Programs

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:

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 presentation 
  • 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 200Renamed or Renumbered Course Criminal Evidence & Procedures - Police Officer 5
CJ 204Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Constitutional Law 5
ENGL& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course English Composition I 5
ENGL& 235Renamed or Renumbered Course 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& 100Renamed or Renumbered Course General Psychology  5
SOC& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course   Introduction to Sociology 5
Choose 5-6 credits from the following: 5-6
CHEM 100Renamed or Renumbered Course Chemical Explorations (5 Cr)  
CHEM& 105Renamed or Renumbered Course Chemical Concepts (6 Cr)  
CHEM&121Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Chemistry (6 Cr)  
Choose 5 credits from the following::  5
MATH 138Renamed or Renumbered Course College Algebra for Business & Social Science (5 Cr)  
MATH& 141Renamed or Renumbered Course Precalculus I (5 Cr)  
Choose 5 credits from the following::  5
CMST& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Communication (5 Cr)  
CMST& 220Renamed or Renumbered Course 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& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course English Composition I 5
ENGL& 235Renamed or Renumbered Course 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& 100Renamed or Renumbered Course General Psychology 5
SOC& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Sociology 5
Choose 6 credits from the following: 6
BIOL& 100Renamed or Renumbered Course Survey of Biology (6 Cr)  
BIOL& 160Renamed or Renumbered Course   General Biology I (6 Cr)  
Choose 5-6 credits from the following: 5-6
CHEM 100Renamed or Renumbered Course Chemical Explorations (5 Cr)  
CHEM& 105Renamed or Renumbered Course Chemical Concepts (6 Cr)  
CHEM& 121Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Chemistry (6 Cr)  
Choose 3-5 credits from the following: 3-5
BUS 221Renamed or Renumbered Course Human Resources Management (5 Cr)  
FS 232  Human Resource Management (3 Cr)  
Choose 3-5 credits from the following: 3-5
BUS 120Renamed or Renumbered Course Organizational Behavior (5 Cr)  
FS 233 Fire Service Administration (3 Cr)  
Choose 5 credits from the following: 5
MATH 138Renamed or Renumbered Course College Algebra for Business & Social Science (5 Cr)  
MATH& 141Renamed or Renumbered Course   Precalculus I (5 Cr)  
Choose 5 credits from the following: 5
CMST& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Communication (5 Cr)  
CMST& 210Renamed or Renumbered Course Interpersonal Communication (5 Cr)  
CMST& 220Renamed or Renumbered Course 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& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course 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& 100Renamed or Renumbered Course General Psychology 5
Choose 5-6 credits from the following: 5-6
  CHEM 100Renamed or Renumbered Course Chemical Explorations (5 Cr)  
  CHEM& 105Renamed or Renumbered Course Chemical Concepts (6 Cr)  
  CHEM& 121Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Chemistry (6 Cr)  
Choose 5 credits from the following: 5
  MATH 138Renamed or Renumbered Course College Algebra Business & Social Science (5 Cr)  
  MATH& 141Renamed or Renumbered Course   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 100Renamed or Renumbered Course Chemical Explorations (5 Cr)  
CHEM& 105Renamed or Renumbered Course Chemial Concepts (6 Cr)  
CHEM& 121Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Chemistry (6 Cr)  
Choose 5 credits from the following: 5
MATH 138Renamed or Renumbered Course College Algebra for Business & Social Science (5 Cr)  
MATH& 141Renamed or Renumbered Course   Precalculus I (5 Cr)  
Communications  
ENGL& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course English Composition I 5
ENGL& 235Renamed or Renumbered Course Technical Writing 5
Choose 5 credits from the following: 5
CMST& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Communication (5 Cr)  
CMST& 220Renamed or Renumbered Course   Public Speaking (5 Cr)  
Social Science  
PSYC& 100Renamed or Renumbered Course General Psychology 5
SOC& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course   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& 110Renamed or Renumbered Course 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& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course English Composition I 5
ENGL& 235Renamed or Renumbered Course Technical Writing 5
PSYC& 100Renamed or Renumbered Course General Psychology 5
SOC& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Sociology 5
Choose 5-6 credits from the following: 5-6
CHEM 100Renamed or Renumbered Course Chemical Explorations (5 Cr)  
CHEM& 105Renamed or Renumbered Course Chemical Concepts (6 Cr)  
CHEM& 121Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Chemistry (6 Cr)  
Choose 5 credits from the following: 5
CMST& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Communication (5 Cr)  
CMST& 220Renamed or Renumbered Course Public Speaking (5 Cr)  
Choose 5 credits from the following: 5
MATH 138Renamed or Renumbered Course College Algebra for Business & Social Science (5 Cr)  
MATH& 141Renamed or Renumbered Course   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& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course 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 100Renamed or Renumbered Course Chemical Explorations (5 Cr)  
CHEM& 105Renamed or Renumbered Course Chemical Concepts (6 Cr)  
CHEM& 121Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Chemistry (6 Cr)  
Choose 5 credits from the following: 5
CMST& 101Renamed or Renumbered Course Introduction to Communication (5 Cr)  
CMST& 220Renamed or Renumbered Course Public Speaking (5 Cr)  
Choose 5 credits from the following: 5
MATH 138Renamed or Renumbered Course   College Algebra for Business & Social Science (5 Cr)  
MATH& 141Renamed or Renumbered Course Precalculus I (5 Cr)  
electives 8-9
Total   45

Courses marked with a Renamed or Renumbered Course 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.