Fire Science Technology (A.S.)
Previous Degree Required: HS Diploma
Eligible for Financial Aid: Yes
Delivery Method(s): On-Campus, Hybrid
Location(s): Palm Bay
Limited Access: No
Program Testing Requirements: Assessment in Reading, Writing, and Math
Academic Community: PBSA
Program Code: FRAS
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code: 43.0201
Florida Department of Education CIP Code: 1743020112
EFSC's Fire Science Technology A.S. Degree program is a 60-credit curriculum that covers the theory of fire science as well as practical applications. While the degree does not provide the training required to be a professional firefighter, this associate in science degree is a popular route for existing firefighters who want to advance their careers, either by earning the A.S. or by completing select classes to achieve professional certifications. While not required for admission, it is recommended that applicants hold a State of Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards Certificate of Compliance, the certification that can be earned by graduates of the EFSC Fire Training Center's hands-on Fire Fighter I/II certificate program. A.S. degree applicants with that Firefighter certification can receive credit for the course FFP 1000 Introduction to Fire Science.
Refer to the Associate in Science (A.S.) page to find information about admission, graduation, general education and other requirements. Students will work with an advisor to determine the courses best suited to their plan of study.
Visit the program page for information or call (321) 433-5707.
Entrance recommendations:
-
High School graduate or academic equivalent
-
Interest and aptitude in the firefighting field
-
Florida Minimum Standards Certificate of Compliance.
Credit may also be received for courses through credit by exam.
Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Courses | ||
| ENC 1101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| Humanities Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Mathematics Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Natural Science Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Social/Behavioral Science/Core-Civic Literacy Requirement | 3 | |
| Major Courses | ||
| FFP 1000 | Introduction to Fire Science | 3 |
| FFP 1109 | Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health | 3 |
| FFP 1810 | Firefighting Tactics and Strategy 1 | 3 |
| FFP 2111 | Fire Chemistry | 3 |
| FFP 2120 | Building Construction and Codes | 3 |
| FFP 2505 | Fundamentals of Fire Prevention | 3 |
| FFP 2540 | Fire Protection Systems and Extinguishing Agents | 3 |
| FFP 2610 | Origin and Cause | 3 |
| FFP 2720 | Company Officer Leadership | 3 |
| FFP 2770 | Ethical and Legal Issues for the Fire Service | 3 |
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select 15 credits from the following: | 15 | |
| Marine Fire Fighting for Land Based Firefighters | ||
| Fire Service Hydraulics | ||
| Aerial Operations | ||
| Fire Protection Codes and Standards | ||
| Fire Apparatus Operator | ||
| Plans Exam and Blueprint Reading | ||
| Fire Service Instructor | ||
| Fire Service Course Design | ||
| Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy 2 | ||
| Total Hours: | 60 | |
Note: In accordance with Florida Statute and Florida Administrative Code, students must satisfy the Civic Literacy Graduation Requirement.
A grade of "C" or higher is necessary in each major course for progression and graduation.
- The following courses satisfy the curriculum required by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training for the Fire Officer 1 Certification Examination:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FFP 1810 | Firefighting Tactics and Strategy 1 | 3 |
| FFP 2120 | Building Construction and Codes | 3 |
| FFP 2720 | Company Officer Leadership | 3 |
| FFP 2740 | Fire Service Instructor | 3 |
- The following courses satisfy the curriculum required by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training for the Fire Officer 2 Certification Examination:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FFP 2505 | Fundamentals of Fire Prevention | 3 |
| FFP 2540 | Fire Protection Systems and Extinguishing Agents | 3 |
| FFP 2741 | Fire Service Course Design | 3 |
| FFP 2811 | Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy 2 | 3 |
- .
Note: Fire Officer 1 and Fire Officer 2 may have additional course and testing requirements. Contact the Fire Science Office at (321) 433-5707.
- The following courses satisfy the curriculum required by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training for the Pump Operator Certification Examination:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FFP 1301 | Fire Service Hydraulics | 3 |
| FFP 2302 | Fire Apparatus Operator | 3 |
- The following courses satisfy the curriculum required by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training for the Fire Inspector Certification Examination:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FFP 1510 | Fire Protection Codes and Standards | 3 |
| FFP 2120 | Building Construction and Codes | 3 |
| FFP 2505 | Fundamentals of Fire Prevention | 3 |
| FFP 2521 | Plans Exam and Blueprint Reading | 3 |
| FFP 2540 | Fire Protection Systems and Extinguishing Agents | 3 |
Must also satisfy Florida Statute 633.216.
Course Sequence
Below is the recommended sequence for taking courses in this degree. Using this guide and meeting with your assigned advisor each term is the key to successful program completion.
Please note that course prerequisites, including required developmental math, reading, or writing, need to be completed to continue on to the more advanced course. Click on the course number to see the requirements.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENC 1101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| FFP 1000 | Introduction to Fire Science | 3 |
| FFP 1109 | Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health | 3 |
| Mathematics Core Requirement | 3 | |
| FFP 1810 | Firefighting Tactics and Strategy 1 | 3 |
| FFP 2111 | Fire Chemistry | 3 |
| Humanities Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Social/Behavioral Science/Core-Civic Literacy Requirements | 3 | |
| FFP 2505 | Fundamentals of Fire Prevention | 3 |
| Natural Science Core Requirement | 3 | |
| FFP 2120 | Building Construction and Codes | 3 |
| Technical Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Technical Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Technical Elective 1 | 3 | |
| FFP 2610 | Origin and Cause | 3 |
| FFP 2720 | Company Officer Leadership | 3 |
| Technical Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Technical Elective 1 | 3 | |
| FFP 2540 | Fire Protection Systems and Extinguishing Agents | 3 |
| FFP 2770 | Ethical and Legal Issues for the Fire Service | 3 |
| Total Hours: | 60 | |
- 1
Select 15 credits from the Technical Electives list in the Program of Study
Learning Outcomes
- Explore the theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and how they are controlled
- Core Ability Supported: Process Information
- Explain the concepts of building construction components and techniques related to fire and life safety
- Core Ability Supported: Process Information
- Summarize the principles of the use of water in fire protection and how to apply hydraulic principles to analyze and to solve water supply problems
- Core Ability Supported: Process Information
- Describe the features of design and operation of fire alarm systems, water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, and water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers
- Core Ability Supported: Process Information
- Examine the organization and management of a fire department and the relationship of government agencies to the fire service
- Core Ability Supported: Process Information