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 and 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, it is important for interested students to work with the department chair and academic advisors.

NOTE: We strongly recommended that you meet with the department chair prior to enrolling.

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

• According to FireScienceOnline, out of fire science programs at more than 900 colleges and universities throughout the country, MCC is one of 10 Illinois community colleges ranked in the top 90 as offering high quality education and training at affordable prices and great returns-on-investment.
• The MCC Fire Academy class includes nearly double the total hours of hands-on skills and classroom hours required by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). This extra time allows students more practice time with the tools and techniques associated with the Fire Service. They become more comfortable in class and more importantly in the field when they are delivering their services to those having an emergency.

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).

By the Numbers:

• Salary Ranges
  • Firefighter $31,180 to $58,440
  • Firefighter/EMT $32,180 to $59,440
  • Firefighter/Paramedic $33,180 to $60,440
• Job Outlook: Employment of firefighters is expected to grow by 19% between 2008 and 2018. This is faster than the average for most occupations. Most job growth will stem from retirements and volunteer firefighter positions being converted to paid positions.

What have graduates gone on to do?

• Graduates have gone on to careers on local and nationwide fire departments, obtaining the rank of firefighter all the way 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