Fire Protection and Safety Management
Associate of Applied Science
Overview
The Fire Protection and Safety Management degree is designed for certified firefighters by offering them a flexible hybrid program that allows them to pursue their degree while working. An AAS degree makes firefighters more competitive for internal promotions and provides a sound foundation for continuous higher learning in fire protection, administration, and management.
In addition, many fire departments in the State of Texas offer incentive pay or educational stipends to firefighters who pursue an Associate’s degree or higher.
Firefighters certified through the Texas Commission of Fire Protection may apply for credit by certification upon completing at least 15 credit hours of academic coursework through Laredo College.
Information
The Fire Protection and Safety Management degree plan includes advanced courses that prepare students for first-level supervision in a fire service organization, i.e., Fire Officer. In addition, these courses offer advanced certifications with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), which will enhance employment and promotional opportunities in a fire service career.
Students with an active TCFP structural firefighter certification may be eligible to file a Credit by Certification form for 23 credit hours towards the Fire Protection and Safety Management AAS degree, provided they satisfy the requirements. Contact a Fire Science instructor for details and to initiate the petition.
Plan of Study
| Recommended Course Sequence | Semesters Offered | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | ||
| MATH 1314 - College Algebra | Fall, Spring | 3 |
| BIOL 2301- Anatomy & Physiology I (lecture) | Fall, Spring | 3 |
| BIOL 2101- Anatomy & Physiology I (lab) | Fall, Spring | 1 |
| 7 Hours | ||
| Semester 1 | ||
| FIRS 1301 - Fire Certification I | Fall | 3 |
| FIRS 1407 - Fire Certification II | Fall | 4 |
| FIRS 1313 - Fire Certification III | Fall | 3 |
| FIRS 1319 - Fire Certification IV | Fall | 3 |
| FIRS 1323 - Fire Certification V | Fall | 3 |
| 16 Hours | ||
| Semester 2 | ||
| FIRS 1329 - Fire Certifications VI | Spring | 3 |
| FIRS 1433 - Fire Certifications VII | Spring | 4 |
| FIRT 1353 - Legal Aspects of Fire Protection | Spring | 3 |
| FIRT 1338 - Fire Protection Systems | Spring | 3 |
| FIRT 1342 - Fire Officer I | Spring | 3 |
| 16 Hours | ||
| Semester 3 | ||
| FIRT 1319 - Firefighter Health and Safety | Fall | 3 |
| FIRT 1327 - Building Construction in the Fire Service | Fall | 3 |
| FIRT 1315 - Hazardous Materials I | Fall | 3 |
| FIRS 2344 – Driver Operator Pumper | Fall | 3 |
| 12 Hours | ||
| Semester 4 | ||
| SPCH 1315 - Public Speaking | Spring | 3 |
| ENGL 1301- Composition I | Spring | 3 |
| LPC X3XX- Language, Culture and Philosophy/Creative Arts | Spring | 3 |
| 9 Hours | ||
| AAS DEGREE MINIMUM: 60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS/PATHWAY TOTAL: 60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS | ||