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Get a comprehensive overview of fire science technology with this associate's degree program. You’ll prepare for the fire department application process and for positions in industrial safety, fire prevention, insurance investigation, fire investigation, hazardous material spills and public education.
The program is applicable to both current firefighters and fire officers, as well as those individuals interested in entering the fire service field.
Take classes in fundamentals of fire and emergency services, fire behavior and combustion, fire prevention principles, firefighting strategies and tactics, hazardous materials, emergency services safety, building construction for fire protection and more.
Attend a Health Careers Information Meeting (Optional)
This 60 credit-hour program in fire science technology is designed to allow students to master fundamental principles in fire and emergency services, fire prevention principles, fire behavior, firefighting strategy and tactics, fire investigation, hazardous materials, as well as the basics of urban, rural, and wild-land firefighting. Many of the courses offered have course approval with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. The program also provides current firefighters with the education needed to broaden their career paths. This degree program is recognized through Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE), a network of the U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Academy. Many fire departments now require an AAS degree in Fire Science Technology before the student is eligible for entry-level positions while other fire departments offer promotional and salary incentives to graduate.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | ||
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
| FIS 100 | Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services | 3 |
| FIS 121 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
| FIS 122 | Fire Prevention Principles | 3 |
| MGT 150 | Business Math1 | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
Second Semester | ||
| FIS 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
| FIS 106 | Fire Service Career Exploration Practicum | 1 |
| FIS 107 | Introduction to Firefighter Operations | 2 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology+ | 3 |
| FIS electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
Third Semester | ||
| FIS 212 | Fire Protection Systems | 3 |
| FIS 260 | Emergency Services Safety | 3 |
| FIS 270 | Fire Service Technical Rescue | 3 |
| BIO 260 | Human Anatomy | 3-4 |
| NTR 101 | Fundamentals of Nutrition | |
| FIS electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| FIS 103 | Firefighting Strategies and Tactics | 3 |
| FIS 132 | Hazardous Materials | 3 |
| FIS electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 60-61 | |
The mathematics requirement for this degree can be met with MGT 150 (Business Math) or Math Competency. See Math Competency options for information. Students who use Math Competency to meet the mathematics requirement must complete an additional three credit-hour AAS General Education elective. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.
For the Basic Operations Firefighter pathway, please select FIS 110, FIS 111, and FIS 112.
For the Emergency Medical Technician Basic pathway, please select EMS 111, EMS 112, and EMS 113.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least 15 credit hours from the following courses: | 18 | |
| FIS 102 | Fire Service Management and Leadership | 3 |
| FIS 110 | Basic Operations Firefighter: Mod A1 | 4 |
| FIS 111 | Basic Operations Firefighter: Mod B1 | 4 |
| FIS 112 | Basic Operations Firefighter: Mod C1 | 4 |
| FIS 145 | Fire and Emergency Services Instructor | 3 |
| FIS 200 | Fire Service Internship | 3 |
| FIS 210 | Fire-Arson Investigation | 3 |
| FIS 230 | Fire and Emergency Services Law | 3 |
| FIS 240 | Fire Apparatus Engineer | 3 |
| EMS 111 | Emergency Medical Technician Preparatory | 3 |
| EMS 112 | Emergency Medical Technician: Medical Emergencies | 3 |
| EMS 113 | Emergency Medical Technician: Trauma Emergencies | 3 |
| EMG 101 | Introduction to Emergency Management | 3 |
| EMG 107 | Incident Management Systems | 3 |
| EMG 150 | Public Information, Education, and Community Relations | 3 |
| EMG 131 | Public Safety Dispatcher I | 3 |
| EMG 231 | Public Safety Dispatcher II | 3 |
FIS 110, FIS 111, FIS 112 and FIS 132 must be taken in sequence during one semester as part of the Basic Operations Firefighter (BOF) Certificate. Additionally, successful completion of FIS 106 and FIS 107 is required prior to enrolling in FIS 110.
For more information about Fire Science Technology, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.