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Get a comprehensive overview of fire science technology with this 60-credit-hour associate's degree program. You’ll prepare for the fire department application process and for positions in industrial safety, fire prevention, insurance investigation, fire investigation, hazardous material spills and public education. The program is applicable to both current firefighters and fire officers, as well as those individuals interested in entering the fire service field.
Take classes in fundamentals of fire and emergency services, fire behavior and combustion, fire prevention principles, firefighting strategies and tactics, hazardous materials, emergency services safety, building construction for fire protection and more.
This 60 credit-hour program in fire science technology is designed to allow students to master fundamental principles in fire and emergency services, fire prevention principles, fire behavior, firefighting strategy and tactics, fire investigation, hazardous materials, as well as the basics of urban, rural, and wild-land firefighting. Many of the courses offered have course approval with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. The program also provides current firefighters with the education needed to broaden their career paths. This degree program is recognized through Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE), a network of the U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Academy. Many fire departments now require an AAS degree in Fire Science Technology before the student is eligible for entry-level positions while other fire departments offer promotional and salary incentives to graduate.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | Hours | |
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with a grade of B or better and required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with a grade of B or better and required reading placement test score. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 100 | Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services | 3 |
Description: Provides an overview of fire protection; career opportunities in fire protection and related fields; philosophy and history of fire protection/service; fire loss analysis; organization and function of public and private fire protection services; fire departments as part of local governmental; laws and regulations affecting the fire service; fire service nomenclature; specific fire protection functions; basic fire chemistry and physics; fire protection systems; introduction to fire strategy and tactics. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 121 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
Description: Explores the theories and principles of how and why fires start, spread, and are brought under control. Students will be able to relate the principles by which fires spread with the appropriate methods of control. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 1 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 122 | Fire Prevention Principles | 3 |
Description: Provides fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire hazards, and the relationships of fire prevention with the built-in fire protection systems, fire investigation, and fire and life-safety education. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MGT 150 | Business Math 1 | 3 |
Description: Introduces arithmetic as a tool of business. Topics include fractions, decimals and percentages, computations of interest, bank discounts, depreciation, commissions, compound interest, payrolls and taxes and graph and chart design. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Second Semester | ||
| BIO 260 | Human Anatomy | 3 |
Description: Introduces the anatomy of the human body; the following systems studied either regionally or systemically: integumentary, skeletal, articular, muscular, circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine and reproductive. Includes some introductory histology. Specially designed for students in health careers, biology, and physical education. Strongly recommended preparation: One year of high school biology with a grade of C or better taken within the last five years, or BIO 110. (NOTE: Lab science credit.) Formerly BIO 160. IAI BIO920C Prerequisite: Placement into college-level English without support. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| or NTR 101 | or Fundamentals of Nutrition | |
Description: Introduces the science of nutrition and its relationship to health and disease. Nutrients found in foods, their digestion, absorption and metabolism by the body; cultural, socioeconomic and psychological influences on food selection; and application of these concepts to promote good nutritional health and prevent disease will be covered. (formerly DIT 101) Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 103 | Firefighting Strategies and Tactics | 3 |
Description: Introduces basic principles and methods associated with fireground strategies and tactics as required of the company officer. Emphasizes the incident management system, fire behavior, basic firefighting size-up, pre-fire planning, engine company and truck company operations. Prerequisite: FIS 100 and FIS 121 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
Description: Studies the components of building construction that relate to fire and life safety. Focuses on firefighter safety and the elements of construction and structure design as key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations and operating at emergencies. Prerequisite: FIS 100 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 132 | Hazardous Materials | 3 |
