Fire Systems Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Fire Systems Technology prepares students to design, analyze, and implement advanced fire protection solutions within built environments. This program integrates engineering principles with real-world fire safety strategies to enhance resilience in structures and communities.
- Fire Hydraulics and Dynamics: Explores the physical behavior of fire and the movement of water through firefighting systems, enabling effective pressure and flow management during emergencies.
- Fire Protection Systems Design: Focuses on the planning and integration of automatic suppression systems, including sprinklers, alarms, and detection networks, tailored to specific building types and hazards.
- Fire Behavior and Combustion: Studies the chemical and physical processes of fire ignition, spread, and extinction, providing a scientific foundation for prevention and response strategies.
- Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply: Addresses the infrastructure and engineering behind reliable water delivery systems, ensuring adequate supply for firefighting operations under varying conditions.
- Fire Protection Equipment and Systems: Covers the selection, maintenance, and operational use of essential tools and technologies, from handheld extinguishers to large-scale suppression apparatus.
- Building Construction for Fire Protection: Examines how structural materials, design standards, and compartmentation techniques contribute to fire resistance and occupant safety.
- Fire Apparatus: Provides insight into the operation, capabilities, and technical specifications of fire engines and other emergency response vehicles used in active fire scenarios.
Fire Systems Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Fire Systems Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Fire Systems Technology degrees, including . These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements.
Career salary data is not available for this program.
Top Universities for Fire Systems Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Fire Systems Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Fire Systems Technology is found at Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) (27 graduates), Onondaga Community College (OCC) (11 graduates), Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) (9 graduates), Jefferson Community College (JCC) (4 graduates), and Cisco College (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 53 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
27 | Lakewood, Washington | Public | cptc.edu |
Onondaga Community College (OCC) |
Associate's
|
11 | Syracuse, New York | Public | sunyocc.edu |
Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) |
Associate's
|
9 | Utica, New York | Public | mvcc.edu |
Jefferson Community College (JCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Watertown, New York | Public | sunyjefferson.edu |
Cisco College |
Associate's
|
2 | Cisco, Texas | Public | cisco.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Fire Systems Technology programs
Which universities have the largest Fire Systems Technology programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Fire Systems Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) (27 graduates), Onondaga Community College (OCC) (11 graduates), and Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Fire Systems Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 133 in 2010 to a peak of 72 in 2020, before declining slightly to 53 in 2023-24. This represents a 60% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
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