Degree and Certificate Information

Sections:

The Fire Science Technology program at College of DuPage is widely recognized as one of the top service-oriented fire programs in Illinois. Training from this program is beneficial for both professional firefighters interested in increasing their knowledge and skill levels, as well as for firefighter candidates.

All College of DuPage Fire Science Technology classes meet or exceed the requirements for certification with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Division of Personnel Standards and Education, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Students with previous credit from another institution, or students who plan to transfer to a four-year baccalaureate institution, should meet with the Fire Science Technology coordinator to discuss transferability of credits before enrolling in Fire Science Technology courses.

Degree Information

Fire Science Technology at College of DuPage offers the following Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees:

Fire Science Technology (minimum 64 credit hours)
The Fire Science Technology A.A.S. degree encompasses both firefighting and emergency medical services, as well as the theory and techniques of firefighting required by most fire departments. Students planning to transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions should consult with the program coordinator before enrolling in Fire Science Technology courses to ensure transferability of credits.

Fire Science Technology A.A.S. Degree, PDF file
Student Planning Worksheet, PDF file

Emergency Medical Services (minimum 65 credit hours)
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) A.A.S. degree encompasses both firefighting and emergency medical services, with a focus on emergency medical services and the administration of those services in all situations. Students planning to transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions should consult with the program coordinator before enrolling in courses to ensure transferability of credits.

Certificate Information

Academic information for each certificate program is available at the following location:

Fire Science Technology Certificates, PDF file

Emergency Medical Technician (10 credit hours)
Most fire departments currently seek candidates who have been trained as emergency medical technicians and/or paramedics. EMTs are trained in basic emergency skills, rescue techniques, assessment of illness and the handling of hazardous materials. More about EMT

Firefighter (18 credit hours)
This certificate provides fire fighter recruits with information on the fundamentals of orientation; fire behavior, streams, and cause and origin; the use of hoses, ropes, ladders, safety equipment, extinguishers, self-contained breathing apparatus and tools; forcible entry; overhaul; ventilation; water supply; rescue and emergency medical care; alarms and communication; inspections; hazardous materials; salvage; and sprinkler systems. This certificate also includes a study of the design, function and operating characteristics of motorized fire apparatus, and training in the skills necessary to qualify for fire apparatus engineer/driver/operator positions. To enroll in this certificate program, student must be a full-time, part-time, volunteer or paid-on call member of a fire department or fire brigade.

Fire Prevention (24 credit hours)
This certificate includes training in causes of fires and the major categories of fire hazards; analysis of heat source, fuel supply and oxygen supply hazards; fixed automatic fire extinguishing, alarm and detection systems; automatic sprinkler systems; and dry chemical, carbon dioxide and halogenated hydrocarbon agent extinguishing systems. This certificate also includes a study of building construction and design, with an emphasis on fire safety protection and techniques and procedures used in fire investigation, including the origin and causes of fires, fire behavior, the chemistry of fire, structural fire patterns, detection of arson, and the role of the investigator and crime laboratory.

Fire Officer (33 credit hours)
This certificate program includes training in causes of fires and the major categories of fire hazards; analysis of heat source, fuel supply and oxygen supply hazards; recognition and control of all fire hazards; principles of coordinating fire ground tactics; fire suppression and rescue tactics used in multi-company operations; handling fires in high rise and abandoned structures and during transportation problems and natural disasters. The Fire Officer certificate also includes information on planning, budgeting, analyzing and organizing personnel assignments, developing personnel policies, preparing capital budgets, and fiscal financing.

Paramedic (32 credit hours)
Most fire departments actively seek candidates with paramedics training. Paramedics are EMT-certified and are trained in advanced emergency care, rescue techniques, illness assessment and the handling of hazardous materials. In addition, paramedics receive training in advanced life support techniques, including administering medications, starting intravenous infusions and providing advanced cardiac care. Paramedics work for fire departments, ambulance services and hospital emergency units. More about Paramedic

Academic information for each certificate program is available at the following location:

Fire Science Technology Certificates, PDF file

NOTE: College of DuPage Fire Science Technology classes meet or exceed the requirements for certification with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Division of Personnel Standards and Education, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Gainful Employment Information
View information about this program, including estimated cost and employment opportunities.

Dan Krakora, EMS/Fire Science Manager
Homeland Security Education Center (HEC), Room 1018
(630) 942-2107

Health and Sciences Division
Health and Science Center (HSC), Room 1220, (630) 942-8331