Fire Science Technology

The Fire Science Technology program is designed to provide both in-service and pre-service students with sound technical and academic experiences, enabling them to assume positions of responsibility as members of fire departments or as technical employees of industrial firms and insurance companies. The program provides training in detecting and eliminating fire hazards and causes, through periodic inspections, remedial recommendations and systematic follow-ups.

Practical technical instruction is designed to meet the fire and life-safety needs, responsibilities and obligation of fire protection in engineering, building-design, plant-protection, fire-investigation and all other fields where a hazard may be involved. The ultimate goal is to assist the student to develop the appropriate skills and knowledge for professional fire protection. Fire Science Technology courses are available at off campus locations around the state.

A one-year certificate option is available which can consist of either: A) 30 credits of technical classes or B) 15 credits of technical classes and 15 credits of selected academic subjects.

Graduates of the program have been employed as industrial fire-protection specialists, safety technicians, fire insurance inspectors, inspection bureau representatives, state fire inspectors and municipal fire department employees, many of whom have earned their degree while employed in their area of specialty.

Live-in Student Firefighter Program

Various area fire departments, in cooperation with SMCC and Maine Fire Training and Education, are pleased to offer this exciting option to many of our fire science students. Students accepted into the "live-in" program (space is limited) live in area fire houses (rent free) in exchange for being "on call" during specific hours. They have additional responsibilities and must provide their own meals. Further information is available through our fire science department.

Credit for Certified Training

Candidates for the Fire Science degree can also receive college credit for certain certificate programs. Examples are Firefighter I & II, Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector, Fire & Life Safety Educator, National Fire Academy courses, and Emergency Medical Technician. Other certified training courses are considered for credit on an individual basis.

Continuing Your Education

Associate Degree graduates can transfer a full two years of credits toward a Baccalaureate Degree in Applied Technical Education or Applied Technical Leadership at the University of Southern Maine. They may also transfer two years of credits toward a Baccalaureate Degree in Business Administration at Husson College or two years of credits toward a Baccalaureate Degree in Public Administration at University of Maine at Augusta. Fire Science Associate Degree graduates have also had success in transferring most credits toward Baccalaureate Degree programs in the Fire Science field.

For more information, please visit the SMCC web site, or contact:

Timothy Carr
Fire Science Technology Program Chair

or

Matthew Duveneck
Fire Science Instructor

For information about Fire Science classes through Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC), contact William Leighton.