Fire Science, AAS

Fire service personnel perform the critical work of saving lives and protecting property. This work can be exciting and rewarding, but it is carried out in difficult, often life-threatening conditions and requires highly trained, physically fit professionals. It also requires an increasing level of technical knowledge, including principles of building construction and design, chemicals and codes, and modern methods of extinguishing a fire.

MCC's Fire Science Program provides opportunities for a range of students and working professionals in this field:

  • Students preparing for a career in fire suppression develop the skills and knowledge for an entry-level position. The program includes a balance of classroom sessions and practical hands-on training.
  • Career and volunteer firefighters increase their knowledge, upgrade their job skills, and enhance their personal growth. The program also offers instruction in fire service management and operations.
  • Students and professionals in related fields—e.g., fire protection engineering, insurance investigations, and inspection services, and fire service instruction/training— expand their knowledge base through this program.

Students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree may take advantage of transfer opportunities with Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Western Illinois University. Since these baccalaureate programs have specific course and admission requirements, interested students need to work with the department chair and academic advisors.

Note: We strongly recommend meeting with the department chair before enrolling.

Contact (815) 455-8690 with specific questions about this program.

(in-district) Total Amount: $11,513

Credit Hours to Complete: 60

Weeks to Complete: 80


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Sample Semester 1 16 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: ENG-151 | ENG 105#3 hrs,MAT-150#3 hrs,EMS-105#3 hrs,FRS-101#3 hrs,SPE-151#3 hrs,MCC-101#1 hr

Sample Semester 2 15 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: Select a Humanities or Fine Arts Class#3 hrs,BIO-110#3 hrs,FRS-240#3 hrs,FRS-122#3 hrs,FRS-123#3 hrs

Sample Semester 3 19 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: Select a Social or Behavioral Science Course#3 hrs,FRS 121#3 hrs,FRS 223#3 hrs,FRS 224#3 hrs,EMS 110#7 hrs | FRS 150#3 hrs

Sample Semester 4 19 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: FRS-245#3 hrs,EMS-110#7 hrs | FRS-150#15 hrs

Career Outlook

Related Programs

  • Firefighter Basic Certificate The Firefighter Basic Certificate prepares individuals who are affiliated with a fire department to sit for the Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM) Firefighter II Exam.
  • Fire Service Training MCC offers fire service continuing education courses to prepare you for the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) certification exams.
  • Prehospital Emergency Care, AAS Learn to stabilize accident victims and others in medical crisis at the scene - prior to transport to a health care facility.

What you need to know about getting your Fire Science, AAS (CIP 43.0203)

Total Fire Science, AAS Costs
Cost in-district out-of-district out-of-state international
Tuition $7,290 $23,591.4 $30,855.6 $30,855.6
Additional Costs $4,223 $4,223 $4,223 $4,223
Program Total $11,513 $27,814.4 $35,078.6 $35,078.6

What makes MCC's Fire Science, AAS program better than or distinct from similar programs at other institutions?

What job opportunities are available to someone with a Fire Science, AAS?

  • Entry-level fire service positions

How will MCC's Fire Science, AAS program prepare me for my career or connect me to opportunities?

Network as you learn through field experience (internships).

What have graduates gone on to do?

  • Graduates have gone on to careers in local and nationwide fire departments, obtaining the rank of firefighter up to Fire Chief.

Outside of the Classroom

Prairie Burn

McHenry County College Fire Science and Biology students are working with the McHenry County Conservation District to get hands-on training with collaborative prairie restoration efforts.

MCC featured in SEED: Sustainability Education & Economic Development

  • Mission

    The mission of McHenry County College’s Fire Science Program is to develop students who are skilled in fire suppression activities. MCC students shall be distinguishable by their critical thinking, effective communication, professionalism, and technical competency. Students will use current and contemporary practices to demonstrate mastery in the Program Learning Outcomes. Students who complete an AAS in Fire Science are enabled to achieve their educational and career goals related to part-time and full-time fire service employment.

  • Program Learning Objectives
    1. Career Readiness: After attending McHenry County College Fire Science classes, the student will be able to pursue a successful career in the fire service.
    2. Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM) Certification: At the completion of each state certification course, the student will be able to pass the written and skills test with a pass rate of 100%.
    3. Fire Suppression Technology: After attending MCC FRS classes, the student will be able to recognize and demonstrate the operation of modern fire suppression technology and equipment.
    4. Firefighter safety: Firefighting is an inherently dangerous job. After attending MCC FRS classes, the student will have gained the knowledge necessary to recognize unsafe conditions and how to correctly react to them.

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Semesters to complete assumes students are taking a full-time credit load of 12 credits per semester (the minimum required for federal financial aid).

Proportion of students completing in normal time is the percentage of completers who earned the credential within the specified time of their first enrollment at the College.

Students attending part-time or changing their program of study are two common reasons why they may not complete in "normal" time.

Tuition and fees are set by the Board of Trustees. Prices for books and supplies are subject to change.

See additional information about international student costs.