Earn a Fire Science degree with Southwestern Illinois College

Program Overview

The Fire Science program includes a two-year curriculum leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree involving 66 semester credits with two options:

Hecker Fire Science training men in fire gear walking with hose
  • Students that are not currently an active member of a fire department must select the Fire Protection Administration option.
  • Students that are active members of either a full-time, part-time or volunteer fire department may select the Fire Rescue Specialist or the Fire Protection Administration option.

The program also offers 11 certificate programs, which are only open to active fire department members, rescue team members, or emergency medical service providers.

Many certificates and Fire Rescue Specialist courses require a demonstration of skills that involve strenuous physical activity that may be considered dangerous.

These courses also may require the student to provide sophisticated personal protective equipment in order to participate in-class activities.

The approval of the program coordinator and official sponsorship by the student’s fire department or employer may be required for enrollment.

Contact the program coordinator or an academic counselor for more information.

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Program Location

The Fire Science Certificate and Degree consist of general education courses and “FS” prefix courses. Specific locations depend on the course type.

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Hecker Fire Science training man in fire gear
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Fireman and trainer with fire hose preparing for a training exercise.
Hecker Fire Science training man in fire gear
Hecker Fire Science training SWIC instructor in fire gear
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General Education Courses

General Education courses are offered at the Belleville, Sam Wolf Granite City, Red Bud campuses or online.

Fire Science Courses are only offered at

CERTIFICATION Pass Rate

The certification pass rate for SWIC graduates in 2021 is 77%.

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