Fire Science

Fighting Fires and Saving Lives

Gain leadership skills for fire service and other related fields. You will learn to improve your communication and critical thinking skills, use computer-assisted design software, and understand the responsibilities of a fire officer, while receiving an excellent foundation for transfer to a four-year college. The Philadelphia Fire Department recognizes the importance of the Fire Science associate’s degree by awarding a bonus of a half point on all promotional examinations to any firefighter or fire officer who earns this degree. The half point can move you ahead five or more positions on a promotional list, and if you pursue a bachelor’s degree after earning your associate’s degree, you will earn a full point bonus on all promotional examinations.

Career Options

Careers

Find your path.

Forest Firefighters – est. salary $49,489
Fire Inspectors and Investigators – est. salary $57,322
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers – est. salary $117,971
Firefighters – est. salary $82,443*

 

**EMSI Data, 2022; The greater Philadelphia region; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Transfer Opportunities

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Courses and Completion Sequence

The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the Fire Science degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.

Semester 1

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
FSCI 104 - Fire Prevention and Building Codes 3 credits Student Attends Fire Science Events, Lectures and Activities Major Course
ENGL 101 - English Composition I or
ENGL 101H - English Composition I (Honors)
3 credits   Writing, Research, Info Lit 1
FSCI 111 - Emergency Scene Management 3 credits    
FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra or higher 3 credits   Quantitative Reasoning
FSCI 142 - Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety for Firefighters 3 credits    
  • This program is designed to provide students with the option of entering the workforce or transferring to a bachelor's degree program after earning their associate's degree
  • Follow this course schedule each semester and you’ll earn your associate’s degree in two years
  • Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register.

Semester 2

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Gen Ed Req.
ENGL 102 - The Research Paper or
ENGL 102H - The Research Paper (Honors)
3 credits   Writing, Research, Info Lit 2
FSCI 181 - Building Construction for the Fire Service 3 credits    
CHEM 110 - Introductory Chemistry 4 credits   Scientific Reasoning
FSCI 271 - Hazardous Materials 3 credits    
CIS 103 - Introduction to Information Technology 3 credits   Technological Competency


Students should meet with a Fire Science advisor before registering for each semester

Semester 3

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Gen Ed Req.
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology or
SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology (Honors) 
3 credits   Cultural Analysis & Interpretation
FSCI 172 - Fire Detection and Suppression Systems 3 credits    
FSCI 221 - Fire Prevention and Protection 3 credits    
World Language 3 credits    
PHYS 105 - Survey of Physics 4 credits    
  • Congratulations, this is your final semester! Don’t forget to complete your graduation application.
  • Meet with an advisor when registering for your classes
  • Finalize your transfer plans:
  • Take advantage of our scholarship opportunities for transferring students and apply for a scholarship
  • Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities

General Education Requirements:

All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College's general education requirements is also available.

Featured Career

Program Information

Derrick Sawyer, graduate of Fire Science program at CCP.

“The program has had a huge impact on developing leaders in Fire Science.”

Derrick Sawyer
program graduate 2005, former Philadelphia Fire Commissioner