PROGRAM TYPE
On Campus, Online

DEGREES
BS

Contact

Gary Daugherty

Director of Fire Science and Emergency Management and Professor of Practice
Fire Science & Emergency Management
(508) 849-3263
Academic AgreementsAccelerated Degree ProgramGen Ed CurriculumHonors ProgramStudy Abroad5th Year Masters

Fire Science | BS

Program Overview

Offered on campus and online, BS in Fire Science integrates liberal arts education and strong career preparation. The curriculum is focused upon the fire service administration and reflects the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined within the National Fire Academy and the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Model Curriculum. Strong emphasis is placed on the dynamic aspects of public sector emergency services leadership and administration.  

The fire science program is taught by experienced emergency services professionals who are distinguished leaders and educators in emergency services. Fire Science students are eligible (but not required) to complete EMT-Basic or Paramedic Certificate training as part of their education at Anna Maria College. In addition to their academic experience many students take advantage of opportunities to work as call firefighters for local fire departments during their time at Anna Maria College. 

If those students do not already have their Firefighter I/II certifications, some local fire departments will sponsor our students to attend the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy where they can earn their FF I/II certification and begin working as call firefighters in that community. Students also participate or observe live fire exercises as part of courses such as Fire Investigation or Fire Protection Systems. In keeping up with new technology students are trained on how to utilize drones in emergency situations. In collaboration with the Massachusetts State Dispatch 911 training program, the College is one of the very first to offer Dispatch 911 training and certification on campus. 

Fire science students can work as interns for a number of state and local agencies gaining valuable experience in program management and administration in the fire service. The goal of the fire science program is to produce well-rounded emergency services professionals who have the necessary foundational knowledge, training, and certifications to have a competitive edge in obtaining professional emergency service employment.

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Course of Study
Online Completer Option
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Course Of Study

Curriculum Map

Click here to download the Fire Science Curriculum Map.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Fire Science program should be able to:

  • Comprehend and analyze a broad range of fire science concepts including:
    the history and lineage of the modern fire and emergency services
    – fundamental fire chemistry, fire behavior and fire dynamics
    – how the various types of fire protection systems are designed to meet differences in building construction, hazard type, environmental conditions and compartment configuration
  • Understand and use contemporary strategies and theories used to effectively manage and lead employees in various organizational settings and contexts
  • Understand and implement relevant human resources, civil rights, labor rights, and due process legislation that pertains to the management, hiring, firing, and promotion of employees
  • Use various technological, educational and legal approaches to preventing and mitigating fires
  • Comprehend how people of different ages, cultural backgrounds, and abilities behave in fires, and various approaches to mitigate the impact of these variations in behavior
  • Demonstrate leadership skills that embody a commitment to diversity, social justice and civic responsibility
  • Formulate, conduct and critique basic academic research on fire and emergency services topics
  • Accurately calculate hydraulic flow rates, static pressures, residual pressures, friction losses and pump capacities
  • Conduct a thorough and legally defensible fire investigation
  • Identify core technical concepts in the fire service
  • Evaluate the application of legal issues in the fire service
  • Apply prevention concepts to the fire service
  • Apply research and statistical skills to fire protection issues
  • Analyze ethical, leadership, and administrative issues in fire service organization management

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Online Degree Completion Option

A two-year completer program is available in an online format consisting of six exploration courses, ten fire science courses and four electives (a total of 60 credit hours) is available to students who have already completed a minimum of 60 credits. These 60 credits can come from an associate’s degree from a related field or prior qualified coursework. 15 additional transfer credits may be granted to students with one or more of the following:

  • State or national EMT
  • FFI/II ProBoard/IFSAC Certified
  • Acceptable credits from a regionally accredited four year institution
  • ACE approved courses taken at The National Fire Academy
Degree Overview
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Meet Our Faculty

Thomas Bogart

Professor of Practice
Fire Science & Emergency Management

Gary Daugherty

Director of Fire Science and Emergency Management and Professor of Practice
Fire Science & Emergency Management
(508) 849-3263

Russell Hall

Lecturer
Fire Science & Emergency Management