Fire Science
Career Studies and Workforce Development Division
Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree
Contact: Tami Cunningham, tcunningham@trcc.edu
Purpose: Career and Technical Education. Fire Science Program students will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to effectively prevent, respond to, and manage fire-related emergencies in various environments. They will possess a thorough understanding of fire behavior, suppression techniques, and emergency medical services, while adhering to best practices in safety, regulatory compliance, and community service. Students will exhibit strong teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills, enabling them to collaborate effectively within diverse teams and make informed decisions in high-pressure situations.
Admission Criteria:
All candidates must meet the regular admission requirements as stated in the current catalog.
To become a fire science applicant, individuals must:
- Have a program intake form on file in the Paramedic/Fire Science Office.
- Completion of READ-02 or placement into College Writing
- Subject to a confidential medical history, physical examination, negative preadmission drug screen, and clear criminal background check after acceptance in the program.
First Year
Fall Semester
| ACAD 101 | Academic Life Strategies | 4 |
| EMT 105 | Emergency Medical Technician | 9 |
| FIRE 118 | Hazardous Materials Awareness & Ops | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Spring Semester
Total Credit Hours: 31
FIRE 118, FIRE 127, and FIRE 128: These courses require skills and written examinations by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety to obtain state certification. Students must meet all state requirements prior to taking certification tests. Prior to participating in any hands-on activities in FIRE 118, 127, & 128, students must submit to a health physical and a Criminal Record background
Second Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
| BIOL 100 | Survey of Biological Princ | 3 |
| ENGL 111 | College Writing | 3 |
| GOVT 121 | National and State Government | 3 |
| MATH 161 | Mathematical Reasoning & Modeling | 3 |
| PSYC 243 | Human Dev Across the Life Span | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Total Credit Hours: 27
Please see individual course descriptions for prerequisites, corequisites, and/or other requirements.
Program Outcomes
- Fire Behavior and Dynamics: Demonstrate an understanding of fire behavior, including combustion principles, heat transfer, and the impact of various fuels on fire growth and spread.
- Firefighting Tactics and Strategies: Apply appropriate firefighting tactics and strategies in response to various emergency scenarios, including structure fires, wildfires, and hazardous materials incidents.
- Physical Fitness and Skills Proficiency: Exhibit the physical fitness levels and technical skills necessary for effectively performing firefighting duties, including operating firefighting equipment and performing rescue operations.
- Emergency Medical Response: Provide basic emergency medical care, demonstrating knowledge of first aid, CPR, and emergency medical protocols in life-threatening situations.
- Incident Command and Management: Understand and apply the principles of incident command systems, including coordination with other emergency services and effective communication during emergency operations.
- Safety and Risk Management: Assess and mitigate risks associated with firefighting operations, emphasizing personal safety, team safety, and the safety of the public.
- Community Engagement and Education: Develop strategies for community outreach and fire prevention education, promoting public awareness of fire safety and emergency preparedness.
- Legal and Ethical Standards: Recognize and adhere to legal and ethical standards governing firefighting practices and emergency response, including compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.