Fire Science Technology

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$12,664*

Advance your fire service career

With an Associate in Applied Science in fire science technology, you learn why fires spread and how. This knowledge and the real-world skills you obtain throughout this program prepare you to assist people in need.
Become an expert in the basic principles of saving lives while conducting highly needed emergency services. Some skills you develop include:

  • fire assessment and dynamics
  • fire operations, tactics & strategies
  • fire investigation
  • pre-fire planning
  • basic engine and truck company operations

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Fire Science Technology?

Whether you’re just starting out or have a background in firefighting, this Associate in Applied Science in fire science technology will give you skills in the chemistry and dynamics of fire.

Learn skills needed to obtain different positions in the fire service, the highest being a fire chief and get an in-depth understanding of how to lessen the impact of loss and destruction in emergency and disaster situations.

Start right away with your associate degree in roles such as:

  • firefighter
  • fire training officer
  • safety advocate
  • public educator
  • arson investigator
  • wildland firefighter

With additional education and experience, you can help people as a:

  • fire lieutenant
  • battalion fire chief
  • deputy fire chief
  • fire chief
  • civilian fire protection engineer

Because the program is Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE)-accredited, you take courses recognized by the National Fire Academy (NFA). Sign up with the NFA to receive dual credit for several of the classes you take while obtaining your degree. 

Highlights

  • Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE)-Accredited

    Courses Students will sign up with National Fire Academy (NFA) and get dual credit for completing certain classes.

  • WIOA Program

    Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Career Degree

    Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

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Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    ENG 120

    ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition

    Class Description

    Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
         		3
    MTH 114

    MTH 114 Applied Mathematics

    Class Description

    This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.
         		3
    CIT 119

    CIT 119 Introduction to Office Software

    Class Description

    This course is a hands-on course for students wanting to learn the basics of productivity software including: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. Basic operating system tasks will also be presented. Software used for this class includes a current version of Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. NOTE: This course is not intended for CIT majors and does not apply towards any CIT degree or certificate.
         		3
    FST 111

    FST 111 Introduction to Fire Service

    Class Description

    This course provides an overview of fire protection and emergency services, career opportunities in fire protection and related fields. This course further address topics including the culture and history of emergency services, fire loss analysis, along with the organization and function of public and private fire protection services. Additional insight will be provided on the topics of fire departments as part of local government, laws and regulations affecting the fire service, fire service nomenclature, and specific fire protection functions. Other topics will include basic fire chemistry and physics, introduction to fire protection systems, introduction to fire strategy and tactics, and life safety initiatives. Note: Individuals with greater than one year firefighter experience are not eligible for credit.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 120
      Course Title

      ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition

      Class Description

      Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 114
      Course Title

      MTH 114 Applied Mathematics

      Class Description

      This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CIT 119
      Course Title

      CIT 119 Introduction to Office Software

      Class Description

      This course is a hands-on course for students wanting to learn the basics of productivity software including: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. Basic operating system tasks will also be presented. Software used for this class includes a current version of Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. NOTE: This course is not intended for CIT majors and does not apply towards any CIT degree or certificate.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 111
      Course Title

      FST 111 Introduction to Fire Service

      Class Description

      This course provides an overview of fire protection and emergency services, career opportunities in fire protection and related fields. This course further address topics including the culture and history of emergency services, fire loss analysis, along with the organization and function of public and private fire protection services. Additional insight will be provided on the topics of fire departments as part of local government, laws and regulations affecting the fire service, fire service nomenclature, and specific fire protection functions. Other topics will include basic fire chemistry and physics, introduction to fire protection systems, introduction to fire strategy and tactics, and life safety initiatives. Note: Individuals with greater than one year firefighter experience are not eligible for credit.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    PHY 120

    PHY 120 Practical Aspects of Physics

    Class Description

    This is a one semester lecture-discussion course supplemented with demonstrations and laboratory designed primarily for non-science students. It stresses some fundamental concepts in physics as applied to everyday situations. A verbal rather than a mathematical approach will be emphasized.
         		4
    FST 180

    FST 180 Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival

    Class Description

    This course introduces the basic principles and history related to the national firefighters life safety initiatives focusing on the need for cultural and behavioral change throughout the emergency services.
         		3
    FST 173

    FST 173 Fire Instructor I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to meet the needs of those individuals who wish to learn the techniques of instructing in the fire service. It is structured to provide basic information about human relations in the classroom environment, methods of teaching, and the proper method of writing lesson plans. Areas covered include: Orientation and description of the instructor's job, roles and responsibilities of the fire service instructor, concepts of learning, human factors in learning, oral communications, methods of instruction, lesson plans, instructional materials, organizing the learning environment, testing and evaluation, records and reports, and practical application. Persons currently recognized by the Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM) as a firefighter are eligible to challenge the OSFM end-of-course exam. NOTE: FST 111 and/or one year active service experience in the fire service is recommended.
         		3
    FST 174

    FST 174 Fire Instructor II

    Class Description

    This course is a continuation of FST 173. Teaches advance principles and techniques of instruction. This course is structured to provide information about human relationships in the teaching-learning environment, methods of lesson and course development. Materials covered will include performance objectives, instructional materials development, evaluation and references. Recognized by the Office of the State Fire Marshal towards Instructor 2/Company Officer certification.
         		3
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHY 120
      Course Title

      PHY 120 Practical Aspects of Physics

      Class Description

      This is a one semester lecture-discussion course supplemented with demonstrations and laboratory designed primarily for non-science students. It stresses some fundamental concepts in physics as applied to everyday situations. A verbal rather than a mathematical approach will be emphasized.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 180
      Course Title

      FST 180 Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival

      Class Description

      This course introduces the basic principles and history related to the national firefighters life safety initiatives focusing on the need for cultural and behavioral change throughout the emergency services.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 173
      Course Title

      FST 173 Fire Instructor I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to meet the needs of those individuals who wish to learn the techniques of instructing in the fire service. It is structured to provide basic information about human relations in the classroom environment, methods of teaching, and the proper method of writing lesson plans. Areas covered include: Orientation and description of the instructor's job, roles and responsibilities of the fire service instructor, concepts of learning, human factors in learning, oral communications, methods of instruction, lesson plans, instructional materials, organizing the learning environment, testing and evaluation, records and reports, and practical application. Persons currently recognized by the Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM) as a firefighter are eligible to challenge the OSFM end-of-course exam. NOTE: FST 111 and/or one year active service experience in the fire service is recommended.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 174
      Course Title

      FST 174 Fire Instructor II

      Class Description

      This course is a continuation of FST 173. Teaches advance principles and techniques of instruction. This course is structured to provide information about human relationships in the teaching-learning environment, methods of lesson and course development. Materials covered will include performance objectives, instructional materials development, evaluation and references. Recognized by the Office of the State Fire Marshal towards Instructor 2/Company Officer certification.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    PSC 122

    PSC 122 State and Local Politics

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to state and local politics in the United States. It is designed to help students better understand the political institutions and processes of subnational governments. The course adopts a comparative political systems approach that focuses on the variation found among state and local governments. The purpose of the course is to understand why these differences exist, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
         		3
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    FST 120

    FST 120 Introduction to Emergency Management

    Class Description

    (Formerly EDM 111) This course introduces students to the field of emergency management. Students will be exposed to the terminology and definitions used in emergency and disaster management. Students will examine legal requirements, responsibilities, and laws pertaining to emergency management. An introduction to the incident command system is included.
         		3
    FST 177

    FST 177 Fire Prevention Principles I

    Class Description

    This course provides fundamental knowledge relating to the field of fire prevention. Topics include: history and philosophy of fire prevention; organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau; use and application of codes and standards; plans review; fire inspections; fire and life safety education; and fire investigation.
         		3
    FST 181

    FST 181 Fire Behavior and Combustion

    Class Description

    This course explores the theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled. The use of water and other extinguishing agents are compared to determine how they extinguish different classes of fires. Major focus of this course is related to terms and concepts associated with chemistry and dynamics of fire.
         		3
    FST 182

    FST 182 Building Construction for Fire Protection

    Class Description

    This course provides the components of building construction related to firefighter and life safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at emergencies.
         		3
    • Course Code PSC 122
      Course Title

      PSC 122 State and Local Politics

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to state and local politics in the United States. It is designed to help students better understand the political institutions and processes of subnational governments. The course adopts a comparative political systems approach that focuses on the variation found among state and local governments. The purpose of the course is to understand why these differences exist, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 120
      Course Title

      FST 120 Introduction to Emergency Management

      Class Description

      (Formerly EDM 111) This course introduces students to the field of emergency management. Students will be exposed to the terminology and definitions used in emergency and disaster management. Students will examine legal requirements, responsibilities, and laws pertaining to emergency management. An introduction to the incident command system is included.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 177
      Course Title

      FST 177 Fire Prevention Principles I

      Class Description

      This course provides fundamental knowledge relating to the field of fire prevention. Topics include: history and philosophy of fire prevention; organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau; use and application of codes and standards; plans review; fire inspections; fire and life safety education; and fire investigation.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 181
      Course Title

      FST 181 Fire Behavior and Combustion

      Class Description

      This course explores the theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled. The use of water and other extinguishing agents are compared to determine how they extinguish different classes of fires. Major focus of this course is related to terms and concepts associated with chemistry and dynamics of fire.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 182
      Course Title

      FST 182 Building Construction for Fire Protection

      Class Description

      This course provides the components of building construction related to firefighter and life safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at emergencies.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    FST 116

    FST 116 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy I

    Class Description

    An introduction to the basic principles and methods associated with the strategic and tactical responsibilities of the line officer on the fireground. Emphasizes size-up, fire operations, pre-fire planning, and basic engine and truck company operations. NOTE: FST 111 and/or one year active experience in the fire service is recommended.
         		3
    FST 117

    FST 117 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy II

    Class Description

    Continuation of FST 116, with advanced principles and methods associated with fireground strategies and tactics, required of the company officer and chief officer. The course emphasizes multi-company alarm assignments, sectorization of the fireground, handling disasters and major fire incidents. Student participation of assigned fire simulation exercises will be required.
         		3
    FST 179

    FST 179 Fire Protection Systems

    Class Description

    This course provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire alarm systems, water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers.
         		3
    FST 217

    FST 217 Fire Officer Communications

    Class Description

    Techniques of company officer communications and group dynamics. Acquaints the student with the principles of communications and the role of the company officer in both formal and informal communication processes. NOTE: Student orientation and pre-scheduled classroom meetings required.
         		3
    FST 218

    FST 218 Fire Officer Supervision

    Class Description

    Introduction to objectives and techniques of fire company management. Acquaints the student with the role and function of the company officer. Discussion of management theories and practices; includes planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling.
         		3
    • Course Code FST 116
      Course Title

      FST 116 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy I

      Class Description

      An introduction to the basic principles and methods associated with the strategic and tactical responsibilities of the line officer on the fireground. Emphasizes size-up, fire operations, pre-fire planning, and basic engine and truck company operations. NOTE: FST 111 and/or one year active experience in the fire service is recommended.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 117
      Course Title

      FST 117 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy II

      Class Description

      Continuation of FST 116, with advanced principles and methods associated with fireground strategies and tactics, required of the company officer and chief officer. The course emphasizes multi-company alarm assignments, sectorization of the fireground, handling disasters and major fire incidents. Student participation of assigned fire simulation exercises will be required.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 179
      Course Title

      FST 179 Fire Protection Systems

      Class Description

      This course provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire alarm systems, water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 217
      Course Title

      FST 217 Fire Officer Communications

      Class Description

      Techniques of company officer communications and group dynamics. Acquaints the student with the principles of communications and the role of the company officer in both formal and informal communication processes. NOTE: Student orientation and pre-scheduled classroom meetings required.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 218
      Course Title

      FST 218 Fire Officer Supervision

      Class Description

      Introduction to objectives and techniques of fire company management. Acquaints the student with the role and function of the company officer. Discussion of management theories and practices; includes planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

66

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.



Female student taking notes in class

Fire Science Technology at CLC: Get the bigger picture

An Associate in Applied Science is just one possible way to study fire science technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options such as Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) certifications. 

Learn about courses, faculty, related programs and more.

View the Fire Science Technology Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

  • Photo of Joshua Cardin

    Joshua Cardin

    Graduate

    “While I was in the Coast Guard, I’d take a class here or there online with other colleges. None of them hold a candle to CLC. It’s unbelievable how far the college is looking forward and how many opportunities are available for the people of Lake County.”

    Joshua studied Fire Science Technology at CLC after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. He now works as a firefighter and is studying Emergency Medical Technology to also become a paramedic.

    Read Joshua's story

    Photo of Joshua Cardin

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