Fire Investigation Technology or Fire Protection Technology Degree?

[pewter98]

Hello all!

I am in the final steps of the hiring process for a great civil service department in my area. During my background investigation interview, I was ask to give several examples of how I would further my knowledge in the fire service if I was to be hired by this department. In addition to giving my answers of continuing my training by ways of drilling, obtaining CEU's, and attending resident training courses, I informed my background investigator that I would also like to put my basic/core college courses towards an associate degree in fire science. At Tarrant County College's Fire Service Training Center in Fort Worth, Texas, their Fire Technology Program offers two choices for an associate degree fire science:

Fire Investigation Technology

https://waj.tccd.edu/TCC/WebAdvisor3...&SUBMIT=SUBMIT

Fire Protection Technology

https://waj.tccd.edu/TCC/WebAdvisor3...&SUBMIT=SUBMIT

As I stated before, I have already obtained the required basic/core courses right after I graduated high school. I also paid the extra money for my basic fire academy (which I also completed at TCC's Fire Service Training Center) to count as accredited courses and can be put towards the degree. The rest of the required fire science courses for these two degrees are offered on a shift-based schedule, so that will work out great to attend on one of my two off days.

I would like feedback from anyone who has obtained or working to obtain a fire science degree in either of the fields listed above. Would one of these two degrees be more beneficial to a entry-level firefighter who is just starting his career as a paid firefighter? I have been a volunteer firefighter for 3 years and obtained my FF/EMT-Basic/HazMat-Tech on my own.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[fire49]

take this first:::


Fire Protection Technology


And then pick up the few wextra courses you need for the::


Fire Investigation Technology

or just zoom on to a four year degree in something

besides texas pays for the courses including currently peace officer course at tcc

[pewter98]

take this first:::


Fire Protection Technology


And then pick up the few wextra courses you need for the::


Fire Investigation Technology

or just zoom on to a four year degree in something

besides texas pays for the courses including currently peace officer course at tcc

Thanks. Yes, I learned that Texas will pay for the courses while I was in fire academy @ TCC. Due to my changing work schedule, I'm going to wait until I get put on a shift (24 on/48 off) and then complete the remaining fire science courses to get my degree.