Skagit Valley College

Fire Protection Technology, AAS

The Fire Sciences Department (FIRE) provides training and education for students wishing to begin a career in the fire service, attain a higher level of education, and/or prepare for career advancement.

Within the Fire Sciences Department, two degrees are offered:

• The Fire Protection Technology, AAS degree is designed to prepare those students wishing to enter the fire protection career as entry-level firefighters. It is a skills and certification-based program that prepares a student with the education, certifications, and affiliation, valued by fire service leaders.
• The Fire Service Administration, AAS-T degree is designed for students who are currently working as career firefighters and wish to create the opportunity for upward mobility. The degree is academic-based and is primarily online in its delivery, suiting the needs of shift workers. The degree is fully transferable to bachelor-level programs.
• By adding a third year of general education courses, students receiving the Fire Protection Technology, AAS degree can also obtain the Fire Service Administration, AAS-T degree. Achieving the AAS-T degree means not only being prepared for an entry-level fire-fighting position but also laying the foundation for eventual advancement in the fire service.

Degree Intent and Transfer Options

Upon completion, Workforce degrees and/or certificates are intended to give students the skills needed to move directly into employment. While these degrees are not intended to transfer to a university, students will be eligible to apply for admission to Skagit Valley College’s Bachelor of Applied Science - Management (BASM) degree or SVC’s Environmental Conservation, BAS (BAS-EC) and, in some cases, could transfer to other schools. If you are interested in continuing your education by entering a bachelor’s degree program, please work closely with your Academic Advisor and Department Chair.