned professionals and gain hands-on experience in real-world environments. From understanding the justice system to preparing for disaster response and mastering life-saving skills, you’ll build the knowledge and confidence to protect lives, property, and the public good.

At CSM, your commitment to service becomes your career. Start here—and become the difference your community needs.

Public Safety Programs

Female police officer radios from her car

Criminal Justice

Make a Real Impact in Your Community

If you’re passionate about justice, public safety, or helping others, CSM’s Criminal Justice Program is your pathway to a meaningful career. Designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year university, this program builds a strong foundation in criminology, law enforcement, and corrections, preparing you to serve at the local, state, or federal level.

You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to work effectively with diverse agencies and communities, learning how to investigate, communicate, and lead in today’s evolving criminal justice system. Whether your goal is to become a police officer, probation or corrections officer, forensic technician, or investigator, or to advance your current career, CSM gives you the tools and flexibility to succeed.

Your studies also open doors to related fields such as social services, public policy, journalism, and law, making this an ideal starting point for anyone driven to make a difference in society.

Learn more about the criminal justice Program

Firefighters in uniform with axes

Fire Science Technology

Answer the Call — Build Your Future in Fire Service

Firefighters do more than fight flames—they protect lives, property, and the environment when it matters most. CSM’s Fire Science Technology Program prepares you to meet that challenge with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch or advance a career in the fire service.

Through a partnership between the College of Southern Maryland and the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI), you’ll gain hands-on, real-world training alongside the academic foundation essential for leadership and promotion. Coursework covers fire behavior, prevention, investigation, and emergency response, preparing you for roles such as firefighter, fire officer, prevention or code enforcement officer, and rescue technician.

Whether you’re entering the profession or already serving your community, CSM’s program provides a clear pathway to advancement, grounded in national standards set by the U.S. Fire Administration and designed to keep you at the forefront of modern fire and emergency services.

Learn more about the Fire Science Program

Meet Our Faculty

Pamela Burkett-Jones, Associate Professor
pcburkett-jones@csmd.edu

Criminal Justice and Fire Science Advisory Council

The Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, and Fire Science Programs Advisory Council plays a critical role in ensuring that the College of Southern Maryland’s public safety programs remain current, practical, and aligned with the realities of the field.

Learn how the Council shapes CSM’s programs

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