Fire Science Technology Academic Degree
and Certificate Programs

The Fire Science Technology program is a comprehensive program that prepares students to be firefighters and enhances the careers of current firefighters via an A.S. degree and six certificate programs. Courses are offered in the traditional classroom mode as well as online via St. Petersburg College’s eCampus.

Fire Science Technology A.S. Degree – The goal of this program is to prepare students with a scientific understanding of fire hazards and their control with emphasis on effective operating procedures at fires and other emergencies. General education courses are included to prepare the graduate to communicate and work effectively with all levels of society. Students may choose from six majors that also can be taken independently as certificate programs. Courses are available online and in the classroom.

Fire Inspector I – This curriculum is designed to incorporate the theory and applications necessary to become a credentialed fire inspector. Courses include: Fire Prevention, Private Fire Protection Systems, Building Construction for the Fire Service, Fire Codes and Standards, and Blueprint Reading and Plans Review.

Fire Inspector II – This curriculum is designed to incorporate the theory and applications necessary to become a credentialed fire inspector. Courses include: Fire Chemistry, Private Fire Protection Systems II, Fire Cause and Determination, and Fire Service Public Information Officer.

Fire Officer I – This curriculum is designed to incorporate the theory and applications necessary to become a credentialed fire officer. Courses include Company Officer, Emergency Response to Terrorism: Basic Concepts, and Basic and Intermediate Incident Management System, among others.

Fire Officer II – This curriculum is designed to incorporate the theory and applications necessary to become a credentialed fire officer. Courses include Fire Chemistry, Ethical and Legal Issues for the Fire Service, and Fire Service Course Design, among others.

Fire Investigator I – This curriculum is designed to incorporate the theory and applications necessary to become a credentialed fire investigator. Courses include Fire Chemistry, Fire Cause and Origina Determination, Private Fire Protection Systems, and Building Construction for the Fire Service.

Fire Investigator II – This curriculum is designed to incorporate the theory and applications necessary to become a credentialed fire investigator. Courses include Arson Investigation, Post Blast Investigation, Latent Investigations, and Legal Issues for Investigators.

St. Petersburg College offers six Fire Science Technology Certificates. The certificate programs are designed to incorporate the theory and applications necessary to become credentialed in a specific field. At the completion of each certificate program, graduates are eligible to take the competency examination that is administered by the State Fire Marshal's Bureau of Fire Standards and Training. Courses taken for certificates will apply towards the Fire Science Technology A.S. Degree. Certificates are offered in the following areas:

Fire Officer I – This certificate is designed to incorporate the theory and applications necessary to become a credentialed Fire Officer or Fire Service Administrator.

Fire Officer II – This certificate is designed to incorporate the theory and applications necessary to become a credentialed mid-management Fire Officer.

Fire Inspector I – This certificate is designed to incorporate the theory and applications necessary to become a credentialed Fire Inspector. Career opportunities include Fire Inspector, Fire Marshal

Fire Inspector II – This certificate is designed to incorporate the theory and applications necessary to become a credentialed Fire Inspector II. Career opportunities include Fire Inspector, Fire Marshal, Fire Service Administrator

Fire Investigator I – This certificate is open to firefighters and police officers and is designed to incorporate the theory and applications necessary to become a credentialed Fire Investigator. Career opportunities include Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Fire Marshal, Law Enforcement Investigator

Fire Investigator II – This certificate is designed to incorporate the theory and applications necessary to become a credentialed Fire Investigator Supervisor.