Fire Science, B.S.
Completion of this major prepares one for a career in the Fire Service and related industries. It also prepares one to be firefighters and fire officers. In the Fire Protection industry, completion of this major prepares one for code enforcement, fire investigation, and fire protection systems. Our majors are also prepared for fire-related private industry.
The 2.0 minimum overall GPA and a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA in the major are requirements for continuation in the major as well as for graduation.
Students concentrating in Fire Science will be required to complete 39 semester hours in Fire Science Courses in residence at NJCU.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement Courses 1 | 27 cr | |
| FS 140 | Introduction to Fire Science | 3 |
| FS 150 | Introduction to Engine Company Operations | 3 |
| FS 151 | Introduction to Ladder Company Operations | 3 |
| FS 336 | Firefighting Tactics | 3 |
| FS 342 | Building Construction | 3 |
| FS 435 | Research in Fire Science | 3 |
| FS 365 | Fire Officer Company Management | 3 |
| FS 436 | Firefighting Strategies | 3 |
| FS 464 | Fire Department Organization & Administration | 3 |
| Electives Courses: Select a Minimum of 4 courses 2 | 12 | |
| FS 137 | Emergency Personnel Fitness | 3 |
| FS 241 | Fire Prevention & Related Codes | 3 |
| FS 243 | Fire Detection & Suppression Systems | 3 |
| FS 334 | Fire Investigation & Arson | 3 |
| FS 344 | Hazardous Materials | 3 |
| FS 431 | Firefighting Hazards | 3 |
| PSYC 261 | Psychological Stress and Coping for First Responders | 3 |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
Students can also apply for Internship / Cooperative Education for 2 - 6 credits
Or, apply for Portfolio/Certification Review via the Prior Learning Credit Program for 1 - 6 credits
- 1
Students must earn a grade of C or better
- 2
Select 12 credits of approved electives in Fire Science, National Security Studies, Business, Languages, and other disciplines. Must earn a C or better in each course. (This is not a complete list of electives, please see the Fire Science Department for additional information)
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
| FS 140 | Introduction to Fire Science | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| FS 151 | Introduction to Ladder Company Operations (Spring Only) | 3 |
| FS 137 | Emergency Personnel Fitness (Elective) | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Semester 1 | ||
| FS 150 | Introduction to Engine Company Operations | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| FS 200- or 300-level Course 1 | 3 | |
| FS 200- or 300-level Course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Junior | ||
| Semester 1 | ||
| FS 200- or 300-level Course 1 | 3 | |
| FS 200- or 300-level Course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| FS 200- or 300-level Course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Senior | ||
| Semester 1 | ||
| FS 300- or 400-level Course | 3 | |
| FS 300- or 400-level Course | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| FS 365 | Fire Officer Company Management ((Spring Only)) | 3 |
| FS 435 | Research in Fire Science ((Spring Only)) | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
- 1
Selection of either 200- or 300-level courses is dependent upon the particular course offerings for a given semester.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Fire Science BS program, students will be able to:
- Students will be able to communicate clearly and concisely (orally and/or in writing) regarding current critical emergency service issues.
- Evaluate the role of risk management in the proper formulation of effective tactics and strategies to safely and successfully mitigate fire and emergency events.
- Appraise and analyze building construction in terms of structural limitations and collapse / fire spread potential.
- Utilize available technology and/or software to research and analyze date to create solutions to enhance decision-making on the emergency ground.
- Apply ethical reasoning and analysis to the decision-making process in regard to personnel and resource management.