The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for firefighters will increase by 17 percent through 2018, resulting in the creation of 62,100 new jobs. While a high school diploma may be sufficient for entering the field, chances of employment greatly improve with post-secondary education in fire science, says the Bureau. In the state of Texas, a few community colleges offer programs in fire science for prospective firefighters.
San Antonio College
Founded in 1925, San Antonio College is one of the Alamo junior colleges. Each year the school features an enrollment of over 21,000 students. The Department of Protective Services at the college grants two-year associate's degrees in fire science, fire and arson investigation, and fire science with an emphasis in homeland security. The school is also home to its region's fire academy for new employees at fire departments. During the 2009-2010 school year, the cost of tuition at San Antonio College was $321 per credit for up to six credits for district residents, $621 for other Texas residents, and $1,218 for out-of-state residents. For more than six credits, the cost per credit increased, with rates varying depending on the total number of credits taken.
San Antonio College
1300 San Pedro Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 486-0000
accd.edu/sac
Blinn College
Founded in 1883, Blinn College is the community college network that serves Washington County, Texas. The school's main campus is in Brenham, Texas, with branches in Bryan, Schulenburg and Sealy. The school network is home to over 50,000 students. The college grants one-year certificates and two-year associate's degrees in fire science. Programs take place both in the classroom and on an outdoor training course at Brayton Fire Training Field in College Station, Texas. For the 2009-2010 school year, the cost of tuition per credit at Blinn was $35 for Washington County residents, $64 for other Texas residents, and $140 for out-of-state students.
Blinn College
902 College Ave.
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 830-4000
blinn.edu
Weatherford College
Weatherford College is a community college located in Weatherford, which is about 35 miles west of Fort Worth. The school is home to around 10,000 students each year and was founded over 140 years ago. The school grants a one-year certificate in firefighting as well as associate's degrees in fire science and fire protection. For the 2009-2010 school year, the cost of tuition per credit at Weatherford College was $61 for students within the school's district, $92 for other Texas residents, and $138 for students from outside of Texas.
Weatherford College
225 College Park Drive
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 598-6241
wc.edu
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