Fire Technology

Program Description

Fire protection is a highly specialized professional field, requiring extensive knowledge and use of scientific principles. The Associate in Science (AS) Degree in Fire Technology teaches successful application of the fundamental principles of fire protection including suppression of fires, rescue, emergency medical services, hazardous materials mitigation, disaster response/recovery, community risk reduction strategies, pre-planning for fire protection, and long term community preparedness. Designed for direct job entry and promotional advancement, this program provides technical knowledge and the ability to work within an organized system at a fire or other emergency scene. While units in the program are transferable to many institutions, students should consult a counselor for information.

To qualify for the Associate in Science Degree, students must satisfactorily complete the major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS general education requirements. The completion time for this degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

This AS degree program requires:

1. Completion of at least 60 degree-applicable semester units including the following:
   1. A minimum of 18 semester units from the program (major) requirements
   2. A minimum of 21 units of local AA/AS General Education requirements
   3. A minimum of 12 of the 60 units must be completed at Merritt College
   4. Courses taken outside the Peralta Community College District will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if they are degree-applicable
   5. If the General Education and the major units do not total 60, complete degree-applicable elective course(s) to reach the required 60 units
2. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major
3. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for General Education Area 1A: English Composition and Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
4. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in General Education coursework and in all coursework for the degree

As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution should meet with a counselor to develop a plan that addresses all transfer requirements.

Career Opportunities

Fire Technology career opportunities may include entry level Firefighters, First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers, Fire Inspectors and Investigators and promotional advancement for members currently employed in the profession.

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Demonstrate the ability to perform the required skills of an emergency medical technician (EMT)
2. Demonstrate the ability to perform skills related to fire suppression.
3. Demonstrate leadership, teamwork and decision making in the management of multiple personnel on emergency scenes.