Associate of Science - Fire Science - Fire Technology

Fire protection is a highly specialized professional field, requiring extensive knowledge and use of scientific principles.

Merritt College's Fire Technology Associate in Science degree program 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.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: • Demonstrate the ability to perform the required skills of an emergency medical technician (EMT). • Demonstrate the ability to perform skills related to fire suppression. • Demonstrate leadership, teamwork and decision making in the management of multiple personnel on emergency scenes.

Fire Technology career opportunities may include entry level firefighters, first-line supervisor of firefighting and prevention workers, fire inspector, and fire investigator and promotional advancement for members currently employed in the profession.