Program Details
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology
Associate of Applied ScienceVirginia Peninsula Community College
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Fire Science Technology is designed to prepare individuals for entry or advancement in fire and emergency services and/or a related field (fire administrators, fire inspectors and/or investigators, fire training coordinators, safety directors, state training coordinators, municipal department administrators, fire insurance appraisers, and fire equipment salespersons) by providing them with knowledge of the fire protection and suppression profession and giving them the general education necessary to function and advance in one of these professions. The program has been structured for students desiring to enter and/or advance in fire protection service careers and/or volunteer agencies. While designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into or continued advancement in fire and emergency services related fields, Virginia Peninsula has articulation agreements that facilitate the articulation/transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected four-year institutions to benefit those seeking baccalaureate-level study in the field. Students interested in articulation/transfer should contact an academic advisor or the department chair early in their program.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
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Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Individuals who have already completed an associates degree should submit their transcripts for evaluation and transfer credit determination. The student development course requirement (SDV 100) is waived for those individuals. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Individuals who have already completed an associates degree should submit their transcripts for evaluation and transfer credit determination. The student development course requirement (SDV 100) is waived for those individuals. |
Credit for Prior Learning | https://catalog.vpcc.edu/content.php?catoid=13&navoid=2654 |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) offers accessible education and workforce training to Virginia Peninsula residents. VPCC offers excellent educational programs developed in collaboration with other educational and industry partners, offered at affordable tuition, convenient locations, and flexible schedules. VPCC faculty deliver high-quality instruction and the small class sizes allow for more personalized attention for students. VPCC prepares students to transfer to four-year institutions or to gain employment in in-demand careers. VPCC offers scholarships, internships, and is nationally recognized for serving military members and their families. For additional information check out https://www.vpcc.edu/admissions/why.html |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | The student's catalog year determined by their first semester of attendance and program placement. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance and program placement |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Virginia's community colleges offer students more than the opportunity to earn a degree or certificate; they provide a gateway to the Commonwealth's four-year colleges. Through system-wide negotiated agreements, students who graduate from a Virginia community college with an associate degree and the minimum grade point average required by the four-year college are guaranteed admission to many of the Commonwealth's colleges and universities. Students should review the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement for the four-year institution they wish to attend to learn more about the process: https://www.vpcc.edu/services/advising/transfer.html |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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33-2021.00 | Fire Inspectors and Investigators | Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions. | Protective Service Occupations |
33-2011.00 | Firefighters | Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance. | Protective Service Occupations |
33-1021.00 | First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control. | Protective Service Occupations |
33-2022.00 | Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards, and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions. | Protective Service Occupations |
Cost To Complete
