Fire Science
- Career Studies Certificate (C.S.C.)
Program Snapshot
Your Learning Options
In-Person, Hybrid, 100% Online
18 Credit Hours
Estimated Time to Complete
1 year (2 full-time semesters)
In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour
$176.00 | Calculate your costs
Why Fire Science?
Ignite your career and gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel as a firefighter and make a lasting impact on your community.
- Prepare for promotion to Fire Officer by developing essential leadership skills, incident command expertise, and effective team management techniques.
- Designed for working professionals, we offer 100% online learning and flexibility to accommodate your busy schedule.
- Learn from experienced faculty with real-world firefighting expertise, ensuring top-quality education and mentorship.
- Benefit from a program accredited by the National Fire Academy, ensuring rigorous standards and industry recognition.
Paying for College
We are committed to using all of the available funds to help you gain access to a college education. In fact, more than 91% of our students graduate without any educational debt. In 2023, Reynolds Community College students received over $21 million dollars in grants, loans, work-study and scholarships with the average aid awarded totaling over $4,000 per student.
Payment plans are offered to break down tuition payments. Textbook Assistance and Laptop Lending Programs are also available. Be sure to explore all the types of financial aid available as well!
Get a Skill. Get a Job. Get Ahead.
G3 financial assistance at Reynolds can help cover tuition for select programs like this one! Starting something new or changing a career path can be scary, but if you want to earn workplace certifications or an academic degree that leads to a career, G3 tuition assistance can help remove the financial barrier of going to college.
Why Reynolds?
We are more than a community college.
Reynolds is the key that unlocks the door to your academic and professional success. Here you will find a safe place to start. We will help you explore, dream, succeed, try, and try again. Our amazing faculty and highly personalized advisors, your Reynolds Navigators, are well known for guiding you to discover that "aha moment.” That means an outstanding college experience, less debt, more freedom, and a solid start on your future.
Develop critical thinking and leadership skills vital for success in firefighting, empowering you to lead confidently in high-pressure situations.
Elevate your firefighting career with a program designed to enhance your professional development by integrating the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model. Align your skills with nationally recognized standards, cultivate professionalism, and embrace continuous learning to propel your career to new heights.
Gain practical experience through internships, solidifying your skills and building valuable connections in the firefighting industry.
Alum or Faculty quote goes here.
Alum or Faculty Name
Class Highlights
FST 110 - Fire Behavior and Combustion
Explore the theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and how they are controlled.
FST 121 - Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival
Learn the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural and behavior change throughout the emergency services.
FST 220 - Building Construction for Fire Protection
Study the components of building construction that relate to fire and life safety with a focus on firefighter safety, including construction and design of structures relating to inspections.
Program Roadmap
Get all the details on our Fire Science program, including class sequences, admission requirements, financial considerations, and more.
Additional Program Information
PURPOSE: The Fire Science Career Studies Certificate Program is designed to provide comprehensive education and training for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in firefighting and emergency services. This program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in the dynamic field of fire science. The overarching purpose is to produce competent and well-prepared professionals capable of responding effectively to emergencies, ensuring the safety of communities, and prioritizing firefighter safety and health.
The Fire Science Career Studies Certificate Program is committed to preparing individuals for successful and impactful careers in firefighting and emergency services, emphasizing a balance of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, technological proficiency, and a strong dedication to firefighter safety and health.
OCCUPATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of the Fire Science Career Studies Certificate Program, graduates will be prepared for a range of occupational roles within the firefighting and emergency services sector. These may include:
- Firefighter: Responding to fires, accidents, and other emergencies to protect life and property.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Providing immediate medical care in emergency situations.
- Fire Inspector: Ensuring compliance with fire safety codes and regulations.
- Fire Investigator: Determining the cause of fires and conducting investigations.
- Fire Prevention Specialist: Educating the public on fire safety and implementing prevention measures.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Prospective students interested in enrolling in the Fire Science Career Studies Certificate Program must meet the following admission requirements:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: A minimum educational requirement to ensure a foundational level of academic preparation.
- Physical Fitness: Due to the physically demanding nature of firefighting, applicants should meet specific fitness standards.
- CPR Certification: Basic life-saving skills are essential, and applicants may be required to obtain CPR certification.
- Background Check: Given the nature of the profession, applicants may undergo a background check.
PROMOTION TO FIRE OFFICER: The Fire Science Career Studies Certificate Program recognizes the importance of career progression. As part of the curriculum, there is a focus on developing leadership skills and knowledge required for promotion to the role of Fire Officer. This includes training in incident command, decision-making under pressure, and effective team management.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT THROUGH FESHE MODEL: The Fire Science Career Studies Certificate Program integrates the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model to enhance professional development and facilitate career advancement. The FESHE model emphasizes the following key components:
- Core Competencies: Aligning the curriculum with national core competencies ensures that graduates possess a standardized skill set recognized within the fire and emergency services community.
- Professionalism: Instilling a sense of professionalism through ethical behavior, effective communication, and leadership skills to foster career growth.
- Continuous Learning: Encouraging a commitment to lifelong learning, staying abreast of evolving industry standards, and pursuing advanced certifications for career advancement.
FIREFIGHTER SAFETY AND HEALTH: Recognizing the inherent risks in firefighting, the Fire Science Career Studies Certificate Program places a strong emphasis on firefighter safety and health. This includes training in:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Proper selection and use of PPE to minimize exposure to hazards.
- Wellness and Fitness: Promoting physical fitness and overall wellness to enhance resilience and reduce the risk of injuries.
- Emergency Scene Safety: Strategies for assessing and mitigating risks during emergency responses.
COMPUTER COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT: As technology plays an increasingly crucial role in emergency services, students in the Fire Science Career Studies Certificate Program are expected to meet a basic level of computer competency. This may involve proficiency in using software for incident reporting, data analysis, and communication.
TRANSFER INFORMATION:Transfer Information: For students looking to transfer credits from other institutions or programs, the Fire Science Career Studies Certificate Program accepts transfers based on the following criteria:
- Accreditation: Credits will be considered from institutions accredited by recognized accrediting bodies.
- Course Equivalency: Transfer credits will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis for equivalency.
- Grade Requirements: Transfer credits typically require a minimum grade for acceptance.
