Associate in Applied Science Degree
Hegis Code: 5507
NYSED Code: 33950
Program Description
Students who complete this program earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. The goal of the Fire Science Technology A.A.S. program at SUNY Ulster is to prepare students for a career as a firefighter, fire and emergency service practitioner or engineer specialist, who identifies fire hazards in homes and workplaces.
The role of firefighter has become more complicated in recent years due to the use of increasingly sophisticated equipment and unforeseen circumstances. The responsibility of the firefighter has been enhanced and now includes emergency medical treatment, assisting in the recovery from natural disasters, and managing cleanup of hazardous materials. The program is designed to prepare the students to perform as a firefighter or an effective member of a Critical Incident Management team. The program will meet or exceed the guidelines established by the New York Emergency Management System and the National Interagency Integrated Management System (NIIMS) under the Department of Homeland Security.
The Fire Protection Technology degree requires 63‐64 credits. Through the Hudson Valley Educational Consortium, Rockland will offer 30 credits in Fire Protection Technology via Interactive Video at SUNY Ulster and online. The remaining 33‐34 credits of general education and liberal arts courses will be offered by SUNY Ulster.
The courses can be completed through part‐time or full‐time study. Classes are given during days, evenings, and weekends, or online.
Student Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the AAS Fire Protection Technology Degree program, a student will be able to
- Discover the entire process for the requirements of becoming a firefighter;
- Effectively communicate knowledge of Fire Science content areas, including fire safety, critical incident command system, emergency planning, fire science operations, fire exercise planning, fire and emergency operations center organization and management, leadership, resource planning, and utilization of national fire science operation guidelines;
- Demonstrate critical thinking, communications and management skills by analyzing situations, determining proper actions, understanding the costs and benefits of actions, evaluating possible alternatives and unforeseen circumstances, and then taking appropriate actions as an incident responder or manager;
- Possess the technical and general education courses needed to be able to pursue a baccalaureate degree in fire science or emergency management.
Employment Potential
Graduates of the program will be qualified to begin their careers in entry level positions.
Requirements for Program Entry
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Satisfactory placement in Entering Student Assessment
- Prior experience in public service is recommended. This can be emt by working with the following types of agencies:
- Public Safety
- Fire
- EMS
- Law Enforcement
- Hazardous Materials Responders
- Public and Private Sector Safety and Security
SUNY Ulster recognizes that there are many people and agencies, public and private, that could benefit from this program. Please contact the coordinator if you wish to discuss your experience to determine eligibility. The experience requirement ensures that students have basic understanding of fire technology/emergency services.
Developmental Assistance Available
For students who do not meet basic reading and math requirements, or who have other learning issues, extra assistance is readily available through SUNY Ulster’s Learning Center, The Gary and Janaki Math Center, the Writing Center, the Peer and Friend Tutor Program, and English as a Second Language (ESL) tutors.
For More Information
Clifford Ader, Department Chair
Office: SUNY Rockland
Phone: 845 574‐4298
E‐mail: cader@sunyrockland.edu
