Fire Science

What is the program?

San Antonio College's (SAC) Fire Science program is designed to prepare the individual for a career in fire service and provide the opportunity for professional firefighters to achieve an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree for career advancement.

The program offers two Associate of Applied Science A.A.S. degree tracts as well as a Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) approved basic structural firefighter academy.

• Fire Science/Fire Fighting with an Emphasis in Homeland Security, A.A.S.
  • The Fire Science / Fire Fighting with an Emphasis in Homeland Security program reflects the assessed needs of the community for careers in the fire service and the need for trained professionals in disaster preparedness.
  • Certified firefighters can receive college credit for TFFP, IFSAC, or ProBoard Fire Inspector certification
  • 100% online
• Fire Service Leadership, A.A.S. 
  • The Fire Service Leadership Program reflects the assessed needs of the community for careers in the fire service and in fire service management.
  • Certified firefighters can receive college credit for TFFP, IFSAC, or ProBoard Fire Inspector, Fire Officer I & II, Fire Instructor I & II. Incident Safety Officer, and Haz-Mat Incident commander certifications.
  • 100% online
• Firefighter / Basic, Level I Certificate
  • The SAC Regional Fire Academy (RFA) is part of the TCFP firefighter certification process. Prior to being appointed to fire suppression duties, personnel must complete a Commission-approved basic structure fire suppression program and successfully complete a Commission recognized emergency medical course.
  • Required to get your Texas firefighter certification
  • For more information click HERE

 What's special about program?

• Instructors in this program are seasoned veterans in the fire service with many years of cumulative teaching and operational experience.
• Both A.A.S. Degrees are Modeled on the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) national curriculum in Fire Science.
• Tuition Exemption for Firefighters Enrolled in Fire Science courses
  • This program provides an exemption from tuition and laboratory fees to eligible persons employed as firefighters by a political subdivision of this state or who are active members of an eligible organized volunteer fire department in this state. Texas Education Code,  § 54.353

                  Visit College for All Texans for more information.

What will I learn?

The Fire Service Leadership A.A.S. and Fire Science / Fire Fighting with an emphasis on Homeland Security A.A.S. offer professional firefighter a broader education through advanced technical and general education courses.Both degrees are designed to provide students with foundational skills in firefighter safety, building codes, fire prevention, code inspection, firefighting tactics / strategies, and disaster preparedness.

What can I do with this course of study?

You can increase career opportunities in your field by possessing an AAS degree in Fire Sciences.  Courses at San Antonio College can be used to apply for higher levels of firefighter certification through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). In addition, some departments offer incentive pay for earning a degree or raising your firefighter certification level.

Top positions in fire departments and the emergency services industry are generally reserved for those who can keep up with technological advances and other developments in the field.

Students who earn their Associate of Applied Science in Fire Service Leadership and Fire Science / Fire Fighting with an emphasis on Homeland Security A.A.S. can look for work as firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, first line supervisors, and managers of firefighting, among other positions. These degrees also prepares students who are looking to continue their education with the foundation to earn bachelor's and master's degrees.

Courses Offered by Semester

Let's Get Started

SAC has temporarily adjusted our enrollment process to allow steps to be completed remotely by students.  Please follow the 1,2,3 Steps.

Important Dates