The MSU College of Technology in Great Falls offers a Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire & Rescue Technology.

The Fire and Rescue Technology Option is offered as a cooperative endeavor between Montana State University - Great Falls College of Technology and Montana State University Fire Services Training School.

This Degree Program is designed so that firefighters anywhere in Montana can apply, take courses in or near their home town or on the Internet and graduate!

Fire & Rescue Technology
Assoicate of Applied Science

General Education Requirements
Course No.  Title       Credits

PHYS 130 Fundamentals of Physical Science  4
PSY 101 General Psychology   3
MATH 103 Introductory Algebra** or Higher  3-4
ENGL 124 Business & Professional Communication 3
COMM 135  Interpersonal Communication  3
    Subtotal                        16-17

Technical Education Requirements
Course No.  Title       Credits

EMS 137 EMT Basic   6
FRS 101 Fire Fighter 1 5
FRS 102 Fire Fighter 2 * 5
FRS 112 Fire Inspection & Investigation * 3
FRS 241 Fire Department Internship 3
FRS 245 Fire Service Training & Safety Education * 2
FRS 250 Building Construction * 2
FRS 265 Incident Management & Safety * 3
FRS 270 Tactical Operations & Company Management * 5
FRS 285 Hazardous Materials * 5
    Subtotal                          39

• Technical Electives (6 Credits Required)
  Course No.  Title       Credits

CIT 110 Intro to Computers 3
FRS 290 Wildland Fire Protection (3 classes required) 3
 S-215: Fire Operations in the Urban Interface
 S-290: Intermediate Fire Behavior
S-390: Fire Suppression Tactics
FRS 291 Hydraulics & Water Supplies 3
FRS 107 Aircraft Fire & Rescue 3
    Subtotal                 6

Total Program Credits – 62-63~

+ A grade of “C” or above required for graduation | * Indicates prerequisites needed | ** Placement in course(s) is determined by admissions assessment

~Many students need preliminary Math, English, and/or Computer courses before enrolling in the program required courses. These courses may increase the total number of program credits. Students should review their Math and English placement scores as well as high school transcripts with an advisor before planning out their full program schedule.

Breakdown of Technical Course Requirements: <-click

EMS – Fire & Rescue Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree

Advisor: Dr. John Culbertson

Today’s firefighters not only respond to fire and medical emergencies but also participate in disaster response planning, containment, and cleanup of hazardous material spills, enforcement of fire codes and standards, as well as delivery of safety, fire, and accident prevention programs. The work of the contemporary firefighter is multi-functional and requires a high level of expertise in relevant technical areas as well as proficiencies in written and oral communications, leadership, planning, and the ability to deal with a broad range of individuals and situations.

This degree program combines technical fire and rescue training with general education courses to fulfill Associate of Applied Science Degree requirements. It also incorporates the opportunity to transfer credits toward a four-year degree in Fire Administration.

The Fire and Rescue Technology Option is offered as a cooperative endeavor between Montana State University - Great Falls College of Technology and MSU Fire Services Training School.

Agreements for transfer of credit with other colleges in the state will allow firefighters to complete general education degree requirements without having to relocate to Great Falls. Required technical courses are offered at locations throughout the state. Students will be required to complete an approved project to demonstrate their integration of learning in the majority of technical courses. It is strongly recommended that English Composition I be successfully completed before projects for this program are attempted.

Program applicants should forward their requests for transfer of credit for general and technical education to the Registrar’s Office at the College. Requests for transfer of credit should include official copies of transcripts, and whenever available, course descriptions or syllabi. An Advisory Committee meets semi-annually to review requests for transfer of technical credit. The Course information above is the most accurate available.

MSU College of Technology Link