Bachelor of Science in Fire Science

The Fire Science program develops the professionalism and knowledge needed to be successful in today's fire service. The core curriculum is taught by Fire Service Professionals, who concentrate on both basic and advanced topics. The curriculum has been approved by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) committee at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The curriculum also reflects National Fire Protection Association Standards in an effort to address the challenging and dynamic aspects of public or private sector, fire service leadership, and administration.
In 2012, the Department of Fire Services hosted the second Fire Service Professional Development Summit whereSuperintendent of the National Fire Academy Dr. Denis Onieal presented a certificate of recognition to the representatives of AMC for their adoption of the nationally recognized Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model curriculum for fire science majors.
In addition to College academic requirements, Fire Science majors must complete nine core courses, six upper-level fire science electives. Courses offered are included in the following list:
View Offered Courses
Leadership
Applications for Fire Research
Analytical Approaches to Public Fire Protection
Fire Behavior and Combustion Theory
Principles of Emergency Services
Fundamentals of Fire Prevention
Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply
Fire Protection Systems
Building Construction for Fire Protection
Diversity in the Workplace
Fire Prevention and Organization
Fire Related Human Behavior
Occupational Health and Safety
Community Risk Reduction for Fire and Emergency Services
Emergency Medical Technician
- -A critical understanding of the field of fire science through a balance of theory and practical application
- -Students who can lead, manage and collaborate with colleagues, subordinates, constituents and the communities they serve
- -An interdisciplinary perspective on the issues which face Fire Science professionals
- -Students with the capability to lead, manage and collaborate with colleagues, subordinates, constituents and the communities they serve
- -Assess the current and historical strategies, practices and policies that guide the modern fire and emergency services profession, particularly in a dynamic and multi-cultural environment
- -Develop a commitment to social justice and addressing the impact of fires and emergencies upon the most vulnerable and under-represented members of society
- -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.
Faculty Accomplishments 2011
Faculty in Anna Maria College’s Fire Science Program helped to highlight the College’s national reputation at the recently held annual Fire Rescue International conference in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the largest conferences of its kind in the world. Long-time AMC Fire Science Professor Jack Parow, as the outgoing President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, was interviewed by CNN about the state of the fire service in light of the tough financial climate. He also served as the host for a number of international delegations, several receptions and awards ceremonies.
In addition, Fire Science Professor John Sullivan presented on the topic of preventing firefighter injuries and fatalities - one of the most important and politically charged topics in the modern American fire service, and Assistant Fire Science Professor Matt Hinds-Aldrich presented the findings of on-going research he is undertaking on the topic of firefighters arrested for setting fires.
Other faculty accomplishments include:
Professor John Moschella, Ph.D. and Professor Matt Hinds-Aldrich both have peer-reviewed journal articles coming out in the forthcoming issue of International Fire Service Journal of Leadership and Management. Their articles, which cover the topics of E-Government and Firefighter Arsonists, respectively, represent the topical and cutting edge research-led instruction that Anna Maria College fire science students receive.
Part-Time program online
Anna Maria College also offers a Fire Science degree online for students, who want to go back to school part-time and who are seeking distance learning and a flexible schedule.
For more information, please contact:
I. David Daniels, MHRM, MlFireE, CFO, SHS, HSO
Program Director
(508) 849-3744
idaniels@annamaria.edu