College of Criminal Justice and Emergency Responders
School of Criminal Justice, Fire Science and Emergency Services
It is the mission of the fire science program faculty and staff to provide an atmosphere where active learning may occur, to provide students with the highest quality educational experience, to continue to support the “professional model” as currently utilized, to become appropriate role models for students, to support the educational program by acquiring the appropriate equipment and supplies, to fulfill the advising role, and to assess the academic outcomes of the program.
Program Objectives
- Provide students with a broad-based, liberal education.
- Provide students with the skills necessary to perform as twenty-first century fire fighters.
- Assist students with their development of a set of professional ethics.
- Assist students in the development of their critical thinking skills.
- Assist students with the development of their writing skills.
- Provide an educational atmosphere where active learning may occur.
- Encourage life long learning.
- Assess the educational outcomes of the program.
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 certifiability, and Wildland Firefighting certification (USFS S130, S190, and I220).
The following certificates may also be awarded: Hazardous Material Operations Level, and the 40 hour Emergency Response Technician – HAZWOPER (29CFR 1910.120).
Lake Superior State University fire science students (from left) Christian Nagelvoort, Craig Suheski, and Jacob Herter queue a hose line into a practice building during an exercise at LSSU’s fire practice grounds in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., on Sept. 24. Rescue Resources LLC of Grand Rapids provided training on how approach fires that tend to be very fluid, superheated, and explosive. Fire science students and faculty were joined by the Sault Ste. Marie city fire department for all day training. Crews practiced “positive pressure attack” techniques that blow heat out windows and allow firefighters to walk into a fire without taking a beating. The method also increases safety for trapped people. The Sault fire department — along with LSSU fire science faculty — chipped in to help cover Rescue Resources’ visit.
Plans of Study/Degrees Offered
Certifications
Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council (FFTC) Certification:
Students enrolled in the associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or minoring in fire science may be eligible for certification as a Firefighter I and II.
Entrance Requirements:
To qualify for admission as freshmen, applicants must meet the minimum criteria of Lake Superior State University. Criminalistics and fire science students must have completed two units of algebra and at least one laboratory course, preferably chemistry, in high school. Code of Conduct: Majors in criminal justice and fire science will be required to sign a code of conduct. The code specifies certain behavior on the part of students and also states that violation of criminal laws and/or University regulations may end in the separation of the student from the criminal justice/fire science program.
