Fire Science, Associate of Applied Science
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.
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.
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| FS100 | Principles of Emergency Services | 4 |
| FS105 | Firefighter Fundamentals I | 2 |
| MTH60 | Algebra I 1 | 4 |
| Speech 3 | 3 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Winter | ||
| FS131 | Wildland Firefighter Type 2 | 3 |
| 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 |
| GS105 | Physical Science 8 | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| FS115 | Firefighter Fundamentals III | 2 |
| FS125 | Principles of Fire and Emergency S | 4 |
| FS180 | Internship: Fire Science 7 | 1 |
| Health, Wellness, and Fitness 4 | 3 | |
| Human Relations 5 | 3 | |
| Specific Elective 6 | 2 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| FS200 | Strategy and Tactics | 3 |
| FS205 | Fire Prevention | 3 |
| FS231 | Fire Protection Hydraulics and Wate | 3 |
| FS280 | CWE: Fire Science 7 | 1 |
| WR121 | English Composition 2 | 4 |
| Specific Elective 6 | 2 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Winter | ||
| FS220 | Fire Protection Systems | 3 |
| FS280 | CWE: Fire Science 7 | 1 |
| EMT151 | Emergency Medical Technician Part A | 6 |
| Specific Elective 6 | 5 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| FS215 | Legal Aspects of Emergency Services | 2 |
| EMT152 | Emergency Medical Technician Part B | 6 |
| BA120 | Leadership Development 9 | 3 |
| Specific Elective 6 | 4 | |
| 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
SP111, SP219, or SP218 recommended. May substitute SP100 or SP220.
- 4
PE231 recommended. May substitute HE250 or three (3) credits of PE185 sport/activity courses.
- 5
- 6
Specific Elective: Any FS, EMT, F, BA and/or CJ course not already required for the degree to fulfill the specific elective requirement.
- 7
Call 541-888-7405 to schedule with Internship Coordinator one month prior to term.
- 8
May substitute CHEM110, BI231, CHEM221, PH201, ENGR211, MTH243, G246, GS104, GEOG265 or ECON201.
- 9
- *
All Honors courses may substitute for their equivalent requirements.