Description: Reviews basic chemistry, storage, handling, laws, standards and fire fighting practices pertaining to hazardous materials. Emphasis on identification, labeling, handling, firefighting, and mitigation of hazardous materials emergencies. Students who wish to satisfy the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshall Certificate Requirements must successfully complete this course as well as the required practical skills evaluation prior to taking the state examination by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (A.H.J.). Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 260 | Emergency Services Safety | 3 |
Description: Provides a foundation of knowledge and understanding of safety as applied to emergency services. Examines the need for safety in the everyday performance of all aspects of their jobs and gain an understanding of the essential elements needed to reduce accidents and injuries. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Third Semester | ||
| FIS electives | 9 | |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology + | 3 |
Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with an emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary and classic psychological investigation. Emphasizes psychological theories, principles, and research applications. Introduces the divisions of the American Psychological Association. References biological processes, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotional life, mental disorders, intelligence, aptitude, personality, development daily life and everyday problems. IAI S6 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| FIS 145 | Fire and Emergency Services Instructor | 3 |
Description: Services Instructor I (3-0) 3 hrs. Provides instruction to individuals in the fire and emergency services. Provides basic fundamentals in human relations in the teacher-student learning environment, methods of instruction and proper methods of writing lesson plans. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 212 | Fire Protection Systems | 3 |
Description: Provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, heat and smoke control systems, special protection and sprinkler systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers. Prerequisite: FIS 100 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
The mathematics requirement for this degree can be met with MGT 150 (Business Math) or Math Competency. See Math Competency options for information. Students who use Math Competency to meet the mathematics requirement must complete an additional three credit-hour AAS General Education elective. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least 18 credit hours from the following courses: | 18 | |
| FIS 102 | Fire Service Management and Leadership | |
Description: Introduces the student to the role of the company officer. Provides an introduction to basic management theories, practices and functions with an emphasis on fire service leadership from the perspective of the company officer. Provides an introduction to the organization and management of a fire department and the relationship of government agencies to the fire service. Prerequisite: FIS 100 and FIS 121 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 106 | Fire Service Career Exploration Practicum | |
Description: Studies fire science career and employment possibilities in the fire service. Includes observation practices at various fire departments and attendance at a seminar to discuss related experiences. Students will gain an accurate perception of how their personal and professional goals match with the fire service, as well as learn about ways to reach their goals. Specifically, the course challenges student to look at their values, interests, and skills as they relate to a career in the fire service. Lecture Hours: 5 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 109 | Basic Firefighter Certification | |
Description: Provides a member of a regularly constituted fire department within the State of Illinois with instruction and certification as a state-recognized Basic Operations Firefighter (Firefighter II). Satisfies the didactic and manipulative requirements for the Illinois Office of State Fire Marshall Basic Operations Firefighter (Firefighter II) certification course, meeting or exceeding the level identified in NFPA 1001. NOTE: Student must be a member of an Illinois fire department that has entered into a training agreement with Harper College. Prerequisite: FIS 103, FIS 104, FIS 122 and FIS 260 with grades of C or better AND consent of coordinator. Lecture Hours: 9 Lab Hours: 6 Contact Hours: 15 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 200 | Fire Service Internship | |
Description: Applies and expands fire science skills and knowledge in the workplace environment. Conducted under joint partnership agreements between Harper College and a host fire department. Regularly conducted review sessions will be conducted to assess the student's progress, problem areas, and to review appropriateness of work involvement. Actual permissible duties and activities will be determined based upon the student's qualifications and host department restrictions. Student must complete a minimum of 100 contact hours to earn 3 hours of credit. Appropriate skills to the fire science technology field. Prerequisite: FIS 100, FIS 103, FIS 121 and FIS 122 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 11 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 210 | Fire-Arson Investigation | |
Description: Provides the identification of the nature and behavior of fire, combustion properties, sources of ignition, the techniques and procedures for the identification of the cause and origin of fires, the detection of arson, the role of the fire investigator, the role of the crime laboratory, arson law, and fire report writing. Prerequisite: FIS 100 and FIS 121 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 230 | Fire and Emergency Services Law | |
