Fire Science Degree

The fire science program at Waubonsee 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 Illinois colleges that offer fire science degrees.

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Waubonsee Community College (Waubonsee)

3140 South Federal Street, Chicago, IL

Waubonsee Community College, located in Sugar Grove, Illinois, was founded in 1966 as a result of votes in Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, LaSalle and Will counties voting to establish Community College District 516. Since its inception the school has grown, finding a permanent home 1968, and adding an additional three campuses in subsequent years. The school is dedicated to providing the best education possible, as it feels that an educated populace is the cornerstone of a democratic society. The school was named by two are residents who submitted the name separately as part of an open competition in 1967. The word Waubonsee means “early dawn” or “early day” and was the name of a Pottawatomie chief who had resided in the Fox River Valley in the early 19^th century.

Academics

Waubonsee Community College offers a number of programs resulting in associate degrees or certificates. These programs provide academic or career training. Academic programs allow students to fulfill the first two years of a four year education at a low cost and allow for transfer to a four year institution upon completion. As a public institution, the school has a number of agreements in place with public four year colleges and universities that allow for ease of transfer. Career programs train individuals in a particular field, providing the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully perform duties in a work environment. Graduates will receive a certificate or diploma and be eligible for entry into the workforce immediately after graduation. Certificate programs tend to be shorter than degree programs due to the absence of general education courses in their curriculum.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Photography
• Criminal Justice
• Economics
• Psychology

In addition, the school offers non-credit courses for individuals wishing to take classes for enjoyment and adult education courses for individuals who wish to return to school and complete their high school education. Continuing education courses are available for professionals who need such classes in order to renew licenses or certifications.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in enrollment at Waubonsee Community College should complete the admissions application and submit all pertinent documents, including transcripts and test scores. Students must also take a placement exam in order to determine which math and English courses they will enroll in, though this may be waived based on ACT scores. Though WCC is an open enrollment based institution, some programs have limited enrollment space and students interested in entering those programs must meet a separate set of admission requirements.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, and work study programs. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is used by the school to determine need, eligibility and awards. Scholarships are also available through the school and by separate entities. Scholarships offered outside of the school may require separate applications and may be awarded for reasons other than need. The school's financial aid office also offers assistance regarding financial aid, including application assistance and offering information.

Athletics

Waubonsee Community College participates in intercollegiate athletics through the Nation Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference. Membership in athletic programs is encouraged by the school as it provides a healthy competitive atmosphere and encourages students and faculty to support their school. Additionally, such programs foster the development of important skills that may be transposed into academic or professional environments to the benefit of the individual. Suck skills include teamwork, discipline, and maintaining healthy habits. Athletic programs have tryouts at various points throughout the year. Interested students should visit the athletic department to obtain dates and times.

Athletic programs at Waubonsee Community College:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Cheerleading
• Baseball (Men Only)
• Golf (Men Only)
• Wrestling (Men Only)
• Softball (Women Only)
• Volleyball (Women Only)

Students Enrolled in the Fire Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Waubonsee has offered the following programs for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and 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

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 9
  • Average Hourly Rate: $28.50
  • Average Annual Salary: $59280
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 660
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.22
  • Average Annual Salary: $42060
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $22.30
  • Average Annual Salary: $46390

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

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 250
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 170
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.35
  • Average Annual Salary: $48560

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).