Colorado standardizes fire science curriculum
The state of Colorado has standardized its fire science curriculum and course numbering and updated the curriculum, according to Dr. Peg Rooney, coordinator of fire science programs for the Colorado Community College and Occupational Education System (the System). The curriculum-standardization project was accomplished by the Colorado Fire Science State Technical Committee, comprised of representatives of Aims Community College, Red Rocks Community College, Colorado Mountain College, the San Juan Basin Area Vocational School, Jack Royer Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC), Arapahoe Community College, and the System. The Technical Committee is now negotiating articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities offering bachelors of science and arts degrees in related fields. PPCC, for example, has developed an agreement with Upper Iowa University that will allow students with an associate`s degree in fire science to earn a bachelor of arts degree in its public administration program through independent study.
Colorado`s community colleges developed a core curriculum and guaranteed transfer agreements with every Colorado state four-year college and university several years ago. Developing a fire science core curriculum is the latest step in unifying courses and requirements throughout the state. The System encompasses 11 state system community colleges, four local district community colleges, four area vocational schools, and vocational education programs in 166 school districts.
