SCOTTVILLE — West Shore Community College has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to begin offering an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences degree in fire science.
This marks another milestone in the college’s efforts to expand career-focused educational opportunities in the region, according to a news release.
The approval was granted by the Institutional Actions Council of the Higher Learning Commission on May 12, allowing the college to begin registering students and promoting the new program.
“This approval represents the culmination of a collaborative effort involving many college employees and external stakeholders,” said Scott Ward, president of West Shore Community College in a news release. “The fire science program reflects our commitment to providing accessible, flexible and workforce-driven educational opportunities that meet the needs of both students and employers throughout our region.”
The new program will be offered entirely online and program specific courses will be delivered in an accelerated eight-week course format. College officials believe the shorter format will better serve working adults and nontraditional students by allowing them to focus on one course at a time while still completing multiple courses each semester.
“Our goal is to create a program structure that is manageable for busy professionals while maintaining academic quality and momentum toward degree completion,” said Mark Kinney, executive vice president of academics and student services. “This flexible approach helps remove barriers for students already serving their communities in emergency services or those looking to enter the field.”
The Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences in fire science is a 60-credit program designed to prepare students for careers and advancement opportunities in fire service professions.
College officials expressed appreciation to the many individuals who contributed to the development of the curriculum, including faculty, staff, community partners and area fire service professionals. Special recognition was given to director of EMS and fire Dan Yost and the numerous stakeholders who helped guide the program from concept to approval.
For more information about the fire science program and other academic offerings, visit westshore.edu.