Fire Science Technology
Heroes Wanted
You never outgrew your childhood desire to be a firefighter? Whether you are on the frontlines of battling a raging inferno or inspecting the aftermath of one, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to succeed with a degree in Fire Science Technology. You’ll be in-demand as a firefighter, fire inspector, arson investigator, or a hazardous materials specialist. One thing’s for sure – your day at the office will most certainly not be boring.
Fire science professionals save lives, property, the environment, and entire communities. They use their knowledge and training for fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster management; and are frequently the first responders to emergency situations. They play a critical role in the increasing needs of homeland security and emergency disaster preparedness. Their reward is in providing a vital service to the community, and knowing how important their job is in everyone’s lives.
This career requires courage, endurance, and strength, as well as good judgment and an ability to make quick decisions in emergencies. Firefighters must have mental alertness and self-discipline, and an ability to get along with others and work as part of a team. Want to find out if this career is for you? Click here for more details www.acinet.org.
Program Description
Fire Science Technology is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree designed to meet the needs of fire protection and safety personnel. The program will prepare you for a career in fire service or a related field. Courses are offered through traditional classroom instruction, independent study, and over the Internet. There are hundreds of fire service professionals throughout the United States completing their PPCC fire science degree through our distance learning program, giving them opportunities for promotion and advancement.
Career Path Notes
If you’re an experienced firefighter, you may be able to receive college credit for knowledge gained through your experience, education and training. Then you can take the specialized courses you need to complete your degree.
Program Information
Click here for program specific information.
For More Information
Call the Division of Business, Social and Behavioral Sciences at 719-502-3300.
Employment Opportunities
Trained fire science professionals have many exciting career opportunities available to them, including Firefighter, Fire Inspector, Arson Investigator, Industrial Safety Officer, Industrial Hazardous Materials Coordinator, and Public Education Specialist. Fire Science careers offer good advancement opportunities and good benefits.
Earnings Outlook
In Colorado, the median hourly salary in 2005 for Fire Fighters was $20.52 with a salary range of $14.29 - $31.76. From 2004 to 2014, there are expected to be an average of 310 job openings per year statewide. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Financial Aid
Advising
Apply
Find Out More About Your Future Career
Contact Career Planning and Advising at (719) 502-3232
www.ppcc.edu/Advising
Associate of Applied Science Degree
1st Semester - Fall
CIS 118 Introduction to PC Applications
or
CSC 105 Computer Literacy
ENG 121 English Composition I
or
ENG 131 Technical Writing I
FST 102 Introduction to Fire Science/Suppression
FST 103 Firefighter Occupational Health & Safety
POS 111 American Government
Semester 1 Credit Hours 15
2nd Semester - Spring
EMS 125 EMT-Basic
EMS 170 EMT Clinical
FST 106 Fire Inspection Practices
HPR 102 CPR for Professionals
MAT 107 Career Math or higher level math
Semester 2 Credit Hours 15.5
3rd Semester - Summer
FST 100 Firefighter I
FST 107 Hazardous Materials Operations Level I
FST 160 Candidate Physical Abilities Preparation Class
Semester 3 Credit Hours 15
4th Semester - Fall
COM 225 Introduction to Organizational Communication
or
ENG 122 English Composition II
FST 104 Fire Protection Systems
FST 105 Building Plans and Construction
FST 201 Instructional Methodology
FST 203 Fire Science Hydraulics
FST 204 Fire Codes and Ordinances
Semester 4 Credit Hours 18
5th Semester - Spring
FST 202 Fire Fighting Strategy and Tactics
FST 205 Fire Cause Determination
FST 206 Fire Company Supervision and Leadership
FST 250 Chemistry for Fire Protection
FST 259 Wildland Firefighting Strategy and Tactics
Semester 5 Credit Hours 15
Total Credit Hours 69
Certificate
Basic Firefighter