Fire Science Degree

The fire science program at Kalamazoo Valley Community College prepares students for careers as firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, first line supervisors, or managers of firefighters. The program focuses on the duties of firefighters. Program courses include: firefighting equipment operation and maintenance, principles of fire science and combustible substances, methods of controlling different types of fires, hazardous material handling and control, fire rescue procedures, public relations, and laws and regulations. Get more details below including other Michigan colleges that offer fire science degrees.

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Kalamazoo Valley Community College

1200 Academy St, Kalamazoo, MI

About

Kalamazoo Valley Community College, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was founded in through voter action in 1966. The school serves nearly 14,000 students annually, and has grown significantly since its founding, having added programs, services and facilities as needed to meet the growing needs of the community.

KVCC manages the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and is host to the bi annual Kalamazoo Animation Festival International.  It maintains two campuses, one in Texas Charter Township and the second in downtown Kalamazoo.  KV Community College is dedicated to providing a quality education through modern programs, services, facilities and a dedicated faculty.

Academics

Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers a variety of programs that result in either career development or academic transfer. Career training and technical programs provide education in a high demand field or industry through the development of skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce as qualified professionals.

Courses are taught in both classroom and simulated settings, with such controlled environments allowing for the development of practical experience necessary for mastering certain necessary skills. Such programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency.

Individuals working toward academic transfer will complete the first two years of a four year education locally and at low cost, followed by applying for transfer to a four year institution to transfer earned credits and complete the final two years, eventually earning one's bachelor's degree.

Students transferring to public schools in Michigan will have an easier time due to agreements in place that facilitate admission if certain prerequisites are met. Individuals transferring to out of state or private schools will have to meet the varying transfer requirements of individual schools and should meet with a counselor to develop a curriculum that assists in meeting such requirements.

Programs offered include:

• Nursing
• Police Science
• Business Administration
• Graphic Design
• Education

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students wishing to apply to Kalamazoo Valley Community College must be at least eighteen years of age or have a high school diploma. Applicants must submit a completed form, provide transcripts and test scores if available, and pay all associated fees.

Students may also be required to take a placement exam prior to registration. Students are encouraged to participate in orientation and to meet with a counselor to discuss program enrollment, curriculum and future goals.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships and is awarded based on individual need. Students are asked to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used to determine the student's need when constructing his or her financial aid packet.

Aid must be reapplied for each academic year and should be submitted by posted dates to ensure that funds are disbursed in a timely fashion.

Students Enrolled in the Fire Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Kalamazoo Valley Community College has offered the following program levels for students:

• Less Than Two-Year Award
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Municipal Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisors

Description

Supervise fire fighters who control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and property, and conduct rescue efforts.

Municipal Firefighters

Description

Control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and property and conduct rescue efforts.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, municipal firefighters employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.3% from 2014 to 2024

Fire Inspectors

Description

Inspect buildings and equipment to detect fire hazards and enforce state and local regulations.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, fire inspectors employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.5% from 2014 to 2024

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Description

Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 13.1% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).