Program: AS-25980

The Fire Science Technology Program is designed to allow fire service or fire protection professionals to enhance their technical competencies and prepare for career advancement. The program emphasizes the scientific basis of fire hazards and the control of these hazards, effective operating procedures at fires and other emergencies, and preparation of students for leadership and managerial positions.

Students who score below the required levels on state-mandated placement tests in writing, reading, and mathematics must enroll in and complete the appropriate developmental education courses before they enroll in some required program courses.

Note: It is strongly recommended (but not required) that students attain State of Florida Firefighter I and II certifications (minimum standards to be a state certified firefighter) prior to pursuing the Fire Officer certifications that are part of the articulated credit requirement for this degree.

Firefighters who hold out-of-state, national, or military certifications or fire courses must contact the Florida State Fire College to ask for an equivalency review to determine what is needed to satisfy or convert these certifications to Florida certifications. For more information, students should contact the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training, 11655 NW Gainesville Rd. Ocala, FL 34482-1486, or call (352) 369-2800.

Note: If a student is not currently a firefighter and would like to become one, he or she must complete a state certified Fire Academy such as the one at Ridge Career Center, Fire Training, 7700 State Road 544, Winter Haven, FL 33881; phone: (863) 419-3060. The Fire Academy is a separate program from the Fire Science Technology Program.