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 Southern Maine Community College and Eastern Maine Community College, as well as 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.

Learn more about enrolling in the Fire Science Technology Program.

Live-in Student Firefighter Program

Various area fire departments in cooperation with SMCC and MFT&E 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.

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. Students with an AS degree in fire science are also eligible to enroll in the National Fire Academy's degree program.

Fire Science Course Descriptions

CHM-101

Chemistry
This survey non-laboratory course is designed to acquaint the student with the broad principles of chemistry as they relate to application and hazards in the fire fighting field. The survey includes basic chemical terminology, structure of matter, atomic bonding, molecular theory of matter, chemical and physical change, and the general states of matter, gases, liquids and solids. Discussion of the more common elements, compounds they form, and the resulting hazards and uses, completes the course with attention to nuclear applications, pesticides and waste disposal. (3 Credits)

FT-110

Fire Inspector
This course is a basic study of fire expecting and code enforcement principles. The student will learn the basics of inspections the identification of common hazards, the basics of special inspections, and the use of NFPA 101 Life Safety Codes. (3 Credits)

FT-112

Fire Protection Systems
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the various extinguishing agents and with engineering them into fire protection systems, including portable extinguishers, sprinkler systems, detection systems, and fire alarm systems. (3 Credits)

FT-113

Fire Service Building Construction
A study of building methods and design, as related to fire protection. Included in the course of study are elementary blueprint-reading, building materials, types of construction, fire protection features, building codes, fire effects of buildings and evaluation of fire damage. (3 Credits)

FT-114

Fire Administration
This is a comprehensive course that takes a broad look at modern fire service from a management perspective. It examines the emerging issues in fire-service management, the special problems, the growing responsibilities, and the prognosis. This course is essential for all fire officers or anyone aspiring to become one. (3 Credits)

FT-116

Introduction to Fire Protection
This course is designed to be the initial course of the Fire Science Technology program. It is recommended for fire personnel in small departments and short-service personnel. The course is a survey of the fire protection field, with emphasis on developing an awareness of history, organization, trade groups, federal efforts, state efforts and local efforts. (3 Credits)

FT-126

FT Student Live-In Program I
This course, one in a continuous series of Service Learning courses, provides the Fire Science Technology student with experiential learning opportunities in the field of fire protection. Service Learning credits are available to the student for each semester with a maximum of four credits awarded. The student will live at an area fire station and become a fully participating member of that department. The student will learn and practice job responsibilities in the functional areas of fire suppression, fire prevention, equipment maintenance, and facility maintenance. The student will keep a log of his/her activities and reflect on experiences in regular group meetings. This course is available only to full time, matriculated Fire Science Technology students participating in the Southern Maine Community College Live-In Program. (1 Credit)

FT-127

FT Student Live-In Program II
This course, one in a continuous series of Service Learning courses, provides the Fire Science Technology student with experiential learning opportunities in the field of fire protection. Service Learning credits are available to the student for each semester with a maximum of four credits awarded. The student will live at an area fire station and become a fully participating member of that department. The student will learn and practice job responsibilities in the functional areas of fire suppression, fire prevention, equipment maintenance, and facility maintenance. The student will keep a log of his/her activities and reflect on experiences in regular group meetings. This course is available only to full time, matriculated Fire Science Technology students participating in the Southern Maine Community College Live-In Program. (1 Credit)

FT-199

Special Problems in Fire Protection
An arrangement to provide an opportunity for students to pursue special areas of study with advisement of a faculty member. Generally limited to students attending the SMCC campus. A formal proposal will be required, with a copy on file, with the Dean of Academics. (3 Credits)

FT-211

Fire Investigation I
This course is designed to develop a basic investigative ability in fire officers. The course focuses on the acquisition of field information and data collection. (3 Credits)

FT-215

Fire Ground Operations
This course offers basic tactics and strategies to the newer firefighter. The course looks at three major response apparatus and explores the internal structure and skills needed to operate at the scene of a fire. (3 Credits)

