Program Overview
The BCC Fire Science program, which is shared with Greenfield Community College, focuses on fire prevention and fire protection principles and techniques. Students also take general education courses, including human behavior and written and oral communication. All FIS-designated coursework is aligned with FESHE Standards; the program covers material on the most recent developments in the field and provides excellent preparation for those who work in occupations such as fire protection or insurance underwriting.
Expected Outcomes
Graduates of this program should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of fire development, cause and prevention;
- Apply theoretical knowledge of hydraulic principles to solving water-supply problems for fire protection;
- Identify hazardous materials, hazardous properties and successful emergency-scene operations;
- Recognize the importance of building-construction concepts and materials in fire safety, the effects of heat and fire on buildings, and the impact of fire to personal safety of building occupants;
- Explain the benefits of fire protection systems in various types of structures;
- Discuss and describe the scope, purpose, and organizational structure of fire and emergency services;
- Define how the concepts of risk management affect strategic and tactical decision-making;
- Describe the history and philosophy of fire prevention; and
- Demonstrate and use basic interpersonal, group and public communication skills.
Admission Requirements
After you have applied to BCC, email your high school and/or college transcripts to admissions@berkshirecc.edu.
Visit the College Catalog for course details
Contact Us
Daniel Garner, Program Advisor
dgarner@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-5223
Graduation Requirements
To earn a degree in this program, a student must complete all program and general education credits, plus the following Additional Requirements.
Program Courses
CIS-102 | Fundamental Computer Literacy | 3 |
FIS-101 | Principles of Emergency Services | 3 |
FIS-106 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
FIS-123 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
FIS-128 | Protection Systems | 3 |
FIS-145 | Fire Prevention | 3 |
FIS-221 | Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival | 3 |
FIS-206 | Fire Investigation | 3 |
PSY- | Psychology | 3 |
Or | ||
SOC-105 | Introductory Sociology | |
ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 6 |
MAT- | Mathematics | 3 |
Total Program Credit Hours: | 36 |
General/Program Electives
General Electives: 9 credits | ||
Program Electives required: 15 credits (listed below) |
||
**Credits for prior learning will be awarded for Firefighter I & II, Hazardous Material Certification and EMT Certification - up to 15 credits can be awarded toward degree. | ||
Total Credits for Degree: 60 credits |
Additional Requirements
Minimum Cumulative Average
Overall | 2 |
All required FIS courses | 2 |
Course Equivalents: GCC and BCC
Greenfield Courses | BCC Equivalent Courses | Name of Courses |
FST151 | FIS101 | Principles of Emergency Services |
FST152 | FIS106 | Fire Behavior and Combustion |
FST153 | FIS145 | Fire Prevention |
FST154 | FIS221 | Principles of Fire and Emergency Services |
FST155 | FIS123 | Building Construction and Fire Protection |
FST159 | FIS128 | Fire Protection Systems |
FST253 | FIS206 | Fire Investigation |
Greenfield Elective Courses | BCC Equivalent Elective Courses | Name of Elective Courses |
FST156 | FIS201 | Hazardous Materials Chemistry |
FST157 | FIS127 | Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply |
FST158 | FIS210 | Principles of Fire and Emergency Service Adm |
FST252 | FIS217 | Strategy and Tactics |