Fire Science

Are you seeking employment or a life-long learner of Johnson County fire-related organizations? JCCC’s stackable Fire Science program is for you!

Sign up for the Second Annual Spring Eastern Kansas Wildland Fire School!

Thurs., Feb. 26-Sun., Mar. 1, 2026
Johnson County Community College

JCCC, in partnership with the Kansas Forest Service and the Johnson County Fire & Emergency Services Chiefs Association, proudly presents the Second Annual Spring Eastern Kansas Wildland Fire School. This four-day program is designed for those passionate about their career or establishing a career in wildland firefighting, a profession offering diverse job experiences and invaluable skills. The Wildland Fire School hosts academy sessions to provide quality operational wildland firefighting courses required for qualifications based and in accordance with National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Standards.

Wildland Fire School courses are offered through JCCC's Workforce Development and Continuing Education. Visit the WDCE catalog for more information on the courses in this certificate program. Questions? Contact Tim Whitham, Program Director, at twhitham@jccc.edu.

Earn certificates as you progress to an associate degree

Set your career in motion through earning our stackable certificates, gaining practical experience at off-site locations, and taking the advanced courses needed for employment in your local fire department.

Begin with our Firefighter Certificate and Fire Administration certificates. These certificates are embedded in the Associate of Applied Science degree program in Fire Science. 

The AAS program emphasizes general education in addition to technical education and is built around a core of fire science courses carefully selected by the members of the Fire Science Advisory Committee to prepare for your career growth.

Technical electives may be pursued through courses available under a continuing cooperative agreement between area fire science programs or through other degree-granting institutions that are accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

You may fulfill technical education requirements through the advanced standing credit process. 

Upon completion, you’ll be prepared for state certification exams in: Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations, Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Emergency Medical Technician. 

In JCCC’s Fire Science program, you will gain the knowledge and skills to advance in a Fire Science career. Throughout our Fire Science courses, you’ll learn about: 

Firefighter safety 
Fire Behavior 
Protective clothing and equipment 
Firefighting techniques 
Emergency response contingency plans 
Fire investigation and laws of arson 
Fire codes

Explore JCCC's catalog to learn about our Fire Science degree and individual courses

[Catalog] Fire Science, AAS

[Catalog] Fire Administration Certificate

[Catalog] Firefighter Certificate

[Catalog] Fire Science courses

This is a selective admission program. See how to apply for Fire Academy

Further your fire science education after JCCC

JCCC partners with the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute at the University of Kansas. That guarantees your JCCC credits will transfer if you choose to earn an advanced degree.  Our   instructors work also in close cooperation with the Johnson County Fire Chiefs Association.

Find your future in a rewarding field

Employment of firefighters is projected to grow 7 percent up to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. With the training you receive at JCCC and other specialty training you could find jobs as: