Fire Science Technology Certificate

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

(Christanna and John H. Daniel Campuses)

Award: Certificate

Length: Thirty-three hour program

Purpose: The certificate program in Fire Science Technology is designed to provide a broad-based knowledge of current and future advances in the Fire Science Technology field. Emerging technology in the fire and emergency service field requires that personnel keep abreast of the latest changes in specialized equipment and technology.

Program Goals: This program is designed for students desiring to advance in the fire protection service or related occupations. The program also provides knowledge of fire protection fundamentals that are useful in the development of volunteer fire and rescue personnel.

Occupational Objectives: Firefighter, fire officer, fire protections specialist, fire/emergency instructor, fire or building inspector, fire investigator, rescue technician, emergency medical service, hazardous materials service, emergency manager, occupational safety and risk management, and related occupations.

Admission Requirements: General college curricular admission

Program Description: The certificate program is designed to provide full transferability to an AAS program where more in-depth knowledge in management is emphasized. Students who enter the Fire Science Technology program should interview with the program advisor prior to or during their first semester to appropriately plan their individual study in the Fire Science Technology program.

Requirements: There are no physical requirements such as height, weight, eyesight, and physical dexterity to enter the program; however, the student should understand that there may be some requirements such as these to be eligible for employment in the fire/rescue service agencies.

Required Courses

First Semester

SDV 100 - College Success Skills 1 credit(s)
ENG 111 - College Composition I 3 credit(s) (Approved Course Substitutions: ENG 137 ¹)
FST 100 - Principles of Emergency Services 3 credit(s)
ITE 115 - Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts 3-4 credit(s) (3)
FST 110 - Fire Behavior and Combustion 3 credit(s)
FST 220 - Building Construction for Fire Protection 3 credit(s)
HLT 100 - First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 2 credit(s) ²

Total Credits: 18

Second Semester

FST 112 - Hazardous Materials Chemistry 3 credit(s)
FST 115 - Fire Prevention 3 credit(s)
FST 121 - Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival 3 credit(s)
CST 100 - Principles of Public Speaking 3 credit(s)
FST 235 - Strategy and Tactics 3 credit(s)

Total Credits: 15

Total Credits for Certificate: 33

¹ENG 111 is recommended for further development of writing skills, which is a critical skill in the fire and emergency services. ENG 137 can be substituted for the 3 credit English requirement.
²Two credits of health (HLT) or physical education (PED) are required for all students. Veterans will be awarded HLT/PED credit based on military service. A valid Virginia EMT certification will also be given credit to satisfy this requirement or a Petition for Advanced Standing With Current First Aid and CPR Cards.
³FST 135 is an elective under the VCCS Fire Science Technology curriculum but it does not certify the student as a state Level I fire instructor. Instructor certification is obtained by taking the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) course for Fire Instructor I under NFPA 1041. However, a student who has achieved VDFP Fire Instructor Level I and Level II can receive VCCS college credit for FST 135 – Fire Instructor I as explained in the VCCS/VDFP Crosswalk Conversion agreement.