The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Fire Science 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.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the 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).

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.

Award Map

Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process.  Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree. For more information on placement methods used, visit our college placement policy here.

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credits
FS100	Principles of Emergency Services	4
FS105	Firefighter Fundamentals I	2
FS180	Internship: Fire Science 7	1
MTH60	Algebra I 1	4
WR121	English Composition 2	4
	Credits	15
Winter
CIS120	Concepts of Computing	4
FS110	Firefighter Fundamentals II	2
FS120	Building Const Related to Fire Svc	3
FS121	Fire Behavior and Combustion	3
FS180	Internship: Fire Science 7	1
Speech 3		3
	Credits	16
Spring
FS115	Firefighter Fundamentals III	2
FS125	Principles of Fire and Emergency S	4
Health, Wellness, and Fitness 4		3
Human Relations 5		3
Specific Elective 6		3
	Credits	15
Second Year
Fall
FS123	Structural Firefighter I (or specific elective) 6	4
FS200	Strategy and Tactics	3
FS205	Fire Prevention	3
FS231	Fire Protection Hydraulics and Wate	3
FS280	CWE: Fire Science 7	1
	Credits	14
Winter
FS210	Hazardous Materials for First Respo (or specific elective) 6	2
FS215	Legal Aspects of Emergency Services	2
FS220	Fire Protection Systems	3
FS280	CWE: Fire Science 7	1
EMT151	Emergency Medical Technician Part A	5
Specific Elective 6		2
	Credits	15
Spring
FS130	Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator (or specific elective) 6	1
FS222	Fire Instructor I (or specific elective) 6	3
FS225	Prin of Fire & Emerg Service Admin	3
FS232	Occupational Safety and Health ES	3
EMT152	Emergency Medical Technician Part B	5
	Credits	15
	Total Credits	90

1	MTH65 or higher may be substituted for MTH60, excluding MTH81 and MTH211 .
2	A higher writing may be substituted excluding WR241, WR242, WR243, WR250.
3	Required Program Course - Speech options: SP100, SP111, SP218, SP219, or SP220.
4	PE231, HE250 or three (3) credits of PE185 sport/activity courses will satisfy this requirement.
5	Required Program Course - Human Relations options: BA110,  BA120, BA285, PSY100, PSY201, PSY202, PSY203.
6	Any FS, EM, EMT, and/or CJ course not already required for the degree will fulfill this requirement. At least eight (8) credits of specific electives must be FS courses.
7	Call 541-888-7405 to schedule with Internship Coordinator one month prior to term.
*	All Honors courses may substitute for their equivalent requirements.