Fire Science Program
General Overview
The fire service degrees provide occupational specialty and general education courses.
Although most core courses are designed for fire service personnel, certain courses are appropriate for those individuals working in the private sector within the disciplines of fire protection and prevention.All program curricula were developed through the efforts of the program advisory board, and utilization of national guidelines for higher education in the fire service.
Courses and degrees are continuously updated to meet NFPA Guidelines. Prior to admission, potential students must contact the program advisor. Please phone (425) 564-2012 or go to the Fire Science Program website to learn about advising session dates and times.
On this page:
- Fire Investigation - Associate in Arts Degree
- Fire Officer - Associate in Arts Degree
- Fire Officer - Certificate of Achievement
- Fire Prevention Specialist - Associate in Arts Degree
- Fire Science - Associate in Arts Degree
- Fire Science - Certificate of Achievement
Associate in Arts Degree Fire Investigation
Brief Description
This degree is especially helpful for those either working in the field of fire investigation or those seeking a transfer into fire investigation. All courses follow NFPA 921 and 1033 guidelines.
Learning Outcomes
Degree recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Know and understand the importance of NFPA 921
- Explain the criminal justice system as it relates to fire investigations
- Secure fire scenes, do rapid assessment and if necessary complete a detailed investigation of a fire scene
- Apply sociological and psychological theory as it applies to criminal behavior
- Prepare an accurate and detailed report on a fire investigation and in addition, the report must be written for courtroom testimony presentationÂ
- Describe the dynamics of interviews and interrogations in fire investigation.
- Understand the skills, knowledge, and abilities as outlined in NFPA 1033 for Fire Investigators
- Effectively utilize general education skills as they apply to the field of fire investigation
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this degree (PDF)
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| BTS 161 | Computer & Software Fundamentals | 5 |
CJ 200 |
Criminal Evidence & Procedures - Police Officer | 5 |
| CJ 204 |
Introduction to Constitutional Law | 5 |
| ENGL& 101 |
English Composition I | 5 |
| ENGL& 235 |
Technical Writing | 5 |
| FS 101 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 2 |
| FS 120 | Fire Investigation | 3 |
| FS 130 | Investigative Interview Techniques | 2 |
| FS 137 | Fire Protection | 3 |
| FS 150 | Intermediate Fire Scene Investigation | 3 |
| FS 152 | Building Construction | 3 |
| FS 190 | Fire Inspection & Codes | 4 |
| FS 240 | Crime Scene & Physical Evidence | 4 |
| FS 260 | Arson for Profit | 4 |
| PSYC& 100 |
General Psychology | 5 |
| SOC& 101 |
Introduction to Sociology | 5 |
| Choose 5-6 credits from the following: | 5-6 | |
| CHEM 100 |
Chemical Explorations (5 Cr) | |
| CHEM& 105 |
Chemical Concepts (6 Cr) | |
| CHEM&121 |
Introduction to Chemistry (6 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following:: | 5 | |
| MATH 138 |
College Algebra for Business & Social Science (5 Cr) | |
| MATH& 141 |
Precalculus I (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following:: | 5 | |
| CMST& 101 |
Introduction to Communication (5 Cr) | |
| CMST& 220 |
Public Speaking (5 Cr) | |
| Approved Electives | 11-12 | |
| Total | 90 | |
Associate in Arts Degree Fire Officer
Brief Description
This degree program is open to those who are either employed in the fire service or have been a volunteer in a fire department for at least one year.
This degree is designed for individuals seeking a promotion in the fire service. The curriculum follows the IAFC Professional Development recommendations in higher education for a Supervising Fire Office.
