FIRE SCIENCE
School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety
• Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science
Program Description
Students will study fundamentals of fire fighting, fire protection and emergency response. Classes include classroom study and field trips.
Career and Advancement Opportunities
For 2004–05, graduates from this program had a 100 percent placement rate. Upon completion of the program, students will be qualified for a variety of fire science and emergency response positions in the fields of fire protection services, industrial fire protection, hazardous materials, insurance services, fire protection services, fire prevention and wild land fire fighting. Department of Labor projections show jobs in fire fighting should remain steady as replacements are always needed.
The AAS degree in Fire Science prepares students for entry-level positions in a fire service company or department. The degree is transferable to other institutes of higher learning that train in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards.
Special Requirements
Students with a criminal background may have limited employment opportunities in healthcare and public service. Those who have a felony conviction should refer to the relevant New Mexico legislation (NMSA, Section 29-17-5 for healthcare employees available at http://legis.state.nm.us/Sessions/05%20Regular/final/HB0627.pdf). Students should also contact appropriate credentialing or licensing agencies and local or regional industry for hiring and employment practices. Contact the HWPS Division Office at (505) 224-4111 for more information.
All Health, Wellness & Public Safety Division career and technical courses required for graduation must be taken for a traditional grade of A, B or C. For Health, Wellness & Public Safety career and technical courses offered only for credit/no credit, a grade of credit (CR) must be earned.
Students are required to purchase textbooks.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Program information is available from the program director, Mike Kavanaugh at (505) 224-4207, or from Academic Advisement and Career Development at (505) 224-4321.
