This degree or certificate is designed to prepare in-service and pre-service students for a career in firefighting in local, state, and federal fire agencies. This also provides the employed firefighter an opportunity for professional educational development.

The Associate of Science degree is granted to students who have completed at least 12 semester units of the required 60-degree applicable semester units at Glendale Community College. The required 60 semester units must include all of the following: (1) Completion of the courses required in the major or area of emphasis with a grade of “C” or better, or a “P” grade. (2) Completion of one of the following general education patterns: GCC General Education Requirements or the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements. (3) A minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 60 semester units.

The Certificate is granted to students who have completed at least 12 semester units of the required courses at Glendale Community College. All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better, or a “P” grade.

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, students will discuss the skills required for fire prevention techniques; discuss the aspects of fire behavior; discuss the skills required for fire-fighting tactics and strategy; and discuss the skills required for the use of equipment used in fire protection.

Associate of Science Program Map 
Certificate Program Map

REQUIRED COURSES FOR MAJOR/CERTIFICATE UNITS
FIRE 101 Principles of Fire Emergency Services 3
FIRE 102 Fire Behavior and Combustion 3
FIRE 103 Fire Prevention 3
FIRE 104 Building Construction for Fire Protection 3
FIRE 105 Fire Protection Systems 3
 FIRE 106 Principles of Fire and Emergency Safety and Survival  3
CHOOSE A MINIMUM OF NINE UNITS FROM THE FOLLOWING
FIRE 108 Fire Apparatus & Equipment 3
FIRE 112 Wildland Fire Control 3
FIRE 114 Hazardous Materials 3
FIRE 116 Fire Academy I 4
FIRE 117 Fire Academy II 12
FIRE 118 Fire Academy III 4
FIRE 119 Fire Academy IV 12
EMT 140 Emergency Medical Technician 8.5
TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED 27-30

Units for the major may be double counted for Cal-GETC or GCC General Education. Elective units may be used to reach the 60-unit degree requirement.
NOTE: ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK MIGHT BE REQUIRED DUE TO PREREQUISITES. SEE A COUNSELOR FOR A PERSONALIZED STUDENT EDUCATIONAL PLAN.


Spring 2026 GCC Catalog Addendum 2025-2026
Important Notice: In the event of a discrepancy between the information presented above and the online and/or print versions of the GCC Catalog, please contact a counselor or the office of Admissions and Records. For previous years requirements please see the catalog from that year.