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Associate of Science Degree
Homeland Security: Emphasis in Fire Technology

The Associate of Science Degree in Homeland Security is designed to prepare students to meet the needs of entry-level positions in the Homeland Security career fields.  The curriculum will prepare students with a foundation of the Homeland Security Enterprise and provide them with the knowledge to enter varied career fields that plan for and respond to the security of people, places, and programs.  The skills developed during class will enhance the student’s ability by completing industry-recognized third-party Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certification courses as part of each class in the core program.  The Homeland Security Degree program is designed for First Responders, government officials, emergency managers, as well as the citizen interested in personal and community safety and security. 

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2022-2023 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
HMLD 101 - Introduction to Homeland SecurityM3.0
HMLD 101 - Introduction to Homeland Security (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course provides first responders and students with foundational knowledge about homeland security. The course takes up theories about and the history of homeland and national security, and includes discussions about the policies, organizational relationships, and legal issues in an American context from federal, state, and local municipal government perspectives.

HMLD 105 - Hazard Mitigation in Emergency ManagementM3.0
HMLD 105 - Hazard Mitigation in Emergency Management (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in college composition written at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course is an introduction to mitigation—one of the four core phases of emergency management. The course covers the hazard planning process to assist students in mitigating or eliminating hazards from an all-hazard approach to emergency management. Students also learn about the national framework used in the public-private sector of the homeland security enterprise, including governmental agencies and regulatory and legal sources responsible for hazard mitigation. Students apply concepts learned in the course to risk assessments and in developing strategies and plans at local, state, national, and international levels.

ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (RHC GE 1b and 8a)GE3.5
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication.

RHC GE 7b - HumanitiesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units. 

Select one:
ASL 101, 124, 201, 202;
CHIN 101, 102;
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150;
EGSS 130;
ENGL 126, 131;
FR 101, 102, 201, 202;
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170;
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145;
JAPN 101, 102;
LATN 101, 102;
LIT 102, 102H, 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H,140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A, 146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H;
MSCM 128;
PHIL 101, 101H, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140;
POLS 128, 128H, 150;
SOC 148, 148H;
SPAN 101, 101S, 102, 102S, 201, 201H, 202;
SPCH 130, 132

Total Semester Units:12.5† 
2nd Semester
HMLD 102 - Introduction to Emergency ManagementM3.0
HMLD 102 - Introduction to Emergency Management (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in college composition written at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course provides students with the foundational knowledge that pertains to first responded responsibilities and emergency management. Topics include policies, organizational relationships, and legal issues from United States federal, state, and local municipal government perspectives.

HMLD 103 - Terrorism and Violence in SocietyM3.0
HMLD 103 - Terrorism and Violence in Society (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in college composition written at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course provides students with an overview of domestic and global issues related to terrorism and violence in society. The course includes an analysis of terrorism and violent extremism as an aggressive alternative to peaceful change and traditional warfare in the modern age. From domestic and international levels of analysis, students also investigate the role economic, political, and social factors play in determining patterns of terrorist activity, homegrown terrorism, and violent extremism.

Select one: FIN 101 / MATH 150 / MATH 130 / MATH 130H / PSY 190 GE3.0†
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement: FIN 101, MATH 060, MATH 073, MATH 130/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170,  MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190.

FIN 101 - Introduction to Financial Planning (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an elementary algebra course.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of financial planning, and is designed to provide students with tools needed to achieve their personal financial goals. Students will learn to make informed decisions related to spending, saving, borrowing, and investing by applying quantitative reasoning concepts. Course topics include the financial planning process, budgeting, cash flow, debt consolidation, investing, and retirement planning.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer.

MATH 130 - Statistics (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory: ENGL 101; READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*crdit limit),CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests.

MATH 130H - Statistics Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course. ENGL 101
Advisory: READ 101
Transfers to: UC (8credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:ENGL 101 and the ability to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*The UC will grant credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H or PSY 190)

This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. It is designed to teach students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology how to present and interpret experimental data. The course focuses on hypothesis testing and the statistics used to analyze assumptions, with topics including basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics.

RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral ScienceGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
AJ 101
ANTH 102, 102H, 103, 104, 110, 115, 125;
CD 106, 208;
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150;
ECON 101, 101H, 102, 102H, 106, 135;
EGSS 110, 120, 130;
GEOG 102, 103;
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170;
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130;
KIN 170, 190, 195
MSCM 128;
PHIL 128, 128H, 135;
POLS 110, 110H, 115, 125, 128, 128H, 130, 135,140,150;
PSY 101, 101H, 112, 114, 170, 180, 200;
SOC 101, 101H, 102, 105, 110, 114, 116, 120, 127, 130, 148, 148H;
SPCH 150

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:15.0† 
Summer 1
RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
ARCH 103
ART 101, 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117, 120, 130, 135, 140;
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H;
GDSN 110:
MUS 101, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136;
MUST 151, 152;
PHTO 110, 130;
THTR 101, 105, 105H, 110

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:7.0 
3rd Semester
HMLD 104 - Emergency Planning and ResponseM3.0
HMLD 104 - Emergency Planning and Response (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in college composition written at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course is for students who want to know about emergency planning and response. The course covers this subject using the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS) as part of the National Response Framework (NRF). Students learn about national responses to all types of disasters and emergencies in the United States; and how the NRF’s flexibility is used in the public-private sector of the homeland security enterprise, including governmental agencies and regulatory and legal sources responsible for hazard mitigation. Students apply concepts learned in the course to risk assessments and in developing strategies and plans at local, state, national, and international levels.

Select one: FTEC 101 / FTEC 102 / FTEC 103 / FTEC 104 / FTEC 105 / FTEC 106 / WFT 102 / WFT 103 / WFT 104 / WFT 105 M3.0
FTEC 101 - Fire Protection Organization (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in college composition written at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides students with an overview of fire protection issues. Topics include an introduction to the philosophy and history of fire protection and fire service; organization and function of public and private fire protection services; laws and regulations affecting fire service; and the role of fire departments as part of local government. Basic fire chemistry, fire protection systems, firefighting strategies, and possible career opportunities in fire-related fields are also presented.

FTEC 102 - Fundamentals of Personal Fire Safety and Emergency Action (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

FTEC 103 - Fire Behavior and Combustion (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides fire technology or other interested students with an exploration of theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and how they are controlled. An in-depth study of fire chemistry and physics, fire characteristics of materials, extinguishing agents, and fire control techniques will be explored.

FTEC 104 - Fire Prevention Technology (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide fire technology or other interested students with fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire hazards, and the relationships of fire prevention with built-in fire protection systems, fire investigation, and fire and life-safety education.

FTEC 105 - Building Construction for Fire Protection (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides fire technology or other interested students with an understanding of the essential components used in building construction that directly relates to fire safety. The elements of construction and design of structures, factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at fires will be discussed. The development and evolution of building and fire codes will be studied in relationship to past fires in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies.

FTEC 106 - Fire Protection Equipment and Systems (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides the fire technology student with information pertaining to the design and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, heat and smoke control systems, special protection and sprinkler systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers.

WFT 102 - Wildland Firefighter Safety and Survival (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is part of a series of core courses required by the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science degree programs. The course provides students with information necessary to understand occupational safety and hazards associated with wildland firefighting operations. Emphasis is placed on situational awareness, protective measures, accident avoidance procedures, and the risk management process. Students also review fire ground near misses, entrapments, and fatalities. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

WFT 103 - Wildland Fire Operations (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course is one in a series of core courses required by the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science Degree programs. This course provides students with information necessary to understand ground and air operations associated with wildland firefighting operations. Emphasis is placed on incident command system use, strategy, tactics, hazards, resource typing, management, and safety procedures during wildland fire incidents. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

WFT 104 - Wildland Fire Investigation, Prevention, and Public Information (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is part of a series of core courses required by the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science degree programs. This course provides students with information and skills necessary to understand the roles and functions of a public information officer (PIO, S-203), fire prevention education team member (PETM, P-101), and the wildland fire investigator (INVF, FI-110). Various wildland fire-associated class projects engage students' public speaking, report writing, and presentation skills. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

