Fire Science

Program Goals:

The Fire Science associate degree program prepares students for a career or promotion within fire and emergency service organizations. Students are also prepared for careers in the private sector, which include fire investigation, fire engineering, suppression/alarm systems maintenance, emergency management and hazard analysis.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate and use basic interpersonal, group and public communication skills.
• Formulate accurate and clearly written letters, memos, technical reports and business communications.
• Illustrate and relate the basics of mathematical models to fire and life safety.
• Summarize and restate basic theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread and are controlled.
• Evaluate the components of building construction related to fire and life safety; including inspections, pre-incident planning and emergency operations.
• Compare and contrast and perform basic responsibilities of company officers, including supervision, delegation, problem solving, decision-making, communications, and leadership.
• Evaluate the laws, rules, regulations, and codes and those relevant to fire prevention of the authority having jurisdiction.
• Distinguish the benefits of fire protection systems in various types of structures.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

• High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

• The Fire Science program does not have any additional costs. However, EMT 101 may require students to purchase some supplies. The EMT 101 course prepares students for the Massachusetts State Certification exam, and the cost of the state exam is the student’s responsibility.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

• Additionally, credit may be earned for courses taken at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy or at Worcester Fire Academy or for EMT 101 for students with current EMT Basic, EMT Advanced, or EMT Paramedic certification.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 43.0202.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

Additional Information:

• This program is designed to align with the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Model for associate degree programs in Fire Science.
• QCC is recognized as a FESHE College by the National Fire Academy.