Program Overview
The Fire Science Program at Crowder College prepares students to enter an exciting career as a firefighter. All courses are taught by experienced firefighters and offer the opportunity for current firefighters to upgrade job skills or prepare themselves as supervisors and leaders in their own departments. It also prepares students who wish to begin a career in firefighting. Crowder seeks authorization for all fire service-related classes from the Missouri Division of Fire Safety.
The Crowder College Fire Science certificate program consists of three courses, EMT 101, FSCI 111, and COLL 101.
Our Fire Science course, FSCI 111, is currently offered at our Cassville Instructional Center every Fall. This course will prepare you to take the State of Missouri Division of Fire Safety Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification exams (written and skills), as well as certifications in Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations. All these certifications are IFSAC (International Fire Service Accreditation Congress) approved and meet NFPA standards. The course is designed to give students the skills to be proficient Firefighters, whether that is with a volunteer department or district, or as a career Firefighter.
Currently, the course is offered as a night option that meets Monday and Thursday nights from 6:00 to 9:45 PM each week for 16 weeks. There are required skill days throughout the semester, typically on Saturdays in Cassville.
The course is 6 credit hours and can be paired with the second course in the Fire Science Certificate, EMT-101. EMT 101 is a 9-hour course offered every Spring and Fall semester, with both a traditional course option in Neosho and a Hybrid (online lecture and in-person skills) option. Many students will take these courses on alternating semesters. EMT and Firefighter I and II are typically the entry level requirements to be eligible for a career (Full-time) Fire Department.
Currently, the other course in the Fire Science Certificate is College Orientation, or COLL 101, a 1-hour course offered every semester at Crowder.
Other Info
Fire Department Enrollment – A Fire Department can enroll and send fire fighters at a discounted rate if they are willing to partner and help with course supplies, equipment, and other needs of the course.
Independent Student Enrollment – For students wishing to take the course who are not active with a fire department, you may enroll in the college course, FSCI 111. All course fees and college fees will apply. You will also need a book and supplemental materials.
Students pursuing the 16-credit hour Certificate in Fire Science from Crowder should take the course for college credit. If you are receiving federal financial aid to pay for the course, you must enroll in it for college credit.
The requirements to apply for entry-level firefighting positions vary throughout the region, state, and country. In Southwest Missouri, the minimum requirements identified by most fire departments include passing a writing and physical test, obtaining Emergency Medical Technician training and Firefighter 1 and 2.
The firefighting profession is ranked as one of the fastest growing jobs in Missouri with a 34% increase in new job growth. It is also rated as a “Grade A Career” for best job outlook due to the above average salaries, growth and openings. For wages in various areas please visit Missouri Economic Resource and Information Center.
Crowder College in conjunction with state and local agencies hosts additional fire training to local departments. For a list of courses and certifications available, please contact our Cassville Instructional Center: 417.847.1706 or email: Cassville@Crowder.edu or FireScience@Crowder.edu
Program Mission Statement
The Allied Health Division at Crowder College is committed to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare education that meets workforce needs and strengthens communities.
Program Acceptance/Requirements
The Fire Science program does not have any prerequisite course requirements or a separate program application. However, students wishing to enroll in EMT 101 must complete an EMS program application. To ensure they meet all certification eligibility requirements, students are encouraged to consult with an advisor or program representative before registering for courses in the Fire Science Certificate Program.
Plan of Study
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Emergency Response: Graduates shall be able to initiate response to a reported emergency in PPE, and establish and operate work areas in a manner appropriate for the type of fire.
2. Assess and Suppress: Graduates shall be able to assess structure conditions to determine proper entry and ventilation and perform appropriate attack techniques to facilitate suppression of the given fire.
3. Maintenance and Operations: Graduates shall be able to maintain power plants, lighting, tools, hoses, pumps, and other equipment, and will be able to demonstrate proper use of all items.
4. Risk Reduction: Graduates shall be able to perform a pre-incident and safety survey and present all information including correction recommendations to the occupant or group.
5. Aid and Support: Graduates shall be able to administer basic first aid for injuries at a scene, as well as support technical rescue teams with extricating trapped persons from equipment and vehicles using various rescue tools.
How is it offered?
Fire Science is currently offered in a traditional, on-ground course with the FSCI 111 course (though there are plans to offer a hybrid style course for FSCI 111 in the near future). EMT 101 is offered in both traditional and hybrid style course formats.
Why Choose our Program?
Answer the Call. Serve Your Community. Build Your Future.
If you’re driven to help others, thrive in challenging situations, and want a career that makes a real impact, the Fire Science Certificate Program at Crowder College is the perfect place to start. Designed for future emergency service professionals, this hands-on program provides the knowledge, skills, and training needed to protect lives and serve communities with confidence.
Students gain industry-relevant training that prepares them for certification exams in Firefighter I & II, Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Whether your goal is to become a firefighter, first responder, or emergency services professional, Crowder College equips you with the tools to turn your passion for service into a rewarding career.