Fire and Emergency Services Management
This curriculum is designed to provide individuals with the principles, theory, and practices associated with state-of-the-art fire science and management, including issues related to tactical fire operations, fire safety, firefighting and emergency services leadership and management, and community fire issues.
Students expand their thinking beyond fire-specific issues in areas related to firefighting through coursework in human resource management, administration, homeland security and emergency/disaster management, fire protection services, safety and prevention, and investigation.
This curriculum is designed to meet the needs of professional and volunteer fire service personnel and those seeking employment in the fire and emergency services.
The Fire and Emergency Services Management AAS Degree is a designated statewide program. The Maryland Higher Education Commission designates some community college programs as statewide programs. A student may enroll in any of these programs at the same rates as in-county residents if the program is not offered by their local community college or if the student cannot enroll due to an enrollment limit. For more information on statewide programs, please see Curricula Informationnew windownew window.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of building construction and associated fire codes.
- Apply and discuss water supply management for fire protection systems and fire scene use.
- Apply chemistry, mathematics, and physics to solve fire protection problems.
- Identify and differentiate the various forms of fire, their fundamental scientific principles, and their associated mitigation and response strategies.
Program Advising
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours ENGF
- FIRE 101 - Principles of Emergency Services 3 semester hours
- FIRE 102 - Fire Behavior and Combustion 3 semester hours
- FIRE 103 - Building Construction for Fire Protection 3 semester hours
- LIBR 110 - Fundamentals of Library Research 1 semester hour
- PSYC 100 - General Psychology 3 semester hours (BSSD)
Second Semester
- English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- Mathematics Foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)
- FIRE 105 - Fire Prevention 3 semester hours
- FIRE 201 - Fire Protection Systems 3 semester hours
- PHED 166 - Personal Fitness I 1 semester hour
-
OR
- PHED 170 - Strength Training and Conditioning I 1 semester hour
Third Semester
- COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication 3 semester hours (GEEL)
-
OR
- COMM 112 - Business and Professional Speech Communication 3 semester hours (GEEL)
- FIRE 202 - Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply 3 semester hours
- Arts or Humanities Distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD or HUMD)
- Natural Sciences Distribution With Lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)
- General Education Elective 3 semester hours (GEEL) **
Fourth Semester
- EMGT 101 - Principles of Emergency Management 3 semester hours
- FIRE 203 - Principles of Fire and Emergency Service Administration 3 semester hours
- HLTH 220 - Emergency Medical Responder 3 semester hours
- FIRE Elective (200 Level) 3 semester hours
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103, or elective.
** COMM courses may not be used to satisfy the GEEL requirement.
This program can be completed either on campus or online.
How To Apply and Register
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.