WFT 105 - Wildland Fire Logistics, Finance, and Planning (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is part of a series of core courses required by the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science degree programs. The course provides students with information necessary to understand the responsibilities and functions of the logistics, finance, and planning sections. Emphasis is placed on how the different incident command system sections are organized and utilized during wildland fire incidents. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

RHC GE 5 - Natural Science with LabGE4.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one Natural Science with Lab:
ANTH 101, 101H & 101L;
ASTR 110, 110H & 112, 137;
BIOL 101, 105 & 105L, 111 & 111L, 112, 120 & 120L;
BIOT 100;
CHEM 110, 120, 130;
GEOG 101 & 101L;
GEOL 150 & 151, 152 & 152L;
PHY 120, 150, 160, 211, 212, 213

RHC GE 8b - Communication/Analytical ThinkingGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
CIT 101, 125, 135;
ENGL 125, 201, 201H;
FIN 101;
GIS 120;
LIB 101;
MATH 130, 130H, 140, 150, 160, 170, 175, 180, 190, 190H, 191, 250, 251, 260, 270;
PHIL 110, 110H, 112, 112H, 115;
PSY 190;
SPCH 100, 101, 101H, 120, 140;
READ 101;
VOCB 101

Total Semester Units:13.0† 
4th Semester
Select one: FTEC 101 / FTEC 102 / FTEC 103 / FTEC 104 / FTEC 105 / FTEC 106 / WFT 101 / WFT 102 / WFT 103 / WFT 104 / WFT 105 M3.0
FTEC 101 - Fire Protection Organization (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in college composition written at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides students with an overview of fire protection issues. Topics include an introduction to the philosophy and history of fire protection and fire service; organization and function of public and private fire protection services; laws and regulations affecting fire service; and the role of fire departments as part of local government. Basic fire chemistry, fire protection systems, firefighting strategies, and possible career opportunities in fire-related fields are also presented.

FTEC 102 - Fundamentals of Personal Fire Safety and Emergency Action (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

FTEC 103 - Fire Behavior and Combustion (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides fire technology or other interested students with an exploration of theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and how they are controlled. An in-depth study of fire chemistry and physics, fire characteristics of materials, extinguishing agents, and fire control techniques will be explored.

FTEC 104 - Fire Prevention Technology (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide fire technology or other interested students with fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire hazards, and the relationships of fire prevention with built-in fire protection systems, fire investigation, and fire and life-safety education.

FTEC 105 - Building Construction for Fire Protection (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides fire technology or other interested students with an understanding of the essential components used in building construction that directly relates to fire safety. The elements of construction and design of structures, factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at fires will be discussed. The development and evolution of building and fire codes will be studied in relationship to past fires in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies.

FTEC 106 - Fire Protection Equipment and Systems (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides the fire technology student with information pertaining to the design and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, heat and smoke control systems, special protection and sprinkler systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers.

WFT 101 - Wildland Fire Behavior (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, perform mathematical operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages, and read college level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is part of a series of core courses required for the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science degree programs. This course provides students with information necessary to understand basic wildland fire behavior, wildland fire predictions, and wildland fire operation safety. Wildland fire environmental factors and the tools required to monitor weather and fire behavior are discussed as related to wildland fire predictions. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

WFT 102 - Wildland Firefighter Safety and Survival (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is part of a series of core courses required by the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science degree programs. The course provides students with information necessary to understand occupational safety and hazards associated with wildland firefighting operations. Emphasis is placed on situational awareness, protective measures, accident avoidance procedures, and the risk management process. Students also review fire ground near misses, entrapments, and fatalities. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

WFT 103 - Wildland Fire Operations (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course is one in a series of core courses required by the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science Degree programs. This course provides students with information necessary to understand ground and air operations associated with wildland firefighting operations. Emphasis is placed on incident command system use, strategy, tactics, hazards, resource typing, management, and safety procedures during wildland fire incidents. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

WFT 104 - Wildland Fire Investigation, Prevention, and Public Information (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is part of a series of core courses required by the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science degree programs. This course provides students with information and skills necessary to understand the roles and functions of a public information officer (PIO, S-203), fire prevention education team member (PETM, P-101), and the wildland fire investigator (INVF, FI-110). Various wildland fire-associated class projects engage students' public speaking, report writing, and presentation skills. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

