Where Courage Meets Career
Our firefighting program builds on foundational firefighter training by offering advanced education and certification opportunities for academy graduates and current firefighters. Students deepen their knowledge with fire science courses, leadership and technical training, and general education disciplines. Successful completion prepares them to take the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Basic Fire Suppression exam and pursue roles such as fire inspector, investigator, or emergency management professional.
Career Opportunities and Income
Visit sanjac.edu for information regarding career opportunities and potential earnings in the Greater Houston region.
Job Entry Requirements and Licensure Disclosures
The College informs all students in this program who may have a criminal background that a criminal history could keep graduates from being licensed by the state of Texas. Students with any questions about their background and licensure may speak with the program’s department chair. This notice is provided in accordance with Texas House Bill 1508 amendments to Texas Occupations Code Sec. 53.152.
Additionally, a person who has any arrests, criminal charges or indictments, criminal investigations, or motions to revoke probation for any crime may be disqualified from obtaining licensure (see Rule 157.12 of the Texas Administrative Code).
Learning & Career Pathway
This learning pathway—a series of related and “stacked” certificates and degrees—includes the following awards. You can start at any point on the path and earn certificates on your way to completing the degree.
- Firefighting, Certificate of Technology (6 months)
- Firefighting, Associate of Applied Science Degree (2 years)
Learning Outcomes and Career Skills
A student completing the last award in the pathway will be able to:
- Function within an Incident Management System.
- Control and/or extinguish fires as a member of a team.
- Perform rescue operations as a member of a team.
- Perform hazardous materials response mitigation operations as a member of a team.
- Conduct fire prevention, inspection, and public education activities.
Licensure or Certification
San Jacinto College Fire Protection courses fulfill the educational requirements for numerous fire service certifications. Students may contact the Fire Protection Technology program on the Maritime campus for specific information.
Locations
College Admission
San Jacinto College is an open admission institution. All students are welcome to apply and will be admitted to the College. You may begin the process on the College’s “How to Apply” webpage.
Program Admission
In addition to being admitted to the College, students must also be admitted to the Firefighting program, which has additional requirements and steps.
Plan of Study
3FIRE-PROT
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| FIRS 1301 | Firefighter Certification I | 3 |
| FIRS 1407 | Firefighter Certification II | 4 |
| FIRS 1313 | Firefighter Certification III | 3 |
| FIRS 1423 | Firefighter Certification V | 4 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Second Term | ||
| FIRS 1319 | Firefighter Certification IV | 3 |
| FIRS 1329 | Firefighter Certification VI | 3 |
| FIRS 1433 | Firefighter Certification VII | 4 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Third Term | ||
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | 3 |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture (Humanities) or Creative Arts (Fine Arts) | 3 | |
| FIRT 1327 | Building Construction for the Fire Service | 3 |
| FIRT 1305 | Public Education Programs | 3 |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| ENGL 2311 | Technical and Business Writing | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Speech Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Business and Professional Communication | ||
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer Year Two Term | ||
| Social and Behavioral Sciences or Government/Political Science or American History | 3 | |
| FIRT 1319 | Firefighter Health and Safety | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Capstone Experience: Verification of workplace competencies: Eligible for Credential Exams - Texas Commission on Fire Protection Basic Fire Suppression
Approved Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FIRS 2450 | Hazardous Materials Technician | 4 |
| FIRT 1338 | Fire Protection Systems | 3 |
| FIRT 1342 | Fire Officer I | 3 |
| FIRT 1343 | Fire Officer II | 3 |
| FIRT 1370 | Technical Rope Rescue I | 3 |
| FIRT 1408 | Fire Inspector I | 4 |
| FIRT 1440 | Fire Inspector II | 4 |
| FIRT 1450 | Fire Investigator | 4 |
| FIRT 2305 | Fire Instructor I | 3 |
| FIRT 2309 | Firefighting Strategies and Tactics I | 3 |
| FIRT 2331 | Firefighting Strategies and Tactics II | 3 |
| FIRT 2351 | Company Fire Officer | 3 |
| FIRT 2356 | Fire Officer III | 3 |
| FIRT 2357 | Fire Officer IV | 3 |
| FIRT 2370 | Technical Rope Rescue II | 3 |