Fire Science

This program is a Selective Program. Application requirements are included in the description below.

Emergency Management Specialist

Occupational Skills Award

This Occupational Skills Award (OSA) prepares students for real-world decision making and develops problem-solving skills that will allow them to elevate any organization during critical incidents. Courses focus on educating students on how to implement and coordinate resources necessary for preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery from disasters and threats city, county and state organizations face every day.

Basic Firefighter

Certificate

This program is designed to prepare students for the firefighting occupation. Students of the Basic Structure Fire Training Program, also known as the Fire Academy, will learn the functions of fire equipment, including the fire apparatus, as well as both the theory and practical application of firefighting technology. The program will prepare students for the Texas Basic Structure Fire Suppression certificate in accordance with the standards from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. After a student has met the state's certification requirements, the student may be hired as a paid firefighter by Texas fire departments; other states may also recognize the certification if the student applies for and meets the qualifications for the optional IFSAC seal.

Application Requirements

In order to be considered for entry into the South Texas College Fire Academy/Firefighter Certificate, all applicants must complete the requirements below which will be evaluated for accuracy, passing scores, and acceptable outcomes:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Applicants with military background must have an honorable discharge to apply.
3. Complete Fire Academy application (published on program webpage).
4. Pass Physical Fitness Test administered by Fire Academy. Information about test dates are published on program webpage. (Applicant must have valid identification to participate in test.)
5. Submit fingerprints for criminal history check through a state/national database. Applicants convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor, or above, or convicted of a Class B misdemeanor within the last 10 years will not be considered.
6. Clearance by medical doctor.
7. Must provide the following documents:
   • Certified Copy of Court Disposition (for all charges on criminal history)
   • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien
   • Valid Texas Driver’s License
   • Official high school transcript (accredited) or proof of GED completion
   • Military Discharge Form (DD 214), if applicable.

Fire Science Technology

Associate of Applied Science

The Fire Science Technology Associate Degree program is designed to build on students’ knowledge of the firefighting occupation. The program will prepare students for firefighter certifications beyond the basic fire suppression certification according to the standards from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Students will also be introduced to the organization and management of a fire department and the relationship of government agencies to the fire service. It also provides a sound foundation for continuous higher learning in fire protection, administration, and management.

Program Learning Outcomes

Certificate

Advisory Committee Members

Dr. Armando Ocaña, Mayor, City of Mission
Gilbert Sanchez, Fire Chief, Mission Fire Department
Jim Schultz, Fire Chief, McAllen Fire Department
Carlos Arispe, Deputy Chief, Pharr Fire Department
Rogelio Contreras, Fire Chief, Alamo Fire Department
Shawn Snider, Fire Chief, Edinburg Fire Department
Manuel Muniz, Fire Chief, Rio Grande City Fire Department

Occupational Skills Award

• Emergency Management Specialist Occupational Skills Award

Certificate

• Basic Firefighter Certificate

Associate Degree

• Fire Science Technology, Associate of Applied Science

Emergency Management Specialist Occupational Skills Award

TSI EXEMPT

Basic Firefighter Certificate

TSI EXEMPT

Fire Science Technology Associate of Applied Science

TSI LIABLE

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Identifies courses to fulfill minimum 15 credit hour General Education requirement.