Fire Science (A.S.)
Associate in Science
Daniel Garner, Program Advisor
dgarner@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-5223
The Fire Science program focuses on fire prevention and fire protection principles and techniques. Students also take general education courses, including human behavior and written and oral communication. All FIS-designated coursework is aligned with FESHE Standards; the program covers material on the most recent developments in the field and provides excellent preparation for those who work in occupations such as fire protection or insurance underwriting.
Expected Outcomes
Graduates of this program should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of fire development, cause and prevention
- Apply theoretical knowledge of hydraulic principles to solving water-supply problems for fire protection
- Identify hazardous materials, hazardous properties, and successful emergency-scene operations
- Recognize the importance of building-construction concepts and materials in fire safety, the effects of heat and fire on buildings, and the impact of fire to personal safety of building occupants
- Explain the benefits of fire protection systems in various types of structures
- Discuss and describe the scope, purpose, and organizational structure of fire and emergency services
- Define how the concepts of risk management affect strategic and tactical decision-making
- Describe the history and philosophy of fire prevention
- Demonstrate and use basic interpersonal, group and public communication skills
Graduation Requirements
To earn a degree in this program, a student must complete all program and general education credits, plus the following Additional Requirements.
Program Courses
| CIS-102 | Fundamental Computer Literacy | 4 |
| FIS-101 | Principles of Emergency Services | 3 |
| FIS-106 | Fire Behavior & Combustion | 3 |
| FIS-123 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
| FIS-128 | Protection Systems | 3 |
| FIS-145 | Fire Prevention | 4 |
| FIS-221 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Services Safety & Survival | 3 |
PSY-
| Psychology (3) | 3 |
-
| Or | |
| SOC-105 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |
ENG-
| English Composition/Writing | 6 |
MAT-
| Mathematics | 3 |
FIS -
| Professional Electives | 15 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 |
General Education Courses
ENG-
| English Composition/Writing | 6 |
MAT-
| Mathematics | 3 |
| PSY-107 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
-
| Or | |
| SOC-105 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Additional Requirements
| Core Competencies Portfolio |
4 items |
| FORUM |
4 units |
| Health/Fitness |
30 hours |
Minimum Cumulative Average
| Overall |
2.000 |
| All required FIS courses |
2.000 |
Footnotes
- FIS Professional Electives 15: Electives to include consideration of the following for credits for prior learning:
Firefighter I Classification = 3 credits, Firefighter II Classification = 3 credits, EMT certification = 6 credits
and Hazmat Technician = 3 credits
Total Credit Hours: 60