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 Julie Swanson 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

  • Image of a bar graph explaining Century's Tuition Cost Per Credit.

    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. With affordable tuition rates and financial aid and scholarship opportunities, our students avoid student loan debt.

    Financial Aid

    Century College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and our programs quality for financial aid including grants, loans, and college work-study. Eligibility for financial aid is determined annually based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Century College's Federal School Code is 010546.

    Scholarship Opportunities

    Each year, the Century College Foundation awards more than $300,000 in scholarships to our students. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.
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Transfer

Image of public safety worker looking at a surveillance screen.

Potential Job Titles

Image of student giving a presentation.
  • 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.

Related Programs

Emergency Medical Services