Fire Science | Gateway Technical College

Learn by participating in firsthand training in our HERO Center that covers health and wellness principles, building construction, fire behavior, fire certification courses and more.
Network and gain professional experience by joining the Fire Student Organization. Participate in fundraisers, visit fire museums, and attend state and national conferences and seminars.
Prove your capability to future employers by practicing the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification as part of the program.
Embark on an exciting career in the fire service industry. Become a career or volunteer firefighter, or work in fire prevention, code enforcement, installation, inspection and more.
Continue your education and apply your technical diploma credits toward a Paramedic Technician associate degree.

Program Credits

24

LOCATION

HERO Center

Financial Aid Eligible

Yes

ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST

Tuition & Fees: $4,705
Books and Supplies: $1,793

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Salary Outlook

$63,066

Career Opportunities:

Firefighter (including Volunteer), Firefighter/EMT, Fire Inspector

Fire Science Career Pathway

Career Pathways are designed to help you reach your educational goals and explore college and career options. Pathways are made up of related certificates, diplomas and degrees that build on common skills and knowledge. You can begin at any point on the Career Pathway and customize your pathway to fit your goals. View the pathway for your area of interest.

There are many opportunities, both in high school and through previous college, work, and/or military experience, to earn credit for prior learning at Gateway.

Technical diplomas help students learn hands-on occupational skills in as little as one or two years for full-time students. Technical diploma opportunities in this pathway include:

Prepare to enter your exciting new career, or choose to continue your education with another Gateway program or by transferring your credits to a four-year college or university.

Curriculum Sheet:

30-503-5 Fire Science Full-Time 2025-26 Curriculum Sheet.pdf

Part Time Curriculum:

30-503-5 Fire Science Part-Time 2025-26 Curriculum Sheet.pdf

Course Number: 503-304Credits: 3.00

A survey of building classifications and types discussing structural elements and weaknesses of each type. Emphasizing the additional damage done by fire and how fire hastens ultimate building collapse. This course is equivalent to 503-143 at other WTCS schools.

Course Number: 503-302Credits: 2.00

This course provides fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, and identification and correction of fire hazards. It meets all requirements for Fire Inspector I certification with the state of Wisconsin.

Course Number: 503-301Credits: 3.00

This course includes classroom and practical training sessions on the basic fundamentals needed by entry-level firefighters and meets the objectives of the Wisconsin's Firefighter I certification course. Practical training is a major part of the course. Upon completion, students are encouraged to take the certification exam for Firefighter I, State of Wisconsin. This course is equivalent to 503-142 at other WTCS schools.

Course Number: 890-155Credits: 1.00

In this course, students explore the Gateway Technical College community. They examine college resources and services, investigate skills that lead to academic success, and identify strategies for achieving educational and personal goals.

Course Number: 503-303Credits: 3.00

This course introduces the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural and behavior change throughout the emergency services.

Course Number: 531-312Credits: 2.00

In this course, learners build foundational skills and knowledge needed to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) candidate, while also meeting all requirements for Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) candidates. The learner examines lifesaving topics including, basic anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, traumatic injury management, airway management, cardiac management and basic medical care. Upon completion of the course, learners will be eligible to participate in the National Registry of EMT's Emergency Medical Responder exams required for Wisconsin EMR certification.

Course Number: 531-313Credits: 3.00

In this course, learners build upon the base knowledge of the EMR/EMT Part 1 course. The learner examines lifesaving topics including: expanded anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology; disease processes; more complex patient assessment; and; critical thinking skills. In addition, learners may be able to apply additional skills allowed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services/EMS Section Scope of Practice for EMT's. Upon completion of the course, learners will be eligible to participate in the National Registry of EMT's Emergency Medical Technician exam required for Wisconsin EMT certification.

Course Number: 503-305Credits: 3.00

This course provides a foundation of knowledge in order to understand the principles of the use of water in fire protection. It meets all of the requirements for Driver Operator-Pumper certification with the state of Wisconsin.

Course Number: 503-307Credits: 2.00

In this course, students examine fire service health and wellness issues. Through an examination of how, when, where, and why firefighters are injured and killed, students identify risk management strategies. Students develop a plan for personal health and fitness and prepare for the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Upon completion of the course, students will be able to identify specific processes, methods, and systems that reduce firefighter injuries and deaths, and they will be able to relate specific behaviors that support personal health and wellness.

Course Number: 503-306Credits: 2.00

This course is structured for competency-based instruction meeting the requirements of Firefighter Level II. It includes classroom and practical training sessions and meets the objectives of the Wisconsin's Firefighter II certification course. Hazardous Materials Operations is included in this course. Upon completion, students are encouraged to take the certification exam for Firefighter II, State of Wisconsin.

Ready to apply? We're here to help! Join us for a Get Ready Application workshop. Our New Student Specialists will answer any questions and assist you with the application process. Register for a workshop today.

Application for Admission & Application Fee
Students must meet one of the following multiple measures: earned a technical diploma or higher,* earned a minimum high school GPA of 2.6, earned a minimum college GPA of 2.0 or submit ACT or Accuplacer test scores. Submit any needed transcripts or test scores. *Please note short term technical diplomas do not fulfill Multiple Measures. These programs include Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT, and Truck Driving.
Review the Professional Licensure information regarding your program of study.
Review the program technical standards. An acknowledgement of these standards will be completed within the online application.

Note: Due to federal clock-to-credit regulations, the Gateway to Success course is not fully financial aid eligible for your program. Students can reduce the financial aid impact by following their scheduled part-time or full-time curriculum track. Learn more.

Note: Gateway's program meets the licensure requirements for the State of Wisconsin. Gateway has not determined if the program meets the licensure requirements of any other state.