Associate in Science in Fire Science

Program Overview

---

The Fire Science A.S. program at the University of New Haven prepares students for careers in industrial fire protection. Through a blend of classroom learning and hands-on experience, graduates gain a comprehensive understanding of fire science principles, fire protection systems, and emergency response protocols. The program emphasizes the unique fire protection needs of industrial environments and equips students with the skills and knowledge for entry-level positions in this field.

Program Outline

---

Fire Science, A.S. at the University of New Haven

---

Degree Overview:

The Fire Science AS degree program aims to prepare students for immediate careers in protecting people and property in industrial environments, such as manufacturing, construction, and other service-related companies. This two-year program integrates classroom learning with hands-on experience to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required for successful careers in industrial fire protection.

---

Program Objectives:

• Provide a comprehensive understanding of fire protection and safety principles in industrial settings.
• Develop expertise in identifying, assessing, and controlling fire hazards.
• Enhance awareness of the impact of fires on human lives, property, and businesses.
• Equip graduates with the necessary technical skills for entry-level positions in industrial fire protection.
• Foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities for effective decision-making in fire emergencies.

---

Program Description:

This program uniquely blends theoretical knowledge with practical application through various courses and laboratory experiences. It emphasizes understanding fire behaviour, fire suppression systems, fire detection and alarm systems, and water supply systems for fire protection. Additionally, students acquire a solid foundation in building construction, fire prevention principles, and emergency response protocols.

---

Key program features:

• Focus on industrial environments:
Tailored specifically to the fire protection needs of industrial workplaces.
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities:
Hands-on experience in Fire Dynamics, Fire Detection/Alarm, and Sprinkler Laboratories.
• Dedicated faculty with extensive experience:
Provides guidance and support throughout the program.
• Wide-ranging coursework:
Offers a comprehensive understanding of fire science and related fields.

---

Outline:

---

Semester 1:

• Principles of Fire Science Technology: introduction to fire protection, career opportunities, culture and history, fire loss analysis, fire service organization, fire protection systems, basic fire chemistry and physics, fire strategy and tactics, and life safety initiatives.
• Fire Dynamics Lab: Experiments and demonstrations on burning materials, ignition processes, and extinguishing techniques.
• Fire Alarm Systems Lab: Experiments and analysis of code-compliant fire alarm systems.
• Fire Protection Equipment & Systems: In-depth analysis of various fire protection equipment and systems, including portable and fixed extinguishing systems, water supply systems, and detection and alarm systems.
• Fire Investigation Lab: Practical application of fire investigation techniques and analysis of fire cause determination.

---

Semester 4:

• Fire Protection Administration & Organization: Study of fire protection administration, organization, and management principles, including legal requirements, human resource management, budgeting, and public relations.
• Advanced Fire Dynamics: Advanced understanding of fire dynamics and behaviour, including combustion processes, fire spread, and fire plume characteristics.
• Sprinkler Systems Lab: Design, installation, and maintenance of sprinkler systems for fire protection.
• Senior Seminar: Capstone project or research paper on a specific topic within fire science.

---

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the program include:

• Examinations:
Written tests to evaluate knowledge acquisition and comprehension of key concepts.
• Laboratory exercises and reports:
Practical demonstrations and assessments to evaluate practical skills and data analysis abilities.
• Assignments and projects:
Individual and group assignments and projects to assess problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• Presentations:
Oral presentations to evaluate communication, presentation, and research skills.

---

Teaching:

The program features a combination of teaching approaches:

• Interactive lectures:
Engaging lectures by experienced faculty with opportunities for questions and discussions.
• Laboratory sessions:
Hands-on experiences in dedicated fire science laboratories under faculty guidance.
• Small class sizes:
Personalized attention and guidance from faculty in a supportive learning environment.
• Guest speakers:
Industry professionals share their experience and insights on real-world applications.

---

Careers:

Graduates of the Fire Science A.S. program are prepared for various entry-level positions in industrial fire protection, including:

• Fire Protection Technicians:
Inspect and maintain fire protection systems in industrial facilities.
• Fire Safety Inspectors:
Conduct fire safety inspections and enforce fire codes and regulations.
• Loss Prevention Specialists:
Identify and assess fire hazards and implement preventative measures.
• Fire Safety Educators:
Develop and deliver fire safety training programs for workplace personnel.
• Fire Alarm Technicians:
Install, maintain, and repair fire alarm systems. The program also serves as a strong foundation for students seeking to advance their careers through professional certifications and further education leading to higher-level positions in the fire protection industry.

---

Other:

This program is offered full-time during the day or evening and part-time options are also available. The University offers a comprehensive financial aid program for eligible students.