About our Fire Science
Associate Degree
The Fire Science program is designed to provide both pre-service and in-service students with sound technical and academic experiences, enabling them to assume positions of responsibility as members of fire departments or as technical and supervisory employees of industrial firms and insurance companies. The program focuses on developing skills in comprehensive approaches to fire protection that utilize cost-effective proactive, reactive and management methods. The ultimate goal is to help the student develop the appropriate skills and knowledge for professional fire protection.
In addition to the Associate of Applied Science degree, a one-year, 30-credit certificate option is available. Practical technical instruction is designed to meet fire and life safety needs; responsibilities and obligation of fire protection in engineering, building design, plant protection; fire investigation; and all other fields where a hazard may be involved. Graduates of the program have been employed as municipal and industrial firefighters, EMTs, safety technicians, fire insurance inspectors, wildland firefighters, inspection bureau representatives and state fire inspectors, many of whom have earned their degree while employed in their area of specialty.
SMCC Fire Science curriculum follows the National Fire Academy’s Fire and Emergency Higher Education (FESHE) collaborative recommendations as far as practicable. Course objectives are based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Professional Qualification Standards and other occupational standards and recommended practices. Course credit is granted for prior learning, work experience and earned state and national certifications. For more detailed information regarding the Fire Science program, including how to prepare for applying, please visit the MySMCC Fire Science page.
Graduation Outcomes
- Analyze and apply proactive fire prevention and control methods for safe and cost-effective fire protection.
- Analyze and apply reactive fire and emergency scene operations for safe and cost-effective fire protection.
- Examine and appraise principles of supervision and management necessary for effective leadership and administration in fire/rescue service.
What opportunities does this program provide?
Launch Your Career
SMCC graduates in this program have gone on to work as:
- Firefighter
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Provider
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Fire Alarm Technician
- Public Safety Telecommunicator
- Fire Protection Engineer
- Wildland Fire Ecologist
Continue Your Education
Available transfer agreements for this program include:
How do I complete this program?
Browse the information below to view our program requirements and how you might complete this program.
Estimated Full-Time Degree Completion Time
Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.
Interested in viewing full program and course details?
Related Programs
Not ready to commit to a degree program? We may have other options that work for you.
Did you know that we offer a broad array of short-term workforce training programs that allow you to enter the workforce and start earning quickly? These programs are a great way to enter a career in your area of interest and to become accustomed to college classes. They are also often grant-funded (free of charge to trainees). And, if you find you want to keep going, we can help you find a related academic degree or certificate program of interest with which you can continue your education.
Learn More:
Costs & Financial Aid
This degree program may have specific associated costs which are important to know before attending. We encourage you to apply for financial aid which provides funds in the form of grants and scholarship (free), loans (need to repay) and student employment (earned money.)
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Ready to apply?
Learn how to apply and fill out our online application when you’re ready.
Contact Us:
Admissions: 207-741-5800 or smccadmissions@mainecc.edu
Department Chair: Robert Lindstedt, 207-741-5750 or rlindstedt@mainecc.edu