Fire Science Certificate
Occupational Certificate
Department of Public Safety
Cottage I • Phone (215) 968-8190
Curriculum Code No. 3143
This certificate program provides students an opportunity to pursue a career in fire science or for professional development for those currently employed or who already have a degree in another field.
The Fire Science Certificate, which follows the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) and the National Fire Academy models, prepares the student for a position in the fire service. In addition to the courses that prepare the student to manage a complex emergency scene, the courses in this curriculum provide the student with technical information on a wide range of topics.
Graduates of this program are able to:
- Manage a fire protection organization through effective use of public and private emergency planning and resources;
- Demonstrate and apply the fundamental skills associated with firefighter safety and wellness, such as prevention, incident safety / risk management, organizational health and safety, and wellness programs;
- Evaluate fire behavior and building construction as it related to firefighter safety, building codes, and fire prevention; and
- Apply safety codes and proper procedures for the transportation and storage of hazardous materials.
Degree Course Requirements
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| COLL101 College Success Seminar | 1 |
| FRSC100 Introduction to Fire Science | 3 |
| FRSC103 Building Construction for the Fire Service B | 3 |
| FRSC104 Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement B | 3 |
| FRSC105 Fire Prevention Systems B | 3 |
| FRSC112 Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
| FRSC114 Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival | 3 |
| FRSC202 Hazardous Materials B | 3 |
| FRSC208 Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Administration A,B | 3 |
| FRSC209 Fire Service Occupational Safety & Health A,B | 3 |
| FRSC210 Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Education A,B | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 31 |
Recommended Full-Time Semester Sequence
The recommended course sequence is designed for students who will complete the certificate in two years. Students may need more time to complete requirements based on placement testing. This additional time will entail some adjustment to the sequence recommended.
First Semester
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| COLL101 College Success Seminar | 1 |
| FRSC100 Introduction to Fire Science | 3 |
| FRSC112 Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 7 |
Second Semester
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| FRSC103 Building Construction for the Fire Service B | 3 |
| FRSC104 Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement B | 3 |
| FRSC105 Fire Prevention Systems B | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 9 |
Third Semester
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| FRSC202 Hazardous Materials B | 3 |
| FRSC210 Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Education A,B | 3 | Total Credit Hours | 6 |
Fourth Semester
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| FRSC208 Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Administration A,C | 3 |
| FRSC209 Fire Service Occupational Safety & Health A,C | 3 |
| FRSC114 Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival | 3 | Total Credit Hours | 9 |
A Placement testing required
B Course requires prerequisites and/or co-requisites