Fire Protection Technology Banner
Career & Academic Pathways >> Public Safety & Education
Contact Information
Greg Greenlee (Department Chair)
(831) 646-4240
ggreenlee@mpc.edu
For Additional Info
•  Download our Info Sheet
•  Visit MPC Fire Protection Technology
•  Connect with a Counselor 

Program Overview

Fire protection encompasses all the means available of reducing potential harm caused by fire. Students in the Fire Protection Technology program learn about fire and life safety, building construction and water supply as they relate to fire protection, fire investigation, and fire suppression systems. Courses also cover the history, philosophy, and culture of fire prevention and emergency services and explore career opportunities in fire protection.

Job Outlook

With wildfires becoming an annual phenomenon in California, fire protection expertise is in demand, with full-time hiring at Cal Fire alone set to grow 10%.year-over-year in 2020-2021.  While many graduates find employment as firefighters, fire inspectors, or fire investigators, diverse opportunities are increasingly available in emergency management, forensics, and insurance. Graduates can also pursue additional education in fire science, engineering, or environmental studies en route to careers in civic and policy planning surrounding fire protection.

Potential Careers

Firefighters

$42,110 - $139,110

Insurance Claims Investigators 

$46,310 - $109,260

Fire Inspectors & Investigators

$62,870 - $159,920

*Fire Protection Engineers
(may require additional training)

$76,000 - $150,890

*Emergency Management Directors
(may require additional training)

$71,750 - $179,450

MPC Degrees and Certificates

  • Fire Protection Technology - Associate in Science Degree (AS) 
  • Fire Protection Technology - Certificate of Achievement (COA) 

Suggested Course Sequence (AS)

Year 1

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS Summer   Units  
ENGL 1A
 3

FPTC 105A     

 14.5  Area A2  3-5
LIBR 50
 1 FPTC 105B      6

   MATH 16 rec.

  

EMMS 170A

 7

   

EMMS 170B

 2
     

FPTC 101

 3  
   
           
Total Fall Units
 16
 Total Spring Units
 20.5  Total Summer Units  3-5

Year 2

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS

FPTC 3

 3
 FPTC 1 3

FPTC 5

 3 FPTC 2 3

FPTC 6

 3
 FPTC 4
 3

Area B and Lab

 4 Area C 
 3

Area D

 3 Area F
 3
   ADMJ 2 rec..      
       
Total Fall Units
 16
 Total Spring Units
 15

This is a suggested sequence of coursework and is one pathway for students to earn their degree/certificate. This is not an official educational plan. A counselor is able to assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. For more information about counseling and up-to-date program requirements, please visit www.mpc.edu/counseling. 

Testimonials 

Carlos Morales

MPC Fire Academy has prepared me to succeed in anything I dedicate my life to. The dedication from all faculty makes this program possible to be one of the best. Throughout the academy challenges my character molded for the better for myself and others. The friends, connections, and experiences have made me highly marketable to any Fire agency I have applied to. I’m always aware for any questions I may have or help my MPC Fire academy will always be there. 

Kevin Seaver

The training is grueling, as it should be in a profession of this nature. Everyday is stimulating and you are constantly learning something new. You are given the chance to learn with a hands-on approach and a great student-to-instructor ratio. The facilities are top notch and your equipment can be taken home, further reinforcing the desire for your success in the program. The career networking aspect was also a huge plus, as most, if not all instructors live and work in our community. I can’t say enough about MPC. I owe my future success to the framework laid during my time spent in the academy.