The Bachelor of Science Degree, Fire Science Generalist is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the area of fire protection, prevention, investigation, education, fire equipment service/supply and emergency planning.
For those who are going to pursue work in a career fire department, a minor in Paramedic Technology is recommended. Others may select a minor which is more applicable to their own career aspirations such as management, computer technology, public administration, environmental science or other area. It is further designed to either guide a pre-service student from high school through university or to build on an existing associate degree in Fire Science.
Students can receive state/national certification in a number of areas:
The paramedic program allows students to obtain a strong academic degree and hands-on emergency medicine training. There is an associate degree in paramedic technology, a certificate program in paramedic training and a minor in paramedic technology. This program is designed to allow students to be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician- Basic after the first year with little or no previous training; and as a Paramedic at the end of the second year. Graduates will be eligible to challenge state and/or national licensure examination for both EMT- Basic and paramedic license.
LSSU provides students with the opportunity to earn an Associate and a Bachelors Degree. The Program Outcomes are more than just a compilation, summary, or list of each individual course outcomes. Program outcomes are supported by course learning outcomes, but there is a synergy (the sum being more or greater than the total of the individual parts).
| Learning Outcome | Measurement Criteria |
|---|---|
| Acquire knowledge and practical skills outlined by Michigan OFFT. | 95 % of students will successfully pass the OFFT Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council FFI/II examination following completion of certification course work. |
| Demonstrate ability to use applied mathematical concepts. | All Students will complete LSSU math requirement and pumps/hydraulics class or obtain USFS pump operator’s certificate. |
| Communicate effectively. | All Students will complete LSSU communications requirements. |
| Entry into chosen career area or related field. | 90% of Fire Science Students will be employed in area of study within 6 months of graduation. Documentation through survey data and other reports. |
| Learning Outcome | Measurement Criteria |
|---|---|
| Critical thinking, comparison of key concepts covered in the curriculum, integration of the course objectives and outcomes in the degree curriculum, along with expression of communication skills. | Graduates will demonstrate critical thinking, use of evidence, and written communication skills related to fire science through completion of the senior project.
Graduates will successfully meet the Lake Superior State University’s institutional learning outcomes for recipients of the bachelor’s degree. Graduates will have successfully completed a field based internship. program in a fire service environment. |
| Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of fire science theory and practical application that will support safe practice in their field. | Employer surveys will demonstrate a minimum of 90% satisfaction regarding student preparation and service. |
| Entry into chosen career area or employment in field or related profession. | 90% of Fire Science Students will be employed in area of study within 6 months of graduation. |
| Entry into chosen career area or related field. | 90% of Fire Science Students will be employed in area of study within 6 months of graduation. Documentation through survey data and other reports. |
The fire science programs allow you a unique opportunity to receive state certification in a number of areas. You may obtain Firefighter I and II Michigan certification, a certificate that provides eligibility to test for the “red card” Wildland Firefighting certification (USFS S130, S190, and I220), The following certificates may also be awarded, Incident Command System, Hazardous Material Awareness Level, Hazardous Material Operations Level, and the 40 hour Emergency Response Technician – HAZWOPER (29CFR 1910.120).
“All of my professors have welcomed me here with open arms and have always been able to help me whenever I’ve needed assistance. The small class sizes that LSSU offers give me an optimal learning environment because I receive more personal interactions with professors and students that I wouldn’t receive at a large lecture hall. My peers have been extremely friendly with me and continue to challenge me to achieve my academic goals. As I move forward in my career, I desire to be a full-time firefighter and paramedic for a fire department. I also aspire to give back to the communities of people that have taken the time to help me achieve my dreams.”
Nationally, employment of firefighters and investigators is expected to grow by 9 percent.
Based on the most recent alumni survey, 60% are employed by municipal fire departments, 10% employed with public safety departments, 15% work in the industrial setting, 5% are in graduate school, and the remaining 10% work in various private-sector, fire service related agencies and companies.
Core principles at the School Fire Science & EMS are leadership and sacrifice, and when students take the initiative to get involved in the community for good causes, they are recognized for their service.
Fire Science students Ben Reina (Naperville, IL) and Terry O’Haire (Belvidere, IL) volunteer their time on weekend evenings at War Memorial Hospital. Along with Trent McAlary (Jenison, MI), these gentlemen have started a mentoring program for all freshmen and sophomores within Criminal Justice, Fire Science & EMS.
Student initiatives such as this help create sustained service in the local community. They also serve as examples to fellow colleagues and students, showing how volunteerism is important. They also show the community the type of students we have in our School and at LSSU.
Kayla Linke is pursuing a Bachelors in Fire Science (Generalist) with an Associates in Paramedic Technology. She came to LSSU because she had several friends and coworkers who came here for the same degrees. They recommended the university because of its small class sizes and the fact that a bachelor’s degree was being offered in her field.
Linke stated that she has always had an interest in the medical field. Once she joined her fire department, it was affirmed that she wanted to have a full time career in fire fighting and emergency medicine for life. Since the two programs go hand in hand, it has enabled her to pursue this.
Linke stated, “Aside from the academic component, I have also learned the benefits of coming to a smaller institution where the professors take a more active role. They know me by name, and it is a very personal environment. They teach us life lessons in class because they have lived what we are looking to do and they pass down experiences so that we can get the real life aspect of our careers while still in the class room.”
Linke stated that after graduation in 2016, she plans to relocate out west and work for the Forest Service, and would like to serve as medical personnel on a smoke jumping crew. “I love fighting fires and being able to tie my medical training into doing what I really love,” stated Linke.
