Fire Science Certificate
Total Program Credits: 38
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
Upon 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.
(Fall 2021)
Placement Measures
Students should enroll in all FIR courses for the given semester, as first year courses are required to complete the second year of FIR courses.
Program Map for Students
| FIR 101 ◊ National Incident Management System (NIMS) | Core Course | 1 |
| FIR 111 Principles of Emergency Services | Core Course | 2 |
| FIR 112 Fire Behavior & Combustion | Core Course | 2 |
| FIR 113 Fire Prevention | Core Course | 2 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 7 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan.
Explore stackable certificate(s)/degree(s) |
| FIR 102 ◊ Basic ICS and Application Towards Single Resource & Initial Action Incidents | Core Course | 1 |
| FIR 114 ◊ Building Construction for Fire Protection | Core Course | 3 |
| FIR 115 Fire Protection Systems | Core Course | 2 |
| FIR 116 Principles of Fire & Emergency Services Safety & Survival | Core Course | 2 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 8 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic and transfer plan.
Create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers. Attend a Transfer 101 Workshop. (if applicable) |
| FIR 202 ◊ # Fire Service Strategy & Tactics | Core Course | 3 |
| FIR 210 ◊ # Fire Investigation I | Core Course | 3 |
| FIR 231 ◊ # Hazardous Materials Chemistry | Core Course | 3 |
| FIR 251 # Occupational Safety & Health for Emergency Services | Core Course | 2 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 11 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic (and transfer plan option).
Attend a Ready to Apply Workshop
|
| FIR 203 ◊ # Fire & Emergency Services Administration | Core Course | 3 |
| FIR 218 # Fire Investigation II | Core Course | 3 |
| FIR 221 ◊ # Fire Protection Hydraulics & Water Supply | Core Course | 3 |
| FIR 241 ◊ # Legal Aspects of Emergency Services | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 12 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to finalize your academic plan for graduation and register for stackable certificate/degree (option).
Submit graduation petition by deadline (check for the specific date in catalog or syllabus.) |
Note: A minimum grade of "C" is required for each FIR course.
See FIR course descriptions.
Chairperson: William Justiz, Ext. 3653
KEY
(AAS/CERT) |
| General Education |
Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements). |
| Core Course |
Course(s) listed in a semester the student is required to take. |
| Program Elective |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. |
If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution. |
| General Elective |
Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits. |
| ◊ symbol |
This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course) |
| # symbol |
This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course) |