WFT 105 - Wildland Fire Logistics, Finance, and Planning (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is part of a series of core courses required by the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science degree programs. The course provides students with information necessary to understand the responsibilities and functions of the logistics, finance, and planning sections. Emphasis is placed on how the different incident command system sections are organized and utilized during wildland fire incidents. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

Select one: FTEC 101 / FTEC 102 / FTEC 103 / FTEC 104 / FTEC 105 / FTEC 106 / WFT 101 / WFT 102 / WFT 103 / WFT 104 / WFT 105 M3.0
FTEC 101 - Fire Protection Organization (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in college composition written at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides students with an overview of fire protection issues. Topics include an introduction to the philosophy and history of fire protection and fire service; organization and function of public and private fire protection services; laws and regulations affecting fire service; and the role of fire departments as part of local government. Basic fire chemistry, fire protection systems, firefighting strategies, and possible career opportunities in fire-related fields are also presented.

FTEC 102 - Fundamentals of Personal Fire Safety and Emergency Action (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

FTEC 103 - Fire Behavior and Combustion (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides fire technology or other interested students with an exploration of theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and how they are controlled. An in-depth study of fire chemistry and physics, fire characteristics of materials, extinguishing agents, and fire control techniques will be explored.

FTEC 104 - Fire Prevention Technology (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide fire technology or other interested students with fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire hazards, and the relationships of fire prevention with built-in fire protection systems, fire investigation, and fire and life-safety education.

FTEC 105 - Building Construction for Fire Protection (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides fire technology or other interested students with an understanding of the essential components used in building construction that directly relates to fire safety. The elements of construction and design of structures, factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at fires will be discussed. The development and evolution of building and fire codes will be studied in relationship to past fires in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies.

FTEC 106 - Fire Protection Equipment and Systems (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides the fire technology student with information pertaining to the design and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, heat and smoke control systems, special protection and sprinkler systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers.

WFT 101 - Wildland Fire Behavior (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, perform mathematical operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages, and read college level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is part of a series of core courses required for the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science degree programs. This course provides students with information necessary to understand basic wildland fire behavior, wildland fire predictions, and wildland fire operation safety. Wildland fire environmental factors and the tools required to monitor weather and fire behavior are discussed as related to wildland fire predictions. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

WFT 102 - Wildland Firefighter Safety and Survival (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is part of a series of core courses required by the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science degree programs. The course provides students with information necessary to understand occupational safety and hazards associated with wildland firefighting operations. Emphasis is placed on situational awareness, protective measures, accident avoidance procedures, and the risk management process. Students also review fire ground near misses, entrapments, and fatalities. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

WFT 103 - Wildland Fire Operations (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course is one in a series of core courses required by the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science Degree programs. This course provides students with information necessary to understand ground and air operations associated with wildland firefighting operations. Emphasis is placed on incident command system use, strategy, tactics, hazards, resource typing, management, and safety procedures during wildland fire incidents. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

WFT 104 - Wildland Fire Investigation, Prevention, and Public Information (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is part of a series of core courses required by the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science degree programs. This course provides students with information and skills necessary to understand the roles and functions of a public information officer (PIO, S-203), fire prevention education team member (PETM, P-101), and the wildland fire investigator (INVF, FI-110). Various wildland fire-associated class projects engage students' public speaking, report writing, and presentation skills. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

WFT 105 - Wildland Fire Logistics, Finance, and Planning (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is part of a series of core courses required by the Wildland Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science degree programs. The course provides students with information necessary to understand the responsibilities and functions of the logistics, finance, and planning sections. Emphasis is placed on how the different incident command system sections are organized and utilized during wildland fire incidents. This course meets or exceeds National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements.

RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
POLS 110, 110H;
HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:13.0 
Total Units for Homeland Security: Emphasis in Fire Technology AS program 60.5† 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will analyze and interpret homeland security data and theories.


2

Students will apply cross-disciplinary methods of analysis.


3

Students will demonstrate an understanding of homeland security information.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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