Program Outline
In order to enroll in the Fire Science Program, you must be an active member of the IAFF and must possess a high school diploma or GED.
Your program consists of four semesters. A total of 61 credits is needed to earn your Fire Science Associate Degree.
Students can receive transfer credit for a total of 75% of the program. This includes both credit earned from a college or university, challenge examinations (in Math, Writing, Computer Applications, and English Composition), and documented training obtained through their employment. All college and university transfer credit is awarded by submitting official transcripts to Penn Foster College. All previous college work must have been completed with a grade of "C" or better. Students can receive prior life/work experience credit for up to six elective credits by submitting acceptable proof of applicable training. The total combined number of credits awarded for challenge examinations and prior learning received through on-the-job training cannot exceed 15 credits. Students seeking credit through life/work experience should contact the faculty to request appropriate forms for submitting their documentation. We will credit your tuition for all transfer credit that is accepted.
You’ll have access to your first course materials immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Courses will follow one at a time as you complete your required assignments, so you’ll always have learning materials to work with. As you complete each semester, an enrollment application for the next semester will be sent to you.
You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® - based computer (running Windows Vista® or later) and high-speed Internet in order to complete your program.
Here is an overview of what you’ll learn and the order in which you’ll receive your learning materials:
Semester 1
Basic Skills Assessment
All degree applicants are required to complete two Basic Skills Assessments, one in reading and one in math, to determine the level of readiness for beginning their selected program. Additional studies may be required.
MET100 - Orientation to Engineering Technology (1 credit)
The development of engineering and engineering technology; technical mathematics; use of a scientific calculator.
MAT100 - Foundation Skills in Math (3 credits)
Students learn the essential math skills necessary for future success in an A.S. technology program. The course of study includes a review of basic math functions, including trades-based examples, the metric system, formulas, introductory algebra, applied geometry, and some practical applications of trigonometry.
ENG101 - Foundation Skills in Writing (3 credits)
This course provides an overview of writing styles for technology applications. Students review basic grammar, including parts of speech, active and passive voices, complete sentences vs. sentence fragments, parallel construction, the use of action verbs, and paragraph construction. The course also includes practical information on writing reports, technical memos, and emails; organizing material; conducting research; documenting sources; outlining; providing illustrations; and writing proposals, descriptions, instructions, articles, and manuals.
CSC108 - Essential Computer Skills (3 credits)
Computer and Internet basics; computer hardware and software; digital electronics and file management; introduction to Windows®; PC applications in word processing; online library resources, search techniques and search engines.
Social Science Elective — (3 credits) (Choose one):
SSC130 - Essentials of Psychology
SSC310 - Sociology of Diversity
SCI167 - Physical Science (3 credits)
Principles that define and govern the physical universe
as we know it; chemistry; physics; earth and space sciences.
Proctored Examination*
Semester 2
FST105 - Principles of Emergency Services (3 credits)
This course provides an overview to fire protection and emergency services, career opportunities in fire protection and related fields, culture and history of emergency services, fire loss analysis, organization and function of public and private fire protection services, fire departments as part of local government, laws and regulations affecting the fire service, fire service nomenclature, specific fire protection functions, basic fire chemistry and physics, introduction to fire protection systems, introduction to fire strategy and tactics, and life safety initiatives.
FST110 - Fire Behavior and Combustion (3 credits)
This course explores the theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled.
English Elective — (3 credits) (Choose one):
ENG100 - English Composition
ENG200 - Speech
FST160 - Introduction to Fire Emergency Services Administration (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the organization and management of a fire and emergency services department and the relationship of government agencies to the fire service. The material emphasizes fire and emergency service and ethics from the perspective of the company officer.
SSC200 - History of Labor in the United States (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the labor movement in the United States using readings, online discussion, research, and writing. Students will examine critical aspects of the past, present, and future of the U.S. labor movement. This course is appropriate for students with some knowledge of the labor movement who want to reflect upon the workings, history, and challenges of organized labor activities specific to the U.S. workforce.
Proctored Examination*
Semester 3
FST130 - Building Construction for Fire Prevention (3 credits)
This course provides the components of building construction related to fire fighter and life safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors for inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at emergencies.
FST140 - Fire Prevention (3 credits)
This course provides fundamental information relating to the field of fire prevention. Topics include the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use and application of codes and standards, plans review, fire inspections, fire and life safety education, and fire investigation.
Humanities Elective — (3 credits) (Choose one):
HUM102 - Art Appreciation
HUM104 - Music Appreciation
FST255 - Fire Protection Systems (3 credits)
This course provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire alarm systems, water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, water supply for fire protection, and portable fire extinguishers.
FST260 - Principles of Fire Emergency Services Safety and Survival (3 credits)
This course introduces the basic principles and history related to the national fire fighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural and behavior change throughout the emergency services.
Proctored Examination*
Semester 4
FST210 - Emergency Services Strategy and Tactics (3 credits)
This course provides the principles of fire ground control through the utilization of personnel, equipment, and extinguishing agents.
Core Elective — (12 credits) (Choose Four):
FST290 - Fire Science Internship
FST265 - Hazardous Materials Chemistry
FST240 - Fire Investigation 1
FST235 - Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply
FST280 - Legal Aspects of Emergency Services
Proctored Examination*
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
* As a degree candidate, you will take a proctored examination at the end of each semester on selected courses within that semester. We make it easy because you pick the location and the person you want to supervise the exam, as long as Penn Foster College's established policy and qualifications are met. Complete information packets with procedures will be provided well in advance, before completion of final semester coursework.
Note: Advanced standing student shipments may vary from the above schedule.
A High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in this degree program. Although this outline covers all four semesters of the Fire Science Degree Program, you receive lesson materials for each semester as you enroll.
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