A career in Fire Science can be exciting, rewarding and provide a competitive income with medical, dental and retirement benefits. Because the work of firefighters is integral to community safety and security, they are always in demand. The job market for firefighters is expected to grow by 5 percent between 2018 and 2028. Firefighters may be able to gain additional financial compensation for advanced certifications. The purpose of the proposed Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science is to provide a structured program of college-level education based on the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) national model curriculum.  

The objectives of the program are to:

1. Provide an avenue of continued education for firefighting personnel. 
2. Provide an avenue for persons interested in fire science, including those serving on volunteer fire departments, with access to online education and thus become citizens who are more knowledgeable of fire safety and prevention, and
3. Provide industry personnel who work in areas of high fire risk and hazardous materials transport with an online education focusing on hazardous materials response, fire response, and knowledge necessary to minimizing fire risk and enhancing safety.

First Semester

• ENGL 101: Composition & Rhetoric • 3
• MATH 101 or 102: Applied or College Algebra • 3
• FRSC 100: Principles of Emergency Services • 1
• FRSC 110: Building Construction Fire Protection • 3
• FRSC 120: Fire Behavior and Combustion • 3

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS: 13

Second Semester

• ENGL 102: Composition & Rhetoric II • 3
• approved science elective • 3
• FRSC 130: Fire/Emergency Safety & Survival • 3
• FRSC 140: Fire Prevention • 3
• FRSC 150: Fire Protection Systems • 2

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS: 14

Third Semester

• SPCH 110 or 115: Public Speaking or Personal Communications • 3
• Humanities Elective • 3
• FRSC 200: Legal Aspects of Emergency Services • 3
• FRSC 210: Fire & Emergency Services Administration • 3
• FRSC 220: Fire Protection Hydraulics • 3
• FRSC 230: Occupational Safety & Health • 3

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS: 18

Fourth Semester

• FRSC 240: Strategy and Tactics • 3
• social/behavioral science elective • 3
• FRSC 250: Hazardous Materials Chemistry • 3
• FRSC 260: Fire Investigation I • 3
• FRSC 260: Fire Investigation II • 3

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS: 15

Total credit hours: 60

Fire Science careers include:

• FIREFIGHTER
• FIRE OFFICER
• FIRE INSPECTOR
• FIRE MARSHAL
• EMERGENCY MANAGER

Financial Aid is available to individuals who qualify. Firefighters and military members should contact their commands to inquire about tuition assistance. Military veterans should contact Bossier Parish Community College’s Veterans Affairs Office. Bossier Parish Community College has been designated as a military friendly college. Some firefighters may have the cost of tuition covered by employer.