Fire Science Technology

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.

You can start your classes in any semester — August, January or even May. Our program features some evening and online classes.

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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.

Plan of Study

Learn more about the Fire Science Technology program and it’s specific admissions requirements through an online program conference.

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Program Costs

Fire Science Technology

School Year: 2023–24

Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring, Summer

Fall Spring Summer Fall Spring Total
Credit Hours per Semester 15 14 8 14.5 12 63.5
In-State Tuition $3,150 $2,940 $1,680 $3,045 $2,520 $13,335
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 $0 $230 $40 $0 $270
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 $3,450 $3,415 $2,110 $3,835 $2,882 $15,692

 

Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $210 (In-State), $281 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).

Program Requirements

To get into the Fire Science Technology program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:

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  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • EMT (State and National)

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.

  • Firefighter
  • Emergency medical technician

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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.

Entry-Level Firefighter - Certificate*

Fire Science - Certificate*

Entry-Level Firefighter - Diploma*


*State and federal aid may be used for the diploma on its own or as part of the degree program above.

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

Questions?

Social Sciences
2092 Cedar Hall
319-398-4911
social.sciences@kirkwood.edu