The Fire Protection Technology program prepares students for careers in the fire service field with municipal fire departments, insurance inspection agencies, industrial safety firms, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Department of Defense. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of personnel currently employed in fire service positions and those desiring preparation for employment. Midland College is a licensed Fire Academy, and specific areas of training include those courses required by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection for Firefighter Certification. Additional training includes fire and arson investigation, fire prevention codes and inspections, hazardous materials principles and safety, fire protection systems, and industrial fire protection. Two Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree options are available consisting of 64-68 semester credit hours and taking approximately two years to complete. Four certificate options ranging from 15 to 27 semester credit hours are also available. Each certificate option takes approximately four months to one year to complete. Students interested in this program should contact the Technical Studies Division office to obtain additional information and/or acquire a degree or certificate plan.