Learning Outcomes
Degree recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Effectively communicate (in writing and verbally) to subordinates, superiors under emergency operations and non emergent situations
- After gathering the facts, act quickly and make effective decisions on the fireground during an emergency operation
- Understand and articulate basic management principals and theories
- Articulate how ethics and the importance of ethics and its’ importance within the fire service
- Effectively utilize general education skills at the management level in the fire service
- Proficient in all aspects of the skills, knowledge, as listed for NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I, II
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this degree (PDF)
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| BTS 161 | Computer & Software Fundamentals | 5 |
| ENGL& 101 |
English Composition I | 5 |
| ENGL& 235 |
Technical Writing | 5 |
| FS 120 | Fire Investigation | 3 |
| FS 131 | Fire Service Instructor | 3 |
| FS 137 | Fire Protection | 3 |
| FS 140 | Incident Safety Officer | 2 |
| FS 152 | Building Construction | 3 |
| FS 190 | Fire Inspection & Codes | 4 |
| FS 210 | Incident Management Multi-Company Operations | 3 |
| FS 215 | Hazardous Materials Incident Management | 3 |
| HLTH 250 | Wellness | 5 |
| PSYC& 100 |
General Psychology | 5 |
| SOC& 101 |
Introduction to Sociology | 5 |
| Choose 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| BIOL& 100 |
Survey of Biology (6 Cr) | |
| BIOL& 160 |
General Biology I (6 Cr) | |
| Choose 5-6 credits from the following: | 5-6 | |
| CHEM 100 |
Chemical Explorations (5 Cr) | |
| CHEM& 105 |
Chemical Concepts (6 Cr) | |
| CHEM& 121 |
Introduction to Chemistry (6 Cr) | |
| Choose 3-5 credits from the following: | 3-5 | |
| BUS 221 |
Human Resources Management (5 Cr) | |
| FS 232 | Human Resource Management (3 Cr) | |
| Choose 3-5 credits from the following: | 3-5 | |
| BUS 120 |
Organizational Behavior (5 Cr) | |
| FS 233 | Fire Service Administration (3 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| MATH 138 |
College Algebra for Business & Social Science (5 Cr) | |
| MATH& 141 |
Precalculus I (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| CMST& 101 |
Introduction to Communication (5 Cr) | |
| CMST& 210 |
Interpersonal Communication (5 Cr) | |
| CMST& 220 |
Public Speaking (5 Cr) | |
| Electives to bring the total credits to 90 | 4-9 | |
| Total | 90 | |
Certificate of Achievement Fire Officer
Learning Outcomes
Certificate recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Understand and apply basic management principles and theories at Fire Officer I level.
- Applies general education skills for Fire Officer I.
- Apply effective communication skills in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this certificate (PDF)
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL& 101 |
English Composition I | 5 |
| FS 120 | Fire Investigation | 3 |
| FS 137 | Fire Protection | 3 |
| FS 152 | Building Construction | 3 |
| FS 190 | Fire Inspection & Codes | 4 |
| FS 210 | Incident Management Multi-Company Operations | 3 |
| FS 215 | Hazardous Materials Incident Management | 3 |
| PSYC& 100 |
General Psychology | 5 |
| Choose 5-6 credits from the following: | 5-6 | |
| CHEM 100 |
Chemical Explorations (5 Cr) | |
| CHEM& 105 |
Chemical Concepts (6 Cr) | |
| CHEM& 121 |
Introduction to Chemistry (6 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| MATH 138 |
College Algebra Business & Social Science (5 Cr) | |
| MATH& 141 |
Precalculus I (5 Cr) | |
| Suggested electives | 5-6 | |
| Total | 45 | |
Associate in Arts Degree Fire Prevention Specialist
Brief Description
This degree program is open to those who are already employed in the fire service and/or are employed in the private sector within the discipline of fire prevention. Covers areas such as code inspection, enforcement, plan review, permit management, and fire safety education.
Learning Outcomes
Degree recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Articulate knowledge of local and state ordinances that apply to fire prevention
- Develop and implement fire prevention programs
- Demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of fire codes within their respective jurisdiction
- Communicate effectively with staff and the public, by maintaining a professional demeanor
- Interpret a set of blueprints as it relates to fire prevention and make recommendations based on knowledge of fire codes
- Articulate skills, knowledge and abilities described in NFPA 1035 for Fire and Life Safety Educator
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this degree (PDF)
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| Core CURRICULUM | ||
| FS 102 | Introduction to Fire Prevention Practices | 3 |
| FS 120 | Fire Investigation | 3 |
| FS 131 | Fire Service Instructor | 3 |
| FS 137 | Fire Protection | 3 |
| FS 152 | Building Construction | 3 |
| FS 190 | Fire Investigation & Codes | 4 |
| FS 200 | Plan Review for Fire Prevention | 4 |
| FS 237 | Fire Protection Systems II | 3 |
| FS 290 | Advanced Codes & Inspection | 3 |
| FS 291 | Hazardous Materials Inspection | 3 |
| HLTH 292 | First Aid & CPR Taking Action | 4 |
| MKTG 110 | Client Customer Relations | 5 |
| Total | 41 | |
| DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS | ||
| Math and Science | ||
| BTS 161 | Computer & Software Fundamentals | 5 |
| Choose 5-6 credits from the following: | 5-6 | |
| CHEM 100 |
Chemical Explorations (5 Cr) | |
| CHEM& 105 |
Chemial Concepts (6 Cr) | |
| CHEM& 121 |
Introduction to Chemistry (6 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| MATH 138 |
College Algebra for Business & Social Science (5 Cr) | |
| MATH& 141 |
Precalculus I (5 Cr) | |
| Communications | ||
| ENGL& 101 |
English Composition I | 5 |
| ENGL& 235 |
Technical Writing | 5 |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| CMST& 101 |
Introduction to Communication (5 Cr) | |
| CMST& 220 |
Public Speaking (5 Cr) | |
| Social Science | ||
| PSYC& 100 |
General Psychology | 5 |
| SOC& 101 |
Introduction to Sociology | 5 |
| Total | 40-41 | |
| Suggested elective courses Choose 10 credits from the following: |
10 | |
| ART 150 | Basic Photo I (5 Cr) | |
| CJ& 110 |
Criminal Law (5 Cr) | |
| FS 105 | Fire Service Hydraulics (3 Cr) | |
| FS 130 | Investigative Interview Techniques (2 Cr) | |
| Total | 10 | |
| Grand Total | 90-91 | |
Associate in Arts Degree Fire Science
Brief Description
This degree is designed for those either newly hired or seeking a career in the fire service. This degree gives a solid background in fire science core curriculum and general education. If a student is not employed in the fire service, they are required to attend one group advising session held monthly on the main campus.
