The Fire Protection Technology courses are offered on campus in the evening and as distance education courses (Internet courses). The Associate of Applied Science program is two years in length. The scheduling of courses allows the flexibility required for students who are working full-time or shift work. Students successfully completing this program of study are awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree in Fire Protection Technology.

The Regional Fire Academy is a semester-long certificate of completion program which prepares the student for a career in fire protection and satisfies the basic training requirements of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection for structural firefighter certification. The Fire Academy is offered in the Fall and Spring semesters during the day.

All cadets entering the Fire Academy must meet the minimum standards which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Pass a physical examination using National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) criteria
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Possess an honorable discharge from all military service
• Possess either a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Possess a valid social security card
• Be a certified/certifiable Texas Department of State Health Services/National Registry EMT-Basic

During the student’s course of study, they receive certificates for hazardous materials awareness, and hazardous materials operations. Students successfully completing the Fire Academy receive a certificate of completion, 18 semester hours of college credit, and are eligible for state basic structural firefighter certification testing. Graduates of this academy should be prepared to pass civil service examinations and the various employment tests given by government agencies. Upon state certification, graduates are eligible for International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Seals for Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Awareness, and Hazardous Materials Operations.