The Fire Science Technology program is designed to provide students with sound technical and academic experiences, enabling them to assume positions of responsibility as members of fire departments or as technical employees of industrial firms and insurance companies. The first year of the program provides training in building construction, system design for detecting and eliminating fire hazards,
and trains students to reduce hazard through periodic inspections, remedial recommendations, and systematic follow-ups. The second year focuses on aspects of leadership, command, control, and education. The ultimate goal is to assist the in-service student to develop the appropriate skills and knowledge both to further their ability as a front-line firefighter, but also to develop the skills to assume a leadership role in their community. Students who are not employed in a related field are highly encouraged to pursue a live-in position or other hands-on application of the curriculum. Courses may also be taken individually or in clusters to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certification for various fire science professional standards. A one-year certificate option is available which will consist of 15 credits of technical classes and 15 credits of selected academic subjects. Graduates of the program will be employed as industrial fire protection specialists, safety technicians, fire insurance inspectors, inspection bureau representatives, state fire inspectors, and municipal fire department employees, many of whom will earn their degree while employed in their area of specialty. AAS graduates are prepared to assume positions of leadership within their department, and to manage teams performing tasks in the community and on the fire ground. All Fire Science Technology students are strongly encouraged to take EMS123 (EMT-Basic) and to complete the Firefighter I/II certification. Both of these will be needed for employment by a fire department. Live-in Students will complete FFI/II during the summer before school and should complete EMS 123 in their first semester.
