The Fire Science Technology curriculum provides the skills sought by entry-level firefighters. Recent high school graduates or volunteers can use this program to improve their employment prospects in this profession.
You can start your classes in any semester — August, January or even May. Our program features some evening and online classes.
Kirkwood is the affordable option! We offer more than $3 million in scholarships every year.
Students in this program may be eligible to have half their tuition paid for by the Kibbie Grant.
Graduates of the Fire Science Technology program will be able to:
Learn more about the Fire Science Technology program and it’s specific admissions requirements through an online program conference.
School Year: 2024–25
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring, Summer
| Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 15 | 14 | 8 | 14.5 | 12 | 63.5 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,255 | $3,038 | $1,736 | $3,146.50 | $2,604 | $13,779.50 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $250 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $225 | $425 | $0 | $600 | $312 | $1,562 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $75 | $230 | $1,132 | $150 | $1,587 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $150 | $100 | $0 | $250 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $25 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $25 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $3,555 | $3,588 | $2,166 | $5,028.50 | $3,116 | $17,453.50 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $217 (In-State), $290 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
To get into the Fire Science Technology program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:
Successful completion of this program leads to a professional licensure or certification. View the state listing guide to identify which Kirkwood program fulfills state guidelines for professional licensure and certification.
Entry-Level Firefighter - Certificate*
Entry-Level Firefighter - Diploma*
Many students transfer into either fire program with some or even nearly all of their general education requirements (e.g. Composition, Psychology, Management, etc.) completed.
Your advisor can tell you how your courses will transfer into either program.
Students in Kirkwood's Fire Science Technology program, as well as those pursuing the Entry-Level Firefighter Certificate, Fire Science Certificate, or Entry-Level Firefighter Diploma, are encouraged to join the Kirkwood chapter of SkillsUSA, a workforce development organization for students with nearly 400,000 members nationally.
SkillsUSA is one of eight recognized members of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO). CTSOs are extracurricular groups that help students in career and technical education programs further their knowledge and skills by participating in activities, events, and competitions.
To prepare students for the position of entry-level firefighter through accessible, quality education and training, and to promote the value of lifelong learning.
| Chad L. Little | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Title: | Program Coordinator | |||||
| Phone: | 319-784-1726 | |||||
| Email: | chad.little@kirkwood.edu | |||||
| Office: | 1024 Cedar Hall | |||||
| John Zlabek | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Title: | Adjunct | |||||
| Email: | john.zlabek@kirkwood.edu | |||||