Learning Outcomes
Degree recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of skills, knowledge, and abilities as listed in NFPA 1001 for Firefighter One
- Communicates effectively during emergency and non-emergency operations and situations
- Effectively work as a team member in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations
- Qualify for entry level requirements as a Firefighter
- Effectively utilizes general education knowledge as it applies to the fire service
- Possesses basic understanding of all the national core curriculum requirements as outlined by Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this degree (PDF)
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| CORE CURRICULUM | ||
| Fire Academy Requirements: | ||
| FS 100 | Introduction to Fire Service | 1 |
| FS 111 | Fundamentals of Firefighting | 7 |
| FS 113 | Intermediate Firefighting | 8 |
| FS 115 | Advanced Firefighting | 2.5 |
| FS 117 | Hazardous Materials Operation | 0.5 |
| FS 119 | Live Fire Control | 2.5 |
| At Bellevue College: | ||
| FS 105 | Fire Service Hydraulics | 3 |
| FS 110 | Fundamentals of Emergency Services | 3 |
| FS 120 | Fire Investigation | 3 |
| FS 152 | Building Construction | 3 |
| FS 160 | Fire Tactics & Strategies | 3 |
| FS 190 | Fire Inspection & Codes | 4 |
| HLTH 292 | First Aid & CPR Taking Action | 4 |
| Total | 44.5 | |
| DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS | ||
| BTS 161 | Computer & Software Fundamentals | 5 |
| ENGL& 101 |
English Composition I | 5 |
| ENGL& 235 |
Technical Writing | 5 |
| PSYC& 100 |
General Psychology | 5 |
| SOC& 101 |
Introduction to Sociology | 5 |
| Choose 5-6 credits from the following: | 5-6 | |
| CHEM 100 |
Chemical Explorations (5 Cr) | |
| CHEM& 105 |
Chemical Concepts (6 Cr) | |
| CHEM& 121 |
Introduction to Chemistry (6 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| CMST& 101 |
Introduction to Communication (5 Cr) | |
| CMST& 220 |
Public Speaking (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| MATH 138 |
College Algebra for Business & Social Science (5 Cr) | |
| MATH& 141 |
Precalculus I (5 Cr) | |
| Electives to bring total credits to 90 | 4.5-5.5 | |
| Total | 45-47 | |
| Grand Total | 90 | |
Certificate of Achievement Fire Science
Brief Description
This certificate is designed for those working in the fire service looking to enhance their level of knowledge in the fire sciences. This certificate assists in fulfilling Joint Apprenticeship Training Consortium (JATC) requirements for fire science core courses.
Learning Outcomes
Certificate recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Apply effective communication skills in emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Understand fire science core curriculum as outlined in Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education.
- Utilize general education knowledge at Firefighter One level.
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this certificate (PDF)
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL& 101 |
English Composition I | 5 |
| FS 120 | Fire Investigation | 3 |
| FS 137 | Fire Protection | 3 |
| FS 152 | Building Construction | 3 |
| FS 160 | Fire Tactics & Strategy | 3 |
| FS 190 | Fire Inspection & Codes | 4 |
| Choose 5-6 credits from of the following: | 5-6 | |
| CHEM 100 |
Chemical Explorations (5 Cr) | |
| CHEM& 105 |
Chemical Concepts (6 Cr) | |
| CHEM& 121 |
Introduction to Chemistry (6 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| CMST& 101 |
Introduction to Communication (5 Cr) | |
| CMST& 220 |
Public Speaking (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| MATH 138 |
College Algebra for Business & Social Science (5 Cr) | |
| MATH& 141 |
Precalculus I (5 Cr) | |
| electives | 8-9 | |
| Total | 45 | |
Courses marked with a symbol changed course number and/or title begining summer 2008 to reflect a new common course numbering system. Courses with previous number/title are still applicable. Learn more about Common Course Numbering.
Professional or technical program offerings and course requirements listed in this website may be altered by the college to reflect the needs of industry, student interests and availability of resources.