Associate of Fire Protection Technology
Akron, USA
Associate Degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Key Summary
About: The University of Akron's online Associate of Fire Protection Technology covers firefighting, station operations, building construction, fire prevention, detection/protection systems, fire investigation, hazardous materials, and public agency roles. Courses follow the Quality Matters rubric. Many students work as EMTs while studying; certified firefighters can work while enrolled. The program is the only accredited fire protection program in Ohio with a 85–90% graduate placement rate.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in fire protection and prevention across municipal, industrial, state, federal, and private agencies. Typical roles include Firefighters, Paramedics, Emergency response specialists, Special hazards technicians, and Safety and environmental coordinators. Promotion eligibility.
In this online program, you will gain basic knowledge about firefighting and fire protection, including:
- The history and philosophy of firefighting;
- Fire stations and firefighting equipment;
- Public service agencies and fire protection organizations;
- Building construction and design concepts;
- Fire prevention practices;
- Detection and protection of systems;
- Fire investigation methods;
- Storing, transporting, and handling hazardous materials.
Can I work while earning this degree?
Yes. Many students work as EMTs while completing the program, and students with a fire certificate can work as firefighters while earning this degree.
Why Akron?
Our program is the only accredited fire protection program in the state of Ohio. Plus, our graduate placement rate has been 85-90% over the past five years.
1st Year
Fall Semester
- English
- Mathematics for Modern Technology
- Introduction to Fire Protection
- Fire Investigation Methods
Spring Semester
- Fire Safety in Building Design & Construction
- Incident Management for Emergency Responders
- Fire Sprinkler System Design
- Fire Prevention
2nd Year
Fall Semester
- Fire and Life Safety Education
- Fire Detection & Suppression Systems
- Fire Service Administration
- Professional Communications and Presentations
- Basic Chemistry
Spring Semester
- Hazardous Materials
- Fire & Safety Issues for Business & Industry
- Field Experience I
- Field Experience II
- Human Relations
Policy Alert: By the end of your first 48 credit hours attempted, you must have completed your required General Education English, Mathematics, and Communications (Speech) requirements.
Real-world experience
You will have the opportunity to visit local fire stations and go on calls with battalion commanders. You will also be able to visit the Training Center for Fire and Hazardous Materials and learn what it takes to be a building inspector.
You may participate in a 15-week internship, which consists of a full-time assignment in a fire protection agency. Our internship program provides valuable fire-related experience with regional fire organizations, such as fire departments, private fire investigation organizations, hazardous material compliance organizations, and others.
Also, our majors are encouraged to participate in special projects, such as fire training, educational tours, and fire-related research projects. These experiences will help you learn what a career in that area of fire protection is all about, and will aid you in making important career decisions.
Our graduates work in fire protection and prevention, the design and application of fire-extinguishing equipment, and the application of fire codes and standards. They are employed in municipal, industrial, state, federal, and private agencies as:
- Firefighters and paramedics
- Emergency response specialists
- Special hazards technicians
- Safety and environmental coordinators
Our graduates work across the region and beyond, for organizations such as the Akron Fire Department, Summit Metro Parks, Ohio Fire Academy, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Emergency Medical Services department in Washington, D.C., and more.
In many fire departments, having this associate degree will make you eligible for the promotion. This degree is also a pathway to bachelor’s degrees, such as UA’s Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security — providing even greater opportunities for career advancement.