FT-216

Hazardous Materials
Because of the ever-increasing rate at which new industrial materials are being introduced into our modern world, and because it is the fire-fighter or fire-protection specialist who must deal with the hazards associated with these new chemicals, this is a particularly valuable course. Some of the areas of study include flammable materials, pressurized cases, cryogenics, oxidizing agents, corrosives, explosive and toxic materials. The student will become familiar with Federal laws which govern the handling of hazardous materials. (3 Credits) Prerequisite(s): CHM-101

FT-217

Fire Service Hydraulics
This course of study includes water supply, principles of water dynamics, pumps and fire ground hydraulics. Because of the nature of this subject, the student should be well versed in mathematics, particularly algebra, before enrolling in this course. (3 Credits) Prerequisite(s): MAT-108

FT-218

Fire & Safety Educator
This course is designed to meet the requirements of the NFPA 1035, the professional qualification standards for Public Fire and Safety Educator I and II. The course combines student activities, instructor presentations and community-based projects to develop skills and knowledge in the field. The course will provide the student with the knowledge to design a public fire and life safety program, organize a budget to meet the needs of the program, and present a fire safety or life safety education presentation. (3 Credits)

FT-219

Tactics & Strategy
This course is designed to give the student an opportunity to apply the various principles of fire-control learned in other classes to various fire problems. The importance of pre-planning and a coordinated fire-attack are stressed. It is suggested that a student not enroll in this course until he/she has completed most of the other fire classes, unless waived by the department chairperson. (3 Credits) Prerequisite(s): 15 credits in FST

FT-220

Instructional Techniques
This course is designed to assist company officers and acting officers in teaching fire-service-oriented subjects and developing an understanding of the various methods of teaching fire-service occupational subjects. This course will aid the student in preparing instructor guide sheets and help them to recognize and practice the effective use of other instructor resource materials. (3 Credits)

FT-225

Fire Service Leadership
This course is designed to develop a foundation of leadership skills for the fire officer. Course content will include the identification of leadership styles, group dynamics, diversity issues, conflict resolution, managing change and problem solving. This course will emphasize personal leadership development and supervisory skills. (3 Credits)

FT-226

FT Student Live-In Program III
This course, one in a continuous series of Service Learning courses, provides the Fire Science Technology student with experiential learning opportunities in the field of fire protection. Service Learning credits are available to the student for each semester with a maximum of four credits awarded. The student will live at an area fire station and become a fully participating member of that department. The student will learn and practice job responsibilities in the functional areas of fire suppression, fire prevention, equipment maintenance, and facility maintenance. The student will keep a log of his/her activities and reflect on experiences in regular group meetings. This course is available only to full time, matriculated Fire Science Technology students participating in the Southern Maine Community College Live-In Program. (1 Credit)

FT-227

FT Student Live-In Program IV
This course, one in a continuous series of Service Learning courses, provides the Fire Science Technology student with experiential learning opportunities in the field of fire protection. Service Learning credits are available to the student for each semester with a maximum of four credits awarded. The student will live at an area fire station and become a fully participating member of that department. The student will learn and practice job responsibilities in the functional areas of fire suppression, fire prevention, equipment maintenance, and facility maintenance. The student will keep a log of his/her activities and reflect on experiences in regular group meetings. This course is available only to full time, matriculated Fire Science Technology students participating in the Southern Maine Community College Live-In Program. (1 Credit)

FT-EL1

Fire Science Technology Elective 1
(3 Credits)

FT-EL2

Fire Science Technology Elective 2
(3 Credits)

FT-X90

Fire In American Society
This course traces the challenges faced by the early settlers in the New World, how they protected themselves, their homes, and their property from the ravages of fire. The evolution of building construction and its impact on how fires reacted, laws relating to maintaining fire as a friend and how to control it as a foe, the equipment used to combat fires and the water supply to maintain the battle will be examined in detail. Major fires in American history will be examined to determine how they changed the very fabric of the American lifestyle. (3 Credits)