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Fire Science

Aside from simply fighting fires, firefighters respond to many other types of emergency calls, including motor vehicle accidents, technical rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and medical emergencies. Firefighters also teach fire and injury prevention classes, visit schools, and lead fire station tours for the public.
Graduates from the Fire Science program may obtain jobs in municipal, suburban, and rural fire departments, as well as private and airport authority fire departments. Once hired by a fire department, firefighters often develop and branch into other areas and specialties, such as training, paramedicine, public education, and fire investigation.

Working as a volunteer firefighter before, during, and after the Fire Science program is an excellent way to build skills and knowledge and develop contacts in the industry, and we encourage our students to pursue volunteer opportunities. 
Firefighters work as a team, and typically develop strong camaraderie and a sense of family. This often happens in the Fire Science program as well as in the fire service in general.

Entry-level jobs in larger jurisdictions may start at $75, 000 annually, and with experience, firefighters can earn anywhere from $80, 000 to $110, 000 annually. Benefits packages for firefighters tend to be quite good, and usually include health insurance, retirement programs, and generous opportunities for paid time off.

The following traits are common among firefighters:

  • Balance of cardio, strength, and flexibility, and commitment to lifelong health and fitness
  • Action oriented and able to take control of situations
  • Ability to stay calm under extreme pressure
  • Desire to continue learning in a continuously changing profession
  • Ability to communicate effectively in stressful situations

These traits can all be learned! Students do not need to have these traits before joining the program.

SCC’s two-year associate in applied science degree combines technical and general education courses to equip students with basic skills required for entry level positions with municipal, industrial, and state and federal departments. Students learn to handle basic firefighting, rescue, and safety responsibilities. Students are taught to the national standard and optional certifications are nationally recognized. 

  1. Have a well–rounded technical background for entry into fire service or rescue related fields. 
  2. Apply knowledge and skill to a successful entrance into the fire service.   
  3. Handle basic Fire, Rescue, and EMS duties.
The duties of the firefighter include, but are not limited to, extinguishing and controlling fires, performing rescue and evacuation work incidental to fire control, accidents, natural disasters, and other incidents where human life is threatened. Firefighters also render emergency aid to those in need. The responsibilities of fire prevention, inspection, and public relation programs aimed at reducing death and property loss are also undertaken.

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway


Placement

Math placement is not required for this program.

Prepare for College-level English

English placement is required for this program. If your English placement is below ENGL& 101, you’ll need to take following sequence of courses, starting from the level you placed into:
AE 36 → AE 46 and 47 (taken together) → AE 67 → ENGL 99 → ENGL& 101

Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also check the annual schedule or search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 100


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
EMS 131
Introduction to EMT Basics  
5
EMS 132
Basic Skills for EMT I   5
1
FS 100
Orientation to Fire Science   1
2
FS 115
Community Relations  
3
PE 188
Basic Fitness I  
2
Total Credits
 
13
 

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
EMS 133
Continuation of EMT Basics   5
5
EMS 134
Basic Skills for EMT II   5
1
EMS 135
EMT Practicum   5
1
ENGL&101
English Composition I  
5
FS 152
Building Construction   2
3
Total Credits
 
15
 

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CHEM&110
Chemical Concepts w/Lab  
5
CMST&210
Interpersonal Communication  
5
FS 177
Wildland Fire Operations  
3
 
Math Elective  
5
Total Credits
 
18
 
Math Elective: Choose 5 credits Math Elective: Choose 5 credits  
BUS 103
Basic Business Math and Electronic Calculators  
5
MATH&107
Math in Society   3
5
MATH 201
Introduction to Finite Mathematics   4
5

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
FS 109
Safety, Health, & Wellness for Emergency Services  
3
FS 114
Emergency Vehicle Operations  
6
FS 211
Introduction to Fire Science  
3
FS 212
Fire Science Applications I  
6
Total Credits
 
18
 

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
FS 105
Principles of Hydraulics  
3
FS 170
Hazardous Materials I  
4
FS 221
Intermediate Fire Science  
3
FS 222
Fire Science Applications II  
6
FS 233
Professional Development  
2
Total Credits
 
18
 

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
FS 116
Introduction to Technical Search & Rescue  
6
FS 160
Fire Tactics  
3
FS 231
Advanced Fire Science  
3
FS 232
Fire Science Applications III  
6
Total Credits
 
18
 
1 First year fire science students only. This course is offered fall quarter only.
2 This course is offered winter quarter only.
3 MATH& 107 has a prerequisite of MATH 72, 88, 98, or 99 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years or an appropriate placement score.
4 MATH 201 has a prerequisite of MATH 72, 98, or 99 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years or an appropriate placement score. College-level reading scores are recommended.
5 EMS 131, 132, 133, 134 and 135 may be substituted by EMT Basic or Higher National Registry Certification.
  • Tuition

  • Resident

    $
    9,807
  • Non-Resident

    $
    11,990
  • International

    $
    22,281
  • Avg. Books

    $
    702
  • Max. Course Fees

    $
    2,902

These dollar amounts reflect the costs associated with the completion of the degree/certificate.