The Fire Science Certificate prepares students for a career or promotion within fire and emergency service organizations. Students are also prepared for careers in the private sector, which include fire investigation, fire engineering, suppression/alarm systems maintenance, emergency management and hazard analysis.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Certificate

You will evaluate the components of building construction related to fire and life safety, including inspections, pre-incident planning and emergency operations. You will be able to distinguish the benefits of fire protection systems in various types of structures and evaluate the laws, rules, regulations, and codes relevant to fire prevention.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

2 Semesters

25 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed 50% or more online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Curriculum

A foundation for success

Semester 1

This semester will cover emergency medical technology and fire science safety.
Become an Expert

Semester 2

This semester will explore applications, English, and more advanced fire science classes.
See the full curriculum

Connections

The following program(s) have connections that can be completed alongside or applied to this program:

Firefighters work on a crashed car
Associate of Science

Fire Science

The Fire Science associate degree program prepares students for a career or promotion within fire and emergency service organizations. Students are also prepared for careers in the private sector, which include fire investigation, fire engineering, suppression/alarm systems maintenance, emergency management and hazard analysis.

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: FSC).
  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in two semesters.
  • Meet with Academic Advisor to discuss associate degree (Program Code: FS); or create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs.
Basic Emergency Medical TechnologyEMT 101F/S/SU7 
Principles of Emergency ServicesFSC 101F3Placement into college level English
Occupational Safety and Health for Emergency Services ORFSC 151F3Placement into college level English
Fire Science Elective---F/S 
  Total13 

Semester 2

  • Apply to associate degree (Program Code: FS); or if seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Introduction to Microcomputer ApplicationsCIS 111F/S/SU3 
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Fire Behavior and CombustionFSC 104S3Placement into college level English, FSC 101
Building Construction for Fire ProtectionFSC 121S3Placement into college level English, FSC 101
  Total12 
Total Credits Required:  25 

Program Goals:

The Fire Science Certificate prepares students for a career or promotion within fire and emergency service organizations. Students are also prepared for careers in the private sector, which include fire investigation, fire engineering, suppression/alarm systems maintenance, emergency management and hazard analysis.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate and use basic interpersonal, group and public communication skills.
  • Formulate accurate and clearly written letters, memos, technical reports and business communications.
  • Illustrate and relate the basics of mathematical models to fire and life safety.
  • Summarize and restate basic theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread and are controlled.
  • Evaluate the components of building construction related to fire and life safety; including inspections, pre-incident planning and emergency operations.
  • Compare and contrast and perform basic responsibilities of company officers, including supervision, delegation, problem solving, decision-making, communications, and leadership.
  • Evaluate the laws, rules, regulations, and codes and those relevant to fire prevention of the authority having jurisdiction.
  • Distinguish the benefits of fire protection systems in various types of structures.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

  • The Fire Science program does not have any additional costs. However, EMT 101 may require students to purchase some supplies. The EMT 101 course prepares students for the Massachusetts State Certification exam, and the cost of the state exam is the student’s responsibility.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

  • Additionally, credit may be earned for courses taken at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy or at Worcester Fire Academy or for EMT 101 for students with current EMT Basic, EMT Advanced, or EMT Paramedic certification.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 43.0203.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

Additional Information:

  • This program is designed to align with the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Model for associate degree programs in Fire Science.
  • QCC is recognized as a FESHE College by the National Fire Academy.

Our Associate Degree in fire science gives a strong background in fire science core curriculum and general education. Training in this field is designed for fire service personnel and for individuals seeking careers in fire protection and prevention. A degree in fire science will open up opportunities for promotions within your department, enhance your potential for a lateral transfer, or improve career opportunities in the field of arson investigation, industrial safety, fire insurance or fire protection engineering.

With the ability to complete at least 80% of the program through distance learning, the QCC Fire Science program offers the convenience and flexibility you need combined with the experience and solid curriculum you would expect from a designated Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) College recognized by the National Fire Academy.

You will test your skills and knowledge in our laboratories to provide you with hands-on experience facing and solving problems in areas such as fire dynamics, fire detection and alarms, automatic sprinklers, and fire/arson investigation. Some of the knowledge you will gain through this program includes recognizing and identifying chemical and physical properties of hazardous materials; characteristics and behavior of fire and extinguishing agents; methods of controlling and extinguishing various types of fires; and the reaction to heat and fire of various types of construction. You will leave this program with a solid foundation in firefighter safety, building codes, fire prevention, code inspection, and firefighting strategy and tactics.

All our instructors have hands-on experience in the field that adds up to combined dozens of years of service within various areas in the field of fire protection. Our adjunct instructors are professionals in the public and private sectors and interact with firefighters on a regular basis. This gives them the necessary knowledge in the latest research in fire safety and technology so they can then pass it on to you.

Where are the classes offered?

Most of our fire science courses are offered in-person at the Worcester campus. Most classes are held in evenings during the week. There are some classes that are offered off campus at the instructor’s discretion.

Do you offer any online courses?

Currently, QCC only offers less than 25% of the fire science classes online. However, we are working on adding more online courses in the near future. Any questions regarding online courses can be directed to the program coordinator at 508.854.7498.

Can I receive credit for fire-related certifications?

Yes. QCC offers credits for many fire-related certifications that are obtained through the Massachusetts Fire Academy and the National Fire Academy. Courses must be at least 45 hours and include a testing component at the conclusion of the course. Examples of certifications include Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Technician, Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Officer I, Fire Investigator, and Public Fire Educator.  For a complete list of all certifications please contact the program coordinator or the Prior Learning Credit Office located on the Worcester campus Room 278A. 

Do I have to get my EMT?

No. However, the EMT course counts for two free electives which is the equivalent of two classes (6 credits). We also highly recommend the EMT course to enable students to be more competitive in the open job market. 

What is the Fire Science Certificate?

The Fire Science Certificate Program allows students to obtain recognition within one-year of program entry. This program provides the student with essential entry-level courses that are based on important fire service knowledge for safety and education (25 credits). The certificate program also includes the EMT Basic course. The certificate program is available to current students and transfer students as of Spring 2015. New students will be allowed to enroll in the certificate program in Fall 2015. 

What advantages does the program give me?

Our Fire Science Program here at QCC is nationally recognized and fully accredited. Those students who earn their Associates Degree, including their EMT, have a substantial advantage in the open job market. Emergency Service departments across the country strongly prefer those candidates that have post-secondary education and related field experience. 

Learn More

508.854.7498
Room 313A