College Major Information
Major Exploration
- ASSIST: Explore Majors – Find information about a specific major, search for majors of interest, or explore all the majors at CSU and UC campuses.
- UCTransfer.org -- A comprehensive, step-by-step process for transferring to UC.
- O*Net Online US Dept. of Labor Occupational and Labor Market database. Can search occupations by: job family, Holland Code (under interests), Work Values, Skills, and more.
- CCC Chancellor's Office List of Approved Degrees and Certificates -- A listing of all degrees and certificates offered by California community colleges. Searchable by major or college.
Fire Service
4/07 Advice on Preparing for a FS Career. Ron Johansen, Program Coordinator, Fire Service Technology -- Las Positas College, 925-424-1177 (O), 925-783-3850 (C)
To successfully compete for firefighting positons, candiates most always need more than an AS degree. With the exception of candiates who are underrepresented in the FS field, todays strongest candidates will have completed: an accredited fire academy; a certificate of achievement and an AS in Fire Service Technology; several specialty courses with certifications; be a licensed paramedic; have some experience as a reserve or volunteer firefighter and/or as an EMT or paramedic in the private sector on an ambulance within a county EMS System.
A BA/BS is not neccessary, however for the younger candidate who may have more time to devote to his or her education, I would recommend pursing a BA/BS to improve opportunities for promotion within five years of being hired. For the student under 20 years of age they are ideal candidates to go this route:
- Enter at 18
- Complete the certftificate of achievement in Fire Service Technology
- Complete EMT 1 Basic
- Complete an accredited fire academy
- Complete all GE for a degree (plan GE for AS and transfer)
- Graduate from LPC with AS in FST- transfer to 4 year college
- Become volunteer firefighter, work part-time as an EMT in the private sector during school
- Graduate from 4 year college with a BA/BS
- Return to community college & complete course in anatomy/physiology and medical terminology
- Enroll and complete pre-hospital care paramedic program. (estimated completion time 15 months)
*Actively Seek Employment in the Fire Service.
A limited number of agencies hire candiates without all the above training requirements, but those that complete all the above education will be able to test for all fire fighting positions with any agency. These students will not be limited. Today, 9 out of 10 departments require that candiates be a paramedic.
The average candidate will spend a minimum five years to get into the fire service. This 5-6 year training period is ideal for most 18-year-olds who enter the field, in order to develop the maturity and personal life experiences that are desirable, as well as be able to demonstrate a strong command of knowledge and have the ability to lead in times of crisis.Considering it is a career with excellent health, retirement and pay compensation, it is not that long a time to wait.
Engineering/MBA Dual Degree Programs (not a comprehensive listing of programs)
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
- University of Oklahoma
- SUNY at Buffalo
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Denver
- Iowa State University
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Massachusetts
- Rutgers - New Jersey
- Vanderbilt - Nashville
- Gonzaga - Washington (state)
- Rochester Institute of Technology (New York)
