Fire Science Degree

The fire science program at Springfield Technical Community College prepares students for careers as firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, first line supervisors, or managers of firefighters. The program focuses on the duties of firefighters. Program courses include: firefighting equipment operation and maintenance, principles of fire science and combustible substances, methods of controlling different types of fires, hazardous material handling and control, fire rescue procedures, public relations, and laws and regulations. Get more details below including other Massachusetts colleges that offer fire science degrees.

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Springfield Technical Community College (STCC)

263 Alden St, Springfield, MA

Springfield Technical Community College, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, was founded in 1967 and is the only technical community college in the state, and as a result offers programs and opportunities that are unavailable at other institutions. Many of the school's programs have employment rates for student graduates reaching 100%.  The school is dedicated to ensuring that students are given every opportunity alongside a quality education in order to guarantee career success. The school currently enrolls 8,500 students annually through its day, evening and weekend courses. The school maintains a high level interaction with the community, identifying needs and trends and assisting in the solving of problems in order to achieve a higher standard of living and education.

Academics

Springfield Technical Community College offers over 100 programs of study primarily dedicated to the development of professional skills and abilities for a given field. Students will find that as the school offers a broad selection of programs, allowing the student to pursue the path that best reflect their personal interests and goals. Technical programs typically take up to two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or associate degree that demonstrates competency, which in turn is achieved through a combination of classroom and practical courses designed to provide a controlled environment for the development of skills. Graduates may pursue employment at the entry level upon completion. STCC has a placement rate for graduates seeking employment.

Students may also pursue academic transfer to a four year institution through the completion of one of several programs designed to assist in the process. Students will complete the first two years of a bachelor's degree at STCC, followed by applying to a college or university. Transfer to a public Massachusetts school will be easier through agreements in place between the schools, though transfer to a private or out of state institution is possible, if not more difficult due to a lack of agreements and varying admissions requirements.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Business
• Graphic Design
• History
• Sociology

Admissions and Financial Aid

Springfield Technical Community College is an open enrollment institution that allows any individual that wished to enroll to do so if they meet the minimum requirements for admission submit an application and pay all related fees. Students must also supply transcripts, and if possible, test scores which may be used in lieu of a placement exam.  Students should participate in new student orientation and meet with a counselor prior to registration to discuss program enrollment and curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarship. Students in need of financial assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used by the school to determine need and aid program eligibility when compiling the student's aid packet. Aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Municipal Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisors

Description

Supervise fire fighters who control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and property, and conduct rescue efforts.

Municipal Firefighters

Description

Control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and property and conduct rescue efforts.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, municipal firefighters employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.3% from 2014 to 2024

Fire Inspectors

Description

Inspect buildings and equipment to detect fire hazards and enforce state and local regulations.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, fire inspectors employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.5% from 2014 to 2024

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Description

Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 13.1% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).