Associate in Science

Program Description:

The Fire Protection & Safety Technology Associate in Science degree program provides the broad based, hands-on coursework for individuals presently working in a fire-science occupation, or those seeking employment in this field. Courses are offered on the Bedford and Lowell campuses, local fire stations, and online.

The program provides for a variety of careers in this field: firefighter at the city, town and state levels; military and airport facilities; departmental or regional positions; opportunities to work in fire investigation, or the state Fire Marshal’s office; and emergency medical services, where firefighters and medical technicians work closely together. There are also opportunities within the business and industrial area, such as: hazardous materials, fire insurance-claim investigation, fire protection engineer, hospital fire safety, fire prevention inspector, and work with National Fire Protection Association in fire investigation, publishing and establishing standards.

Career and Transfer Outlook:

Career opportunities can be plentiful because of constant retirements in the fire-service field. Also, many businesses are looking for fire-safety professionals or fire-investigative personnel. The MCC degree can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree program in Fire and Emergency Management at Salem State University. Students may also be interested in becoming fire protection engineers.

Helpful Hints:

Training and courses taken at the Massachusetts Fire Academy, the military or from working on the job may be beneficial toward receiving transfer and life experience credits at MCC. The college also offers an Emergency Medical Training (EMT) course, which can give the successful student an advantage, as most fire departments and civil service agencies give additional points for having an EMT course.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Fire Protection & Safety Technology program are prepared to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of fire development, cause and prevention;
• Apply theoretical knowledge of hydraulic principles to solving water-supply problems for fire protection;
• Understand the principles of supervision and management necessary for leadership and administration in the fire service;
• Identify the different types of building construction encountered during fire operations;
• Identify hazardous materials, hazardous properties, and successful emergency-scene operations;
• Recognize the importance of building-construction concepts and materials in fire safety, the effects of heat and fire on buildings, and the impact of fire to personal safety of building occupants;
• Develop a tactical fire attack plan and describe the strategic elements of the plan.