Fire Protection Technology, Associate in Science
The Fire Protection Technology program prepares students for a career in the fire service. The curriculum includes courses in building construction related to firefighter and life safety, history and philosophy of fire prevention, fire and life safety education, fire investigation, water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers, career opportunities in fire protection and related fields, and the culture and history of emergency services.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Analyze the causes of fire, determine extinguishing agents and methods, differentiate the stages of the fire and fire development, and compare methods of heat transfer.
- Assess emergency situations and employ strategies and tactics to mitigate the situation.
- Analyze and assess firefighter hazards and operations inherent to the profession.
Associate in Science Degree Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Achievement Requirements | ||
| FPTC 1 | Principles of Emergency Services | 3 |
| FPTC 2 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
| FPTC 3 | Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety & Survival | 3 |
| FPTC 4 | Building Construction for Fire Prevention | 3 |
| FPTC 5 | Fire Prevention | 3 |
| FPTC 6 | Fire Protection Systems | 3 |
| Required Core | ||
| Select a minimum of 12 units from the following: | 12-14.5 | |
| Rescue Systems 1: Basic Rescue Skills | ||
| Introduction to Firefighter Academy | ||
| Firefighter I Observation and Certification Assessment | ||
| Firefighter II Observation and Certification Assessment | ||
| Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A: Emergency Vehicle Operati | ||
| Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1B: Pump Operations | ||
| Firefighter Academy | ||
| Firefighter Academy Application | ||
| Firefighter II Academy | ||
| Instructor I - Instructional Methodology | ||
| I-300 Intermediate Incident Command System | ||
| I-400 Incident Command System | ||
| Rope Rescue Awareness/Operations | ||
| Fire Control 3 Structural Firefighting | ||
| TOTAL MAJOR UNITS | 30-32.5 | |
| Additional Requirements | 27.5-30 | |
| Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units. | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |
Graduation Requirements
Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.
The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.
Suggested 2-year Course Sequence
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Units | |
| ENGL 1A or ENGL 1AE | College Composition or College Composition: Enhanced | 3 |
| LIBR 50 | Introduction to Library and Research Skills | 1 |
| Recommended Prep for Fire Academy: | 0-3 | |
| Introduction to Firefighter Academy | ||
| Prerequisite Courses must be completed prior to entry in Fire Academy: | 0-9 | |
| Emergency Medical Technician 1: Basic Training | ||
| Emergency Medical Technician 1: Basic Training Application | ||
| Units | 4-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| FPTC 105A | Firefighter Academy | 14.5 |
| FPTC 105B | Firefighter Academy Application | 6 |
| Units | 20.5 | |
| Summer | ||
| MPC GE Area A2 (MATH 16 Recommended) | 4 | |
| Units | 4 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| FPTC 3 | Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety & Survival | 3 |
| FPTC 5 | Fire Prevention | 3 |
| FPTC 6 | Fire Protection Systems | 3 |
| MPC GE Area B and Lab | 4 | |
| MPC GE Area D | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| FPTC 1 | Principles of Emergency Services | 3 |
| FPTC 2 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
| FPTC 4 | Building Construction for Fire Prevention | 3 |
| MPC GE Area C | 3 | |
| MPC GE Area F | 3 | |
| Elective 1 | 0.5 | |
| Units | 15.5 | |
| Total Units | 60-72 | |
- 1
Elective units may not be needed. Please see a counselor for details.
MPC “Ready to Work” Career Education programs offer students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills needed for employment and job advancement.
All students should consult with a Counselor to discuss career pathways, for support with career exploration and planning, and to create a personalized education plan to help them meet their academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling services provided by MPC and to connect with a Counselor.
Additional resources are available through MPC’s Career & Transfer Resource Center (CTRC). The CTRC offers career resources, workshops, guidance and referrals. Visit the CTRC for support finding online career information and other resources to explore majors, occupations, and employment information.