Part 1 3.7.qxp - Southwestern Oregon Community College

Public Safety
Description: A position as a career firefighter is considered one of the most
challenging and dangerous jobs in the United States. Firefighters enjoy a great deal of
job satisfaction (many polls indicate that a career as a firefighter is the most rewarding
job in the United States). Fire science professionals work in residential, industrial,
commercial, medical, airport, rescue, wildland, educational, and regulatory arenas. Fire
science curriculum can include suppression fire fighting, emergency medical services,
specialized rescue, aircraft fire suppression, wildland interface, fire prevention, and fire
marshall inspection.
Employment Opportunities: Fire science positions are among the most
competitive career tracks in the employment market. Firefighters often enjoy higher
retirement benefit levels, and early retirements are often available. Occupational titles
include Recruit Firefighter, Firefighter, Engineer/Pumper Operator, Company Officer,
Chief Officer, Crew Boss, Strike Team Leader, ARFF (aircraft rescue fire fighting)
Firefighter, Fire Marshall, Public Education Specialist, Rescue Specialist, EMT-Basic
through Paramedic.
The Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology program includes
the necessary general education and specialized fire and emergency medical services
courses to prepare students for careers at entry-level positions within the fire service.
This curriculum was developed in cooperation with the College Fire Science Advisory
Committee and the Oregon Department on Public Safety Standards and Training
(DPSST). Due to continually changing laws and regulations mandated by Oregon's
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OR-OSHA), DPSST and the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA), students may be required to add, modify, or delete
courses and/or hours to the curriculum to meet current standards. See your advisor for
current requirements.
Program notes
Associate of Applied Science Fire Science Technology
Notes:
1. Student may substitute SP100 or SP219 for SP218
2. HE250 or three credits of PE185 may be substituted for PE231.
3. PSY202 or PSY203 may be substituted for PSY201.
4. Fire Science specific electives: FS5236, 5239, 5249, 5263, 5279, 5284, 9173,
9318, 9370, 9380, 9390, 9402, 996E, 996I, 996Q, HE258A/931A, HE258B/931B,
HE260/9360 or contact the Fire Science Coordinator.
5. Developmental and remedial courses, listed on page 62, and CS101 and WR121
will not fulfill elective requirement.
6. See Distribution requirement lists on page 63. Courses must be from outside the
student’s area of concentration.
Southwestern Oregon Community College 2006-07 Catalog www.socc.edu Programs 132