Strong Academics And Hands-On Emergency Training
Our Graduates serve throughout North America in a wide variety of Fire Mitigation, Response, and Prevention Roles.
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.
Courses which illustrate experiential experiences include: FIRE301 requires students to prepare a pre-fire plan/survey for use by a fire department or other agency; FIRE101, FIRE111, FIRE219, and FIRE220 are required for LSSU students to earn their Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications; FIRE315, CJUS341, and FIRE301 are all preparatory courses that will eventually allow students to earn certifications in leadership, investigations, and code enforcement; it is encouraged that all Fire Science student earn EMT-B and paramedic licenses. FIRE211 requires the ability to use hydraulic calculations to establish a required fire flow, requires the use of ICS/UICS, necessitates the evaluation of building construction involved in tactics and safety, and requires the ability to use personnel and equipment in the most expeditious way to account for fire safety. Students do not receive any credit for life experience in or out of the fire service.
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).
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. |
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.
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
Lake Superior’s Fire Science program prepares students through a variety of ways: 1) Broad outlook with liberal education to help foster personal development, mental growth, and a life-long learning. 2) Program taught by faculty currently working in fire & emergency response, and who have real-world experience. 3) Program combines challenging academics, hands-on approach, valuable co-operatives, and career preparation through personal growth and a world outlook, to prepare students for life after graduation.
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
The fire service is now demanding more academic preparation from the people employed in this field. A bachelors degree allows our graduates to enter many areas of the fire service and also prepares them for promotion to higher ranks within fire science.
Paramedic student Megan Mandley listens for a blood pressure during paramedic skills and simulation lab session at Lake Superior State University. Emergency medical technicians take the lab to gain certification as a paramedic. LSSU Fire Science Instructor Dave Duncan teaches the class along with paramedics from the Sault, Mich., fire department. Mandley is a senior in fire science, with an associate’s in paramedic technology, from Royal Oak, Mich. (By LSSU Student Photographer Geoff Girolamo).
