Fire Science Technology
Ignite Your Fire Science Career
The Fire Science Technology curriculum provides the skills sought by entry-level firefighters. Recent high school graduates or volunteers can use this program to improve their employment prospects in this profession.
Our program features some evening and online classes.
This program of study is recognized by the U. S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy (NFA) as a Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) institution.
Kirkwood is the affordable option! We offer more than $3 million in scholarships every year.
Students in this program may be eligible to have half their tuition paid for by the Kibbie Grant.
Graduates of the Fire Science Technology program will be able to:
- Describe the history, components, and development of fire and emergency services.
- Demonstrate basic firefighting and emergency medical technician knowledge and skills.
- Understand and interpret the fundamental theories of fire behavior, combustion, and extinguishment.
- Select strategies and implement appropriate tactics for various emergency situations.
- Relate building construction to firefighting strategy and tactics, firefighter safety and survival, fire prevention, building codes, and code inspection.
- Understand the organizational structure of the fire service and the intent and purpose of the incident command system.
- Relate various types of fire detection and suppression systems to their use.
- Evaluate concepts of risk management and survival in the fire service.
- Examine properties and basic chemistry principles of hazardous materials.
- Employ professional written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
Learn more about the Fire Science Technology program and it’s specific admissions requirements through an online program conference.
Program Costs
Fire Science Technology
School Year: 2025–26
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring, Summer
| Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 15 | 14 | 8.5 | 14 | 12 | 63.5 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,315 | $3,094 | $1,878.50 | $3,094 | $2,652 | $14,033.50 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $250 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $225 | $425 | $0 | $600 | $312 | $1,562 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $75 | $230 | $1,589 | $150 | $2,044 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $150 | $100 | $0 | $250 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $25 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $25 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $3,615 | $3,644 | $2,308.50 | $5,433 | $3,164 | $18,164.50 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $221 (In-State), $296 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
Program Requirements
Enrollment in the program is at an all-time high. To help secure a spot for Fall 2025, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:
- Complete a program conference. The program conference is now online. Review it here. Then, take the program conference survey.
Explore More
- Firefighter I
- Firefighter II
- EMT (State and National)
Successful completion of this program leads to a professional licensure or certification. View the state listing guide to identify which Kirkwood program fulfills state guidelines for professional licensure and certification.
Many students transfer into either fire program with some or even nearly all of their general education requirements (e.g. Composition, Psychology, Management, etc.) completed.
Your advisor can tell you how your courses will transfer into either program.
Students in Kirkwood's Fire Science Technology program, as well as those pursuing the Entry-Level Firefighter Certificate, Fire Science Certificate, or Entry-Level Firefighter Diploma, are encouraged to join the Kirkwood chapter of SkillsUSA, a workforce development organization for students with nearly 400,000 members nationally.
SkillsUSA is one of eight recognized members of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO). CTSOs are co-curricular groups that help students in career and technical education programs further their knowledge and skills by participating in activities, events, and competitions.
- Firefighter
- Emergency medical technician
To prepare students for the position of entry-level firefighter through accessible, quality education and training, and to promote the value of lifelong learning.
Meet Our Faculty
| Chad L. Little | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Title: | Program Coordinator | |||||
| Phone: | 319-784-1726 | |||||
| Email: | chad.little@kirkwood.edu | |||||
| Office: | 1024 Cedar Hall | |||||
| John Zlabek | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Title: | Adjunct | |||||
| Email: | john.zlabek@kirkwood.edu | |||||