Fire Technology Associate in Science Degree Program

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Related Degrees & Certificates

Program	Units
CA Certificate of Achievement
Fire Technology	33 - 40 units

Career Opportunities

The Fire Technology program prepares students to meet the high standards necessary in pursuing a career in the fire service as a firefighter, or a member of related fire protection services such as emergency medical technician.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

Identify and discuss the concepts and theories related to the fire service including its history and development, fire prevention techniques and fire protection equipment, fire behavior and chemistry, building construction considerations, and firefighter safety.
Recognize the tools and equipment used in the fire service, and demonstrate their safe and proper use.
Explain and demonstrate the importance of developing interpersonal and communication skills necessary to function within the fire service and society at large.
Describe and demonstrate the value and necessity of ethics, integrity, and professionalism in the fire service.

Related Programs

Recommended high school preparation

Coursework in Mathematics, English, and use of microcomputers, including spreadsheet and word processing applications.

University Transfer Program

Use Assist to identify lower division major preparation for Business and Accounting for the California State University and the University of California systems. For independent or out-of-state colleges and universities use their catalogs to location this information. Transfer Services can assist you to gather this information.

About the Program

Students who wish to concentrate on meeting the basic requirements for entry-level employment are advised to complete FIRE 793 and FIRE 796. Many of the fire agencies in California require completion of this training to meet minimum requirements for employment as a firefighter.

Students will develop entry-level expertise in the areas of fire suppression, fire prevention, training and administration. Opportunities also exist with private industry safety programs, insurance companies and fire equipment manufacturing firms.

The Fire Technology field offers enhanced opportunities for employment to students who have completed CSM’s program.

Through the expertise of the faculty and the exposure to professional fire service personnel, students can expect to be trained in the latest theories and techniques of fire technology, firefighting skills and emergency medical training.

Meet with a CSM counselor to discuss how to achieve academic goals and to develop a comprehensive student educational plan (SEP).

University Transfer Program
60–70 transferable units

California State University
University of California
Independent Colleges and Universities

Program Overview

The Fire Technology field offers enhanced opportunities for employment to students who have completed CSM's program. Through the expertise of the faculty and the exposure to professional fire service personnel, students can expect to be trained in the latest theories and techniques of fire technology, firefighting skills, and emergency medical training.

Students who wish to concentrate on meeting the basic requirements for entry-level employment are advised to complete the EMT and Fire Academy courses. Fire agencies in California require completion of this training to meet minimum requirements for employment as a firefighter. However, many agencies are beginning to require an Associate degree for entry-level positions.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses: 18 units		Units
FIRE 715	Principles of Emergency Services	3 units
FIRE 720	Fire Prevention	3 units
FIRE 730	Fire Behavior and Combustion	3 units
FIRE 740	Building Construction for Fire Protection	3 units
FIRE 745	Fire Protection Systems	3 units
FIRE 748	Firefighter Safety & Survival	3 units

Required Selective Courses: A minimum of 12 units from the following courses:		Units
FIRE 714	Wildland Fire Control	3 units
FIRE 721	Fire Academy Preparation	2 units
FIRE 722	Firefighter Academy	17 units
FIRE 725	Fire Apparatus and Equipment	3 units
FIRE 770	Fire Service Career Prep	3 units
FIRE 797	Emergency Medical Technician: Basic	11 units

Total Required Major Units: 30 - 35

And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.

Please refer to the AA/AS Degree Requirements for more information.