Program Overview

Fire service personnel perform the critical work of saving lives and protecting property. This work is often thought of as exciting and rewarding, but it is carried out in difficult and often life-threatening conditions and requires highly trained, physically fit professionals. It also requires an increasing level of technical knowledge, including principles of building construction and design, chemicals and codes, and modern methods of extinguishing a fire.

The Fire Science Program at MCC provides opportunities for a range of students and working professionals in this important field:

• Students preparing for a career in fire suppression develop the skills and knowledge for an entry- level position. The program includes a balance of classroom sessions and practical hands-on training.
• Career and volunteer firefighters increase their knowledge, upgrade their job skills and enhance their personal growth. The program also offers instruction in fire service management and operations.
• Students and professionals in related fields-e.g., fire protection engineering, insurance investigations and inspection services, and fire service instruction/ training-expand their knowledge base through this program.

Students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree may take advantage of transfer opportunities with Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and Western Illinois University. Since these baccalaureate programs have specific course and admission requirements, it is important for interested students to work with the department chair of Fire Science and academic advisors.

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that students interested in this program meet with the department chair of Fire Science prior to enrolling. Some fire science courses require students to pass a criminal background check for continued enrollment in the course.

For more information, visit: www.mchenry.edu/firescience

The primary purpose of an Associate in Applied Science degree is to prepare students for employment. The AAS degree is not designed specifically for transfer; however, there are opportunities to apply some coursework or the whole degree to a bachelor’s degree program. For more information, see an academic advisor and the department chair.

Fire Science, AAS Sample Semester Plan

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