Fire Science Certificate
(formerly Fire Science Technology)
Curriculum FIR.FIR.CERT (C343A)
The Fire Science program is designed for individuals pursuing a career in fire service and related fields. Some fire departments offer hiring, promotional, and salary incentives to candidates possessing a certificate. This program is based on the curriculum recommended by the Fire Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) division of the United States Fire Administration (USFA).
Other areas of employment for Fire Science graduates include fire-equipment sales and service, municipal fire protection, fire prevention inspection in industry and architectural firms, investigation for insurance companies, and emergency medical services. Upon petition, students who have completed programs approved by the Illinois State Fire Marshall's Office will be granted equivalent credit toward a Certificate in Fire Science.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the successful completion of the Fire Science Certificate, the graduate will be able to:
- identify the fundamental knowledge of firefighting according to the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education;
- define the roles and responsibility of a fire officer according to the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education;
- explain hydraulics in emergency services according to the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education;
- describe methods of fire investigation in emergency services according to the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education;
- summarize chemistry of hazardous materials in emergency services according to the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education;
- explain legal aspects of emergency services according to the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education;
- explain safety in emergency services according to the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education; and
- identify the components and key terms of the National Incident Management System according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
| FIR 101 ◊ National Incident Management System (NIMS) | | 1 credit |
| FIR 111 Principles of Emergency Services | | 2 credits |
| FIR 112 Fire Behavior & Combustion | | 2 credits |
| FIR 113 Fire Prevention | | 2 credits |
| Total Semester Credits: | 7 |
| FIR 102 ◊ Basic ICS and Application Towards Single Resource & Initial Action Incidents | | 1 credit |
| FIR 114 ◊ Building Construction for Fire Protection | | 3 credits |
| FIR 115 Fire Protection Systems | | 2 credits |
| FIR 116 Principles of Fire & Emergency Services Safety & Survival | | 2 credits |
| Total Semester Credits: | 8 |
| FIR 202 ◊ # Fire Service Strategy & Tactics | | 3 credits |
| FIR 210 ◊ # Fire Investigation I | | 3 credits |
| FIR 231 ◊ # Hazardous Materials Chemistry | | 3 credits |
| FIR 251 # Occupational Safety & Health for Emergency Services | | 2 credits |
| Total Semester Credits: | 11 |
| FIR 203 ◊ # Fire & Emergency Services Administration | | 3 credits |
| FIR 218 # Fire Investigation II | | 3 credits |
| FIR 221 ◊ # Fire Protection Hydraulics & Water Supply | | 3 credits |
| FIR 241 ◊ # Legal Aspects of Emergency Services | | 3 credits |
| Total Semester Credits: | 12 |
Total Credit Hours: 38
Note: A minimum grade of "C" is required for each FIR course.
See FIR course descriptions.
Coordinator: William Justiz, Ext. 3653