Directed Studies: Fire Protection Technologies

Associate in Applied Science Degree, Career Program
62.5 credit hours

Corning Community College’s Directed Studies: Fire Protection Technology A.A.S. program is designed to meet the needs of the fire service and serves a variety of students – those beginning a career in fire science, those seeking a leadership position, or those pursuing a related career.

Fire Protection Today

Fire service today is a demanding field, with its high expectations of professional standards, leadership qualifications, and training obligations. Now more than ever, it is vital for fire service professionals to have a foundation of skills to think critically and act decisively to meet the challenges of their chosen field. These skills are best acquired through academic preparation combined with technical training. Our communities expect well-trained, academically educated fire and emergency service personnel, prepared to meet a wide variety of needs.

General Education Requirements

The general education requirements in the program complement the skills-based training offered by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. General education courses develop and enhance such areas as critical thinking, mathematical and scientific knowledge, and understanding of many aspects of social dynamics, skills that are essential to fire service professionals at all levels. The requirements of this program reach beyond traditional training to prepare fire service professionals to address the types of unknown and unpredictable situations inherent in this career.

The thirty (30) credits of general education courses are offered through Corning Community College and meet the residency requirements of the college. All students must complete 30 hours of residency credit in order to receive a CCC degree.

Fire Science Course Requirements / Program Tracks

In addition to the thirty (30) credits of general education courses, the remaining coursework. In consultation with the Program Coordinator, students may choose from a list of courses appropriate to the following three available program tracks:

$20,000-$40,000*

  • Firefighter
  • Fire Inspector
  • Fire Investigator

$40,000-$70,000*

  • Firefighter
  • Fire Inspector
  • Fire Investigator

$70,000-$100,000*

  • Supervisor of Firefighters
  • Supervisor of Fire Inspectors
  • Supervisor of Fire Investigators

*source: labor.ny.gov

  • Foundational Track: Intended for students beginning a career in the fire services
  • Professional Development Track: Designed for students wishing to enhance their qualifications
  • Leadership Track: Created for those with significant experience in fire protection and are pursuing supervisory positions

Instruction for many of the fire science courses is offered at the NYS Academy of Fire Science at Montour Falls, and at approved outreach sites throughout the region. CCC will accept these credits through the process of Credit for Prior Learning, provided that a certificate of completion (with completion date) is submitted. There will be a $75 per credit hour charge to obtain this credit.

Eligibility

Students must be active members of any fire department, meet the matriculation requirements of the program, as well as satisfy the registration requirements of the NYS Academy of Fire Science.

Enrollment Guidelines

To enroll in this program, students must contact the Associate Dean of Instruction for the Social Sciences and Social Services Division at (607) 962-9239 to develop an educational plan, after which students will follow the normal admissions process into CCC. Students must submit an application, and have all transcripts (if applicable) sent directly to the Office of Admissions. Continuance in the program requires ongoing academic advising.

FASNY HELPTuition Reimbursement Program (FASNY HELP)

New York State’s volunteer fire departments are currently experiencing a critical need to recruit and retain members. As an incentive for people to serve, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has developed the Higher Education Learning Plan (HELP). This program provides tuition reimbursement to individuals attending community college for up to eighty (80) credit hours.

Under FASNY HELP, student volunteers are eligible to have up to 100% of their tuition reimbursed in exchange for maintaining their grades and fulfilling defined service requirements. They must also be a “member in good standing” in one of New York State’s volunteer fire companies during both their school years and service payback period.

The FASNY HELP program is made possible through a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Questions Regarding FASNY HELP:

  • FASNY HELP
    Firemen’s Association of the
    State of New York
    107 Washington Avenue
    Albany, New York 12210
    Attn: John D’Alessandro,
    Deputy Volunteer Programs
    Coordinator
  • Toll Free Phone: (855) 367-6933
  • Fax: (518) 694-3137
  • E-mail: HELP@fasny.com
  • Web: fasny.com/index.php/ resources/fasny-help

Montour Falls Fire Department Bunker Program

Students pursuing a Directed Studies degree through CCC may choose to participate in the Montour Falls Fire Department Bunker Program.

Students live next to the fire hall in a two-family house owned by the fire department. Bunkers are required to put in 15 hours of station duty a week, and answer all alarms when available.

Many graduates have gone on to earn bachelor’s and master's degrees and find employment in the emergency services field throughout the country.

Get more information on the Bunker program, or write to:
Chief at the Village of Montour Falls
Fire Department
P.O Box 418
Montour Falls, NY 14865

Students must be active members of any Fire Department, meet the matriculation requirements of the program, as well as satisfy the registration requirements of the NYS Academy of Fire Science.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the Directed Studies: Fire Protection Technology A.A.S. program, contact:

Deborah Beall, Associate Dean of Instruction
Social Sciences & Social Services Division
Corning Community College
1 Academic Drive
Corning, NY 14830-3297
(607) 962-9239