Fire Sciences  at SAU Tech

Prepare for Careers in Fire Science

Southern Arkansas University Tech offers a comprehensive Fire Science degree program for current and aspiring emergency responders seeking career advancement, college credentials, and a pathway to a bachelor's degree. Through the Arkansas Fire Training Academy and SAU Tech's Credit for Prior Learning program, fire service personnel can earn college credit for their training and accelerate completion of a Fire Science degree.


Students earn college credit for AFTA courses either during active course participation or via the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process. Credit is applied according to the detailed process involving AFTA instructors, advisors, admissions staff, and the SAU Tech registrar's office.


Eligible students may qualify for the Fire Service Scholarship, which covers tuition costs for the required general education courses. This scholarship helps Arkansas emergency responders earn a Fire Science degree at a reduced cost while balancing work and educational goals. Download the application→


Degree Type: Associate of Science, Technical Certificate, Certificate of Proficiency

Transferability: Multiple transfer options available→

Format: Online or in-person

Financial Aid: Grants, Scholarships, & Loans→

Program Description Fire Science

SAU Tech’s Fire Science program is designed to allow for maximum transferability into a higher educational degree program once the Associate of Science (A.S.) Fire Science Management degree is obtained. Its target audience includes current and potential fire officers. The Fire Science Management core courses will be offered through the Arkansas Fire Training Academy (AFTA). General Education requirements may be obtained via internet courses or by way of traditional delivery. 

  • Program Goals

    To provide learning and educational opportunities for mid-level fire department managers (fire officers) in the State of Arkansas using distance learning methodologies to deliver an A.S. in Fire Science Management. 

  • Program Outcomes

    Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills as candidates for graduation from the Fire Science Management Degree Program. 

Career Opportunities in Fire Science

A Fire Science degree can open the door to a wide range of careers in emergency services, public safety, industrial safety, and emergency management. SAU Tech's Fire Science programs are designed to prepare students for both frontline emergency response and leadership roles within fire service.

  • Safety Coordinator
  • Loss Prevention Specialist
  • Risk Management Specialist
  • Fire and Emergency Management
  • Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Organizational Supervision

With additional study at another university, students may pursue careers in higher-level management and administrative positions within the fire service and emergency management fields.

Apply For Admissions

SAU Tech offers degrees and certificates aligned with AFTA coursework:



*Note: These CPs cannot be awarded for courses completed before Fall 2022 unless a student started before and completed after Fall 2022.



Credit Process & Scheduling

Students earn college credit for AFTA courses either during active course participation or via the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process. Credit is applied according to a detailed process involving AFTA instructors, advisors, admissions staff, and the SAU Tech registrar’s office.


Standards School

  • Offered annually in Camden (5 sessions)
  • Covers courses like Firefighter I & II, Hazardous Materials Awareness, and EMS First Responder


Additional Credit Courses

  • Emergency Medical Technician (FS 2026) – 5 classes/year
  • Driver Operator (FS 2134) – 5 classes/year

Take the next step

Need help understanding your certificate options? Our program advisors are here to help!

Get In Touch

Fire Science

  • Faculty: Arkansas Fire Training Academy
  • Associate Vice Chancellor for Instruction/Advisor: Jodi Eppinette, jeppinet@sautech.edu, 870-574-4584
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