Fire Science (A.S.)

Fire Science at BCC

Fire with extinguishers

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.

Apply Now

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