Fire Science Degree

The fire science program at Western Dakota Technical Institute 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 South Dakota colleges that offer fire science degrees.

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Western Dakota Technical Institute

Also known as Western Dakota Tech

414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD

Western Dakota Technical Institute in Rapid City, South Dakota features over 20 associate’s degrees, many of which lead students to finding a full-time job soon after graduation. Some of the disciplines include:

• Library technology
• Accounting
• Business management/marketing
• Medical assisting
• Welding
• Pharmacy technology
• Environmental engineering
• Surgical technology

The college offers students the opportunity to join professional organizations and interact with other students as well as internships that direct students to jobs in their career field. Early sign-up is recommended for featured programs as classes can fill up quickly. In order to apply to the school, you’ll need to provide either your high school transcripts or a GED along with the results of the COMPASS entrance test. Students must also undergo a physical exam and obtain certain required vaccinations.

Financial aid at the Midwest college is available in the form of loans, work-study programs, and scholarships. In order to apply for financial aid, an FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form must be completed.

No on-campus housing is available at the community career college. Students who attend the programs offered at the school pay just over $5,300 yearly, whether they live in-state or are out-of-state residents. Enrollment at the school, which was established in 1968, now stands at around 960 students. The college has a retention rate of a little over 60%.

Students Enrolled in the Fire Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Western Dakota Technical Institute offers an associate's degree program in fire science.

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).