2025-2026 Catalog

Fire Science Management Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree Requirements

Program Goal

To provide learning and educational opportunities for mid-level fire department managers (fire officers) in the State of Arkansas using distance learning methodologies to deliver an A.S. in Fire Science Management.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

PLO 1. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills as a candidate for graduation from the Fire Science Management Degree Program. 

Transfer Options

  • Arkansas State University-Jonesboro
    • BAS Organizational Supervision
    • BS Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
  • Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
    • Bachelor of Technology Applied Technical Leadership
  • Purdue Global University
    • BS Fire and Emergency Management
    • BS Fire Science
  • University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
    • BS Organizational Leadership

Program Description

This program is designed to allow for maximum transferability into a higher educational degree program once the Associate of Science (A.S.) Fire Science Management degree is obtained.  Its target audience includes current and potential fire officers.  The Fire Science Management core courses will be offered through the Arkansas Fire Training Academy (AFTA).  General Education requirements may be obtained via internet courses or by way of traditional delivery.

General Information

  • Developmental coursework may be required in addition to the courses required for this degree and/or certificate(s).
  • A [P] indicates that a prerequisite is required before the course can be taken. Refer to the prerequisites table listed below the degree plan or the course description in the College Catalog to determine the prerequisite.

General Requirements

  • This degree requires successful completion of 60 credit hours.
  •  A minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average is required for graduation.
  • Satisfaction of all financial obligations due to the college is required for graduation.

Residency Requirement

The student is required to complete a minimum of 15 semester hours in residence at SAU Tech for associate degrees and technical certificates and half of the credit hours required for certificates of proficiency as well as complete all other graduation requirements.  Students who wish to pursue additional degrees must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of difference between the degrees.

AFTA Students Only: In the case where an AFTA student has not taken any classes from SAU Tech, completion of the nine (9) hours for Standards School satisfies the SAU Tech residency requirement for the Fire & Emergency Response Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, Fire Science Management Associate of Science (A.S.) degree and embedded certificates of proficiency and technical certificates for these degrees.

ACTS Course Numbers

The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability of courses within Arkansas public colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits and equitable treatment in the application of credits for admissions and degree requirements.

Degree Plan

Fire Courses (15 hours)

FS 2173Chief Officer

3

FS 1153Inspector III

3

FS 2303Instructor III

3

FS 2043Company Officer III

3

FS 2053Company Officer IV

3

 

General Education Courses (45 hours)

CPSC 1003Introduction to Computers

3

BIOL 1004The Biological Science

4

ENGL 1113Composition I

3

ENGL 1123Composition II

3

HS 1403Personal & Community Health

3

PHSC 1004Physical Sciences

4

PSYC 2003General Psychology

3

SOC 2003Introduction to Sociology

3

SPCH 1113Principles of Speech

3

 

Choose three (3) hours from these courses:

MATH 1023College Algebra

3

MATH 1063Mathematical Reasoning

3

Choose three (3) hours from these courses:

ART 2013Art Appreciation

3

MUS 2013Music Appreciation

3

Choose three (3) hours from these courses:

ENGL 2213World Literature I

3

ENGL 2223World Literature II

3

Choose three (3) hours from these courses:

HIST 2013U.S. History I

3

HIST 2023U.S. History II

3

Choose three (3) hours from these courses:

HIST 1003World History I

3

HIST 1013World History II

3

Choose one (1) hour from these courses:

PE 1061Softball

1

PE 1071Basketball

1

PE 1081Fitness for Life

1

PE 1091Strength & Conditioning

1

PE 1111Baseball

1

Institutional Requirements:

GSTD 1043Rocket Awareness Orientation

3

Total Credit Hours: 60