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About the Program

This program is designed to provide an interdisciplinary approach for individuals already working in the field and those interested in pursuing career opportunities in public safety, which includes emergency medical services (EMS), firefighting, emergency management, dispatching/communications, leadership/management, and public safety education. Students will:

  • Protect the public through enhanced fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, dispatch, and effective leadership and management
  • Manage all phases of fire suppression, prevention, inspection, and rescue
  • Operate a wide range of firefighting and life-saving equipment alongside professional firefighters and EMTs

As well as interact with others in the Public Safety discipline as well as those with similar missions to understand how these components function as a whole in an "all-hazards" approach to public safety. Prospective students should be aware that a MN Human Services background study with no restrictions may be required for employment.

FRTA 1091 and FRTA 1092 require fire gear to use in training. If you are not affiliated with a fire department and need turnout gear, please contact Mary Vukelich at least 30 days prior to the start of class for information about these courses and equipment requirements.  For information about non-credit FIRE/Public Safety training through Continuing Education and Customized Training, contact Steve Shapira.

Cost & Financial Aid

  • Tuition Cost Per Credit

    Century College can be extremely affordable through financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

    As a two-year public community and technical college, Century College receives funding from the State of Minnesota, keeping tuition rates significantly lower than private colleges and universities.

    Century College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our programs qualify for federal financial aid including Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and others.

    Learn more >
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Potential Job Titles

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  • 911 Dispatcher
  • Firefighter
  • Emergency Management Specialist

Salary Data

911 Dispatcher
Average Wage: $26.21/hour
Top Earners: $33.50/hour

Firefighter
Average Wage: $17.48/hour
Top Earners: $29.07/hour

Emergency Management Specialist
Average Wage: $36.59/hour
Top Earners: $56.26/hour

Information gathered pertains to seven county metro area - careerwise.minnstate.edu

Learning Outcomes

Public Safety - AAS 60 Credits

  • Analyze lifelong ethical and professional responsibilities of public safety personnel.
  • Demonstrate effective decision making, critical thinking, and communication skills in written and verbal form.
  • Examine the interactions between public safety agencies.
  • Understand hiring practices, training evolutions, subcultures, attitudes and orientation of public safety agencies.

Public Safety Leadership - Certificate 16 Credits

  • Analyze lifelong ethical and professional responsibilities of public safety personnel.
  • Demonstrate effective decision making, critical thinking, and communication skills in written and verbal form.
  • Examine the interactions between public safety agencies.
  • Understand hiring practices, training evolutions, subcultures, attitudes and orientation of public safety agencies.

Fire Services - Certificate 16 Credits

  • Analyze lifelong ethical and professional responsibilities of fire service personnel.
  • Demonstrate effective decision making, critical thinking, and communication skills in written and verbal form.
  • Examine the interactions between public safety agencies and fire service personnel.
  • Understand hiring practices, training evolutions, subcultures, attitudes and orientation of fire service personnel.