Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 64 credits
Limited transferability
Program contact: Division of Allied Health, (815) 921-3200

Program overview

Few careers may be as physically challenging—but deeply rewarding as fire service. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 have inspired many college students to enter the fire service and has renewed a great interest in the Fire Science Program. Ever changing technologies and firefighting tactics make the fire service a dynamic and exciting career. The Fire Science program at RVC offers two learning options for students:

• Non-internship option: Intended for experienced firefighters who wish to earn a college degree.
• Internship option: Aimed at college students with no firefighting experience, this option includes classroom instruction, firefighting training at a special training facility, and an internship experience with a fire department.
  

Work and employment

Graduates have secured positions in fire protection and prevention, firefighting, dispatch/communications, fire equipment manufacturing and sales, and volunteer fire protection. With additional training, graduates can enter the specialties of fire inspection and insurance investigation. Since job opportunities can be competitive, students should have the flexibility to relocate if necessary.

More about the program

Hiring practices for fire service are mandated by civil service legislation. Education is not a guarantee for employment, though educational points are awarded in Illinois for candidates who successfully complete the civil service process and possess an A.A.S. degree in Fire Science. For more information, contact the program office at (815) 921-3256.

Certificates available:
–    Firefighting Tactics and Fire Equipment
–    Fire Service
–    Fire Officer I
–    Fire Tactics
–    Fire Protection and Prevention
–    Fire Protection and Tactics


Fire Science Core Requirements                          (18 credit hours)
All students, regardless of whether they are going to follow Sequence A or Sequence B below, must meet these core course requirements for the degree.
     FRE     101    Introduction to Fire Protection                 (3)
     FRE     102    Fire Apparatus Engineer                          (3)
*   FRE     103    Hazardous Materials Operations                 (3)
     FRE     118    Building Construction for Fire Protection     (3)
*   FRE     206    Management I                                       (3)
     FRE     208    Fire Prevention Principles                         (3)

Sequence A: Non-Internship Option
Intended for fire service personnel
*    FRE     207    Management II                                     (3)
*    FRE     216    Tactics and Strategy I                           (3)
*    FRE     218    Instructor I                                          (3)
Electives: 12 credit hours of Fire Science

Sequence B: Internship Option
Intended for traditional college students
*    FRE    180    Essentials of Firefighting I                         (3)
*    FRE    181    Essentials of Firefighting II                        (3)
*    FRE    182    Essentials of Firefighting III                       (3)
*    FRE    240    Fire Protection Internship                         (3)
Electives: 9 credit hours of Fire Science

Fire Science Electives
     FRE    106    Rescue Practices                                       (3)
*   FRE    112    Vehicle/Machinery Rescue Operations           (3)
*   FRE    210    Fire Investigation                                       (3)
*   FRE    217    Tactics and Strategy II                               (3)
*   FRE    219    Instructor II                                              (3)
*   FRE    220    Management III                                        (3)
     FRE    225    Management IV                                        (3)
*   FRE    223    Emergency Medical Technician - Basic           (9)
*   FRE    250    Special Topics in Fire Science                     (1-4)
            Repeatable up to 4 credits

General Education – 25 credits
Required General Education Courses                             (16 credits)
*   ENG   101    Composition I                                             (3)
*   SPH   131    Fundamentals of Communication                   (3)
     PSY   170    General Psychology or                                 (3)
     SOC   190    Introduction to Sociology

4 credit hour Physical Sciences and Life Sciences requirement   (4)
Select one course from the Life Sciences or Physical Sciences.
The course must have a lab. Note: CHM 105 is strongly recommended.
*   MTH  100     Technical Mathematics or greater                 (3)
*Course has a prerequisite—refer to course descriptions.

Elective General Education Courses – 9 credits total from the following area(s):
CIS 102; Humanities; Social Science; Mathematics; Physical Science; Life Sciences; Fitness, Wellness and Sport; or English.