Fire Science (A.S.)
Associate in Science
Program Advisor: Charles Garrity
413-236-4662 • cgarrity@berkshirecc.edu
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:
- Explain the history and basic principles of the fire service including the supervision and management necessary for leadership and administration in the fire service;
- Provide an in-depth analysis of the principles of fire control through the utilization of personnel, equipment and extinguishing agents on the fire ground;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of fire development, prevention, investigation and cause;
- Apply theoretical knowledge of hydraulic principles to solving water supply problems for fire protection;
- Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills with supervisors, peers and the public;
- Use knowledge of building construction principles, fire protection systems and fire prevention codes to affect safer occupancies; and
- Identify hazardous materials, hazardous properties and successful emergency scene operations.
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 and 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 and Emergency Services Safety and Survival | 3 |
| FIS - | Professional Electives | 12 |
| PHY-111 | The Ideas of Physics | 3 |
| SOC-105 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 41 |
FIS : See footnote 1
PHY-111 : See footnote 2
General Education Courses
| CHM-150 | Essentials of Chemistry | 3 |
| COM- | Communication | 3 |
| ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 6 |
| MAT- | Mathematics | 3 |
| PSY-107 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| - | Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
CHM-150 : See footnote 2
MAT : See footnote 3
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 |
Suggested Pathway to Graduation
The actual time needed to complete the program will vary according to each student’s individual needs.
Courses
| CHM-150 | Essentials of Chemistry | 3 |
| FIS-101 | Principles of Emergency Services | 3 |
| FIS-106 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
| FIS-123 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
| FIS-127 | Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply | 3 |
| FIS-128 | Protection Systems | 3 |
| FIS-129 | Emergency Incident Management | |
| FIS-145 | Fire Prevention | 4 |
| FIS-201 | Hazardous Materials Chemistry | 3 |
| FIS-205 | Legal Aspects of Emergency Services | 3 |
| FIS-206 | Fire Investigation I | 3 |
| FIS-210 | Principles of Fire and Emergency Service Administration | 3 |
| FIS-221 | Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival | 3 |
Footnotes
- Professional Electives: any FIS elective or SPA-131.
- CHM-101 may be substituted for CHM-150; PHY-101 may be substituted for PHY-111.
- MAT-101 or any course with the “MA” General Education designation.