Law Enforcement and Justice Administration

Fire Science Option   (On Campus Delivery)

The Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Services Fire Science option is designed for students preparing for a career in the fire service.  Courses are delivered on campus in a traditional classroom setting.  Perhaps no career is more rewarding or respected than that of the firefighter. The job is demanding both physically and mentally, yet firefighters go home after each shift knowing they have made a difference in the lives of their neighbors. Careers in the Fire Service also provide: stable employment, relatively good pay, benefits and the opportunity for advancement. The firefighter meets new challenges almost every day. The last 20 years have seen significant changes in service demands, technology and non-emergent responsibilities. More than ever a quality education is necessary for a successful career in this dynamic and exciting field.  The WIU Fire Protection Services Program will prepare students for:

  • Advancement to senior leadership positions in the fire service
  • Competition for entry level firefighter positions
  • Careers in related fields such as:  Arson Investigation, Fire Inspection and Industrial  Safety

Program Requirements

120 semester hours are required, including 43 hours of general education credits.  Of those 120 semester hours, 60  must be from a four-year college or university; and at least 42 must be earned in upper division courses.  A minimum of 30 hours must be taken from WIU.  The Fire Science option requires 50 hours in the discipline.

Program Content

The Fire Science curriculum places focus on the knowledge and skills needed to successfully acquire and succeed in a fire service career.  Foundational courses focus on introductions to the fire service, firefighter safety, fire tactics, fire prevention, ethics and fire service law.  Specialty courses focus on fire dynamics, arson investigation, code enforcement and emergency medical services (see course catalog for complete course listings).  The program also utilizes a significant internship program with a career fire department.

Fire Science Curriculum
Core Courses Option Courses Directed Electives
 15 Semester Hours  32 semester Hours  8 Semester Hours

FS 210
FS 211
FS 212
FS 345
FS 485

LEJA 331
FS 301
FS 302
FS 444
FS 486
FS 487
FS490
FS491

 

Must Take at least 8 s.h.

EM 351
EM 352
FS 101
FS 102
FS 103
KIN 208
KIN 308
KIN 408

 

Fire Science Minor

The Fire Science minor is designed as an supplementary study discipline for majors in fields related to emergency service. Courses focus on a general introduction to the fire service; including fire prevention, fire safety, arson investigation and suppression systems.

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