Description: Enables the student to acquire a basic knowledge of the law in specified subject areas that directly or indirectly affect fire and emergency services by providing basic knowledge of the methodology through which to locate, read and comprehend various statutes, regulations, and cases that are the framework of the law. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 240 | Fire Apparatus Engineer | |
Description: Provides students with a foundation of theoretical knowledge and psychomotor skills in order to understand principles of the use of water in fire protection and to apply hydraulic principles to analyze and solve water supply problems. Also provides students with the psychomotor requirements to satisfy the Illinois Office of State Fire Marshal Fire Apparatus Engineer Course. Evaluates students' ability to perform the manipulative functions required to properly operate a National Fire Protection Associate compliant fire apparatus in simulated fireground settings. Prerequisite: Placement into college-level mathematics without support. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/mathplacement.php Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FIS 270 | Fire Service Technical Rescue | |
Description: Provides students with a primary focus on the operations-level situations to which fire service rescue squads are called. Focuses on various complex rescue scenarios that firefighters are exposed to on a regular and on-going basis. Conforms and meets NFPA Standard 1670 on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents. Prerequisite: FIS 100 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| EMG 131 | Public Safety Dispatcher I | |
Description: Introduces students to the field of emergency services dispatching and provides an overview of its components and responsibilities. As such, it will provide the foundation for statewide competency as a public safety telecommunicator as outlined by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) in its Public Safety Telecommunicator Training and Standards document, Basic Level Training Curriculum (September 1996). Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| EMG 231 | Public Safety Dispatcher II | |
Description: Builds upon the foundation laid through EMG 131 and provides student with specific knowledge required to professionally handle emergency as well as non-emergency calls for service in the public safety environment. At the conclusion of this course, students will possess a basic understanding of the role, responsibility and equipment utilized by telecommunicators to accomplish their mission. Prerequisite: EMG 131 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| EMS 111 | Emergency Medical Technician Preparatory 1 | |
Description: The entire Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program of Instruction is divided into three courses that must all be passed in sequence (EMS 111, 112 and 113) as well as hospital and field clinical experiences and a cumulative final written exam. EMS 111 is designed to introduce entry-level knowledge and skills required to become an EMT and provides the foundations of EMT practice upon which all other instruction is based. EMS 111 must be passed to progress to EMS 112. Content and objectives are mapped to the National Emergency medical Services (EMS) Education Standards. This is a limited enrollment program. Prerequisite: You must be at least 18 years old and provide a high school transcript or GED equivalency to register for this course. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is needed for enrolled/previously enrolled Harper students. Placement into ENG 096 or better is also required. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| EMS 112 | Emergency Medical Technician: Medical Emergencies 1 | |
Description: Provides comprehensive coverage of acute and chronic respiratory disorders, acute and chronic cardiovascular disorders, cardiac arrest management, anaphylactic emergencies, stroke, seizure and altered mental status, shock, acute diabetic emergencies, abdominal, renal, genitourinary and gynecologic emergencies and environmental emergencies including diving and drowning emergencies. The module exam given at the conclusion of the section must be passed with a minimum score of 80% to progress to EMS 113. The entire Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program of Instruction is divided into three courses that must all be passed in sequence (EMS 111, 112 and 113) as well as hospital and field clinical experiences and a cumulative final written exam. Prerequisite: EMS 111 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| EMS 113 | Emergency Medical Technician: Trauma Emergencies 1 | |
Description: presents a wide scope of trauma emergencies, special patient populations, and those with physical challenges, multiple patient incidents and the incident management system, hazardous materials awareness, EMS response to terrorist incidents and ambulance operations. Content and objectives are mapped to the National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Education Standards. The entire Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program of Instruction is divided into three courses that must all be passed in sequence (EMS 111, 112 and 113) as well as hospital and field clinical experiences and a cumulative final written exam. Prerequisite: EMS 112 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
Please note: EMS 111, EMS 112, and EMS 113 are recommended which will provide students with an Emergency Medical Technician Certificate.
For more information about Fire Science Technology, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.