Fire Technology

Completion of the Fire Technology Associate of Applied Science degree provides students with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in the fire service. The degree is designed to build on completion of the Fire Academy, which satisfies curriculum requirements of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) for Basic Structure Fire Suppression personnel. Subsequent courses in the degree are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for first level supervision in a fire department.

To obtain TCFP certification as Basic Structure Fire Suppression Personnel, students must complete both an approved Fire Academy and a recognized emergency medical course.  The Fire EMT Basic Enhanced Skills Certificate is provided to satisfy this requirement.

Students have the option to declare the Fire Officer Certificate as their major, which includes six embedded TCFP certifications; Fire Instructor I and II, Fire Officer I and II, Fire Investigator and Incident Safety Officer.  These certifications enhance employment and promotional opportunities within fire departments.  The certificate allows students to focus entirely upon fire science courses without having to take the general education courses required for the Fire Technology AAS.

Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1508 amends the Texas Occupations Code Section 53 that requires education providers to notify potential or enrolled students that a criminal history may make them ineligible for an occupational license upon program completion.  Program specific information will be provided in course syllabi.

Information regarding specific state requirements, start dates and application can be obtained by calling the Public Service Careers Department at 409-933-8285 or the Fire Technology Director at 409-933-8934.

Stackable Credentials

• Associate of Applied Science - Fire Technology
• Certificate - Fire Officer

Stackable Credentials

• Enhanced Skills Certificate - Fire EMT Basic
• Associate of Applied Science - Fire Technology
• Certificate - Fire Academy

Full-Time Schedules 

Certificate - Fire Academy (Full-Time)

Enhanced Skills Certificate - Fire EMT Basic (Full-Time)

Associate of Applied Science - Fire Technology (Full-Time)

Certificate - Fire Officer (Full-Time)

Certificate - Fire Academy

Level One Certificate

The Fire Academy consists of 25 credit hours and 640 contact hours. The Day Fire Academy is a one semester, 16-week program comprised of the following eight courses: FIRS 1401, FIRS 1407, FIRS 1313, FIRS 1319, FIRS 1323, FIRS 1329, FIRS 1433, and FIRS 1103. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The Night Fire Academy is a two semester program designed for students that need to work while attending the Academy. The fall 16-week semester is comprised of the following four courses: FIRS 1401, FIRS 1407, FIRS 1313, and FIRS 1319. The spring 16-week semester is comprised of the following four courses: FIRS 1323, FIRS 1329, FIRS 1433 and FIRS 1103.  Students must complete the fall and spring semesters consecutively. Classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 

Both the Day and Night Academy course materials are web-enhanced, and students will be required to utilize the Internet for self-study and completion of course assignments online.

Students may only enroll in the Fire Academy by authorization of the Director of Fire Technology after completing the application process. See the Fire Academy home page at https://www.com.edu/academics/fire-technology/academy.html for details or contact Gary Staudt at 409-933-8934. 

Information regarding specific state requirements, start dates and application can be obtained by calling the Public Service Careers Department at 409-933-8285, 409-933-8224 .

Full-Time Student Schedule

Certificate - Fire Officer

Students have the option to declare the Fire Officer Certificate as their major, which includes six embedded TCFP certifications; Fire Instructor I and II, Fire Officer I and II, Fire Investigator and Incident Safety Officer.  These certifications enhance employment and promotional opportunities within fire departments.  The certificate allows students to focus entirely upon fire science courses  without having to take the general education courses required for the Fire Technology AAS.

Level One Certificate

Full-Time Student Schedule

Enhanced Skills Certificate - Fire EMT Basic

To obtain TCFP certification as Basic Structure Fire Suppression Personnel, students must complete both an approved Fire Academy and a recognized emergency medical course.  The Fire EMT Basic Enhanced Skills Certificate is provided to satisfy this requirement.

Full-Time Student Schedule

Associate of Applied Science - Fire Technology

Completion of the Fire Technology Associate of Applied Science degree provides students with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in the fire service.  The degree is designed to build on completion of the Fire Academy, which satisfies curriculum requirements of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) certification for Basic Structure Fire Suppression Personnel.  Subsequent courses in the degree are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for first level supervision in a fire department.

Full-Time Student Schedule