A.S. Degree: 64 Hours
The Fire Service continues to place an emphasis on formal education for all ranks within a fire department organization. The OTC Fire Science Program developed the Fire Service Administration degree in conjunction with the OTC Fire Science Technology Advisory Board in order to provide that formal education and better prepare future company officers and chief officers. The overall goal of this degree is to provide learning opportunities which introduce, develop and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention and advancement. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to retrain and upgrade present knowledge and skills. Career choices for Fire Service Administration students include the following: firefighter, fire inspector, fire instructor, fire investigator, fire protection systems installer, U.S. Forest Service, as well as various military branches. OTC graduates have employment opportunities locally, statewide, nationally and internationally.
While this degree can be completed without pre-requisites, the ability to take the Missouri Division of Fire Safety certification exams may require other course certifications prior to being eligible for testing. The OTC Fire Science Program Director can provide those details.
OTC has developed procedures for evaluating past training experiences and certifications for professional equivalency college credit; inquiries should be directed to the lead instructor or department chair.
Students wishing to transfer to a four-year institution are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of the lead instructor or department chair of the FST program to determine courses appropriate for transfer.
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