Program Overview

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.

Program Requirements

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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.

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This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.

FIS Electives

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.

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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. 

Program Learning Outcomes

• Describe the history, structure, culture, and expectations of the fire service to understand the role of the firefighter within the broader public safety system, as introduced in the Fire Science orientation and introductory course.
• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of fire behavior, combustion, and fire chemistry to understand how fires ignite, spread, and are controlled in various environments.
• Analyze the relationship between building construction types and fireground operations to assess structural hazards and implement safe tactical decisions.
• Apply principles of firefighter safety and risk management in both emergency operations and daily activities to support a culture of safety and survivability.
• Operate within the Incident Command System (ICS) and utilize fireground tactics and strategy appropriate to a range of fire and rescue incidents.
• Demonstrate knowledge of fire protection systems including detection, suppression, and alarm technologies, and their role in life safety and fire control.
• Apply principles of technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and all-hazards operations at the awareness level to support modern firefighter responsibilities.
• Demonstrate entry-level firefighter competencies through successful completion of the Basic Operations Firefighter (BOF) modular sequence aligned with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) certification requirements.