The associate degree program in Fire Science Technology provides students with the skills and knowledge to become highly competitive candidates for entry and/or advancement as professional and volunteer fire and emergency services personnel.

The FIR 110 course (Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement I) meets the educational requirements of the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety for Fire Inspector. FIR 209 (Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement II) meets the educational requirements for Fire Official. Students seeking a career in fire code enforcement are encouraged to check with the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety for other certification requirements.

Based on a national curriculum that promotes learning and advocacy of critical emergency service leadership and fire safety principles, the associate degree program integrates technical study with coursework in mathematics, English, physical science, and liberal arts to provide graduates with the necessary ancillary knowledge to advance into supervisory and/or management-level positions.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Discuss the history, support organizations, resources, incident management, training, and emergency operations and relate how each plays a role within the fire service;

• Define and use basic terms and concepts associated with the chemistry and dynamics of fire;

• Apply principles of hydraulics, building construction, strategy, and tactics to fire ground operations;

• Communicate the relationship of fire prevention and fire inspection;

• Demonstrate the importance of public education in relation to fire prevention;

• Evaluate facilities to appraise code compliance and potential hazards, building construction issues, and presence of appropriate fire protection systems to help ensure life safety both pre-incident and during an incident;

• Employ safe work practices using recognized standards and regulations.

Students pursuing programs in fire science should be aware that various municipal and industrial fire service agencies establish physical, mental, and character requirements. Persons interested in this option are advised to gain an awareness of the specific requirements for their desired work setting. MCCC graduates are employed by city, state, and federal departments dedicated to the fire services field.

Since the degree program is designed to meet the needs of the part-time student, it normally will take a minimum of three years to complete. All fire science courses are offered in the evening.

Fire Science Technology is not designed as a transfer program and some credit loss may occur for those who intend to continue their education at a four-year institution. Students interested in transferring should contact the program advisor early in their coursework at MCCC.

Admission to the program requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and competency in English and mathematics as demonstrated by placement testing.

FIRE.SCI.AAS - Fire Science Technology

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