Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Associate's Degree in two years. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). The plan includes four semesters, each with an average course load of 15 units, and follows the Plan 1 General Education pattern. You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

Students completing the Public Service Option Degree are prepared for employment as volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time, or full-time firefighters. Through a combination of professional education and technical training, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform essential and advanced fireground tasks.  Students learn to use, inspect, and maintain fire fighting and rescue equipment; and perform basic rescue operations and fire prevention and investigation tasks. As they advance through the program students are provided with  numerous opportunities to earn professional certificates and industry-recognized credentials. 

Students successfully completing the program receive state, national, and international  Firefighter 1 Certification through the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, IFSAC (International Fire Service Accreditation Congress ) and Pro Board accrediting agencies. 

Major Requirements for A.S. Degree

  1. Meet all of the pre-academy requirements listed .  Copies of documentation must be submitted to the Fire Technology Office.
    1. CPR/First Aid- current certification
    2. NREMT- current certification
    3. Biddle Physical Ability Test- certificate of completion
    4. NFPA 1582 Medical Clearance - dated within 2 years of academy participation
  2. Complete all Fire Technology coursework listed below with a grade of C or better
  3. Complete the Fire Academy: FAC 007 and FAC 060A-C with grades of 80% or better.  
  4. Pass the National Firefighter I Exams.
  5. Complete all General Education Coursework.

Demonstrate the occupational knowledge and technical skills needed to perform the duties of a Firefighter I which is based upon NFPA 1001: Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications (2019) and California State Fire Training's Fire Fighter 1 (2019).

Demonstrate the occupational knowledge and technical skills required to carry out the duties of a Wildland Firefighter, based upon NFPA 1051: Standard for Wildland Firefighting Personnel Professional Qualifications (2016).

Demonstrate the occupational knowledge and technical skills needed to carry out the duties of Haz Mat/WMD Emergency Responder based upon NFPA 1072: Standard for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel Professional Qualifications (2017).

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

First Semester

15-16 units

Fire Academy requires Current National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) Certification — students can complete EMT 104 and EMT 105 at SAC or complete this requirement elsewhere.

Second Semester

16.4 units

Third Semester

15 units

Fourth Semester

15 units