The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Fire Science Technology program includes the necessary general education and specialized fire and emergency services coursework to prepare students for careers in the fire service. Students will learn fundamental firefighting skills such as utilizing protective clothing and equipment, conducting search and rescue operations, advancing hoselines, and operating fire streams. Students will also be challenged with the academic aspect of firefighting in subjects including building construction, fire behavior, strategies and tactics, and fire prevention. With the knowledge, skills, and abilities gained from this program of study, students will be aptly prepared for a career in the fire service.
Students are required to complete internship credits as part of their degree plan. During this internship, students become affiliated with a fire department and gain valuable on-the-job experience while working with professional firefighters. Students have the opportunity to build a professional network, learn through practical experience (i.e. training, emergency response, etc.), and receive valuable leadership and guidance. It is highly recommended that students complete their internship credits locally, while in school to maximize the experience.
For more information, please visit the program website.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 92 credit hours with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses in the program must be completed with a ‘C’ or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the AAS in Fire Science Technology degree is awarded.
Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Pre-Program Courses
Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIS90 | Computer Basics (or demonstrate proficiency) | 2 |
| MTH20 | Basic Mathematics | 4 |
| WR90 | Paragraph Fundamentals (or placement in higher writing course) | 3-4 |
| or WR90R | Academic Literacy | |
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| FS100 | Principles of Emergency Services | 3 |
| MTH60 | Algebra I 1 | 4 |
| WR121 or WR121H |
English Composition or English Composition w/Honors |
3 |
| Health/Physical Education Course 2 | 3 | |
| Human Relations Course 3 | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Winter | ||
| CIS120 | Concepts of Computing | 4 |
| FS105 | Firefighter Fundamentals I | 4 |
| FS120 | Building Const Related to Fire Svc | 3 |
| FS180 | Internship: Fire Science | 1 |
| Speech Course 4 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| EMT169 | Emergency Medical Technology Rescue | 3 |
| FS110 | Firefighter Fundamentals II | 4 |
| FS125 | Principles of Fire and Emergency S | 4 |
| FS180 | Internship: Fire Science | 1 |
| Elective 5 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| FS115 | Firefighter Fundamentals III | 4 |
| FS200 | Strategy and Tactics | 3 |
| FS205 | Fire Prevention | 3 |
| FS280 | CWE: Fire Science | 1 |
| Elective 5 | 4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| EMT151 | Emergency Medical Technician Part A | 5 |
| FS210 | Hazardous Materials & Weapons of MD | 3 |
| FS215 | Legal Aspects of Emergency Services | 3 |
| FS280 | CWE: Fire Science | 1 |
| Elective 5 | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| EMT152 | Emergency Medical Technician Part B | 4 |
| EMT280 | CWE: EMT | 1 |
| FS220 | Fire Protection Systems | 3 |
| FS225 | Prin of Fire & Emerg Service Admin | 3 |
| Elective 5 | 4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 92 | |
| 1 | MTH65 Algebra II or higher may be substituted for MTH60 Algebra I, excluding MTH81 Applied Mathematics for Culinary and MTH211 Fundamentals of Elementary . |
| 2 | PE231 Wellness for Life, HE250 Personal Health or three (3) credits of PE 185 sport/activity courses will fulfill this requirement. |
| 3 | Choose from BA120 Leadership Development, BA285 Human Relations in Organizations, PSY201 General Psychology, PSY201H General Psychology w/Honors, PSY202 General Psychology, PSY202H General Psychology w/Honors, PSY203 General Psychology, or PSY203H General Psychology w/Honors to fulfill this requirement. |
| 4 | Choose from SP100 Basic Speech Communications, SP111 Fundamentals of Public Speaking, SP218 Interpersonal Communication, SP219 Small Group Discussion, or SP220 Gender and Communication to fulfill this requirement. |
| 5 | Student may take any course that fulfills Oregon Transfer Module (OTM) Foundational Skills or Introduction to Discipline Studies requirements, as well as any FS, EMT, and/or CJ course to fulfill this requirement. The courses selected to fulfill the Elective requirement must not be a specified requirement of this degree program. |
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate technical proficiency in fundamental firefighting skills.
- Apply critical-thinking and decision-making skills relevant to fire service scenarios.
- Demonstrate behaviors consistent with professional and employer expectations.