Fire Science
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Text or Call: 541-240-8227
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Become a firefighter!
Train for an action-packed career that blends public service, physical challenge, and teamwork. Fire Science at Southwestern prepares you for a wide range of emergency service roles. Graduates often work as Firefighters/EMTs, Wildland Firefighters, Fire Inspectors or Investigators, Fire Officers, or Crew Supervisors, Industrial or Airport Firefighters, and Emergency Services Technicians.
At Southwestern, you won’t just study fire science — you’ll live it! Students train with veteran firefighters in real-world settings, thanks to strong regional partnerships and local internships that often place them directly inside working fire stations.
Our instructors don’t just teach, they mentor. With small classes and personalized support, instructors help you choose the training path that fits your goals: hands-on training through the AAS degree, a transfer-ready AS option for future leadership roles, and a flexible dual-degree path for students also looking to become paramedics.
Enroll now! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a student.
Apply Now
Get helpful updates on programs, deadlines, and other tips about enrolling.
Request Info
Come see why Southwestern Oregon Community College is a great place to learn.
Visit
CONTACT
Text or Call: 541-240-8227
Email
Need a place to live while you train?
Depending on your goals, there may be options to intern with a local fire department and live in a working fire station.
Southwestern also offers on-campus, apartment-style student housing!
Scholarships Available!
Apply annually January 1 – March 1 through the SWOCC Foundation.
Need help with costs?
Ask about possible support through SNAP Training & Employment Program (STEP)
Degrees & Certificates
Specific overview, class descriptions and courses you’ll take for each degree/certificate.
AAS Fire Science
A two-year, hands-on program that includes field training, and embedded EMT certification, and access to local internships. In many cases, these internships involve living at a local fire station, giving students direct, on-the-job experience that makes a real impact.
AS Fire Science
Geared toward students planning to transfer to a four-year university or advance into leadership roles. Offers more academic flexibility and fewer fieldwork requirements.
EMS/Paramedicine Option
Ideal for Fire Science students also wanting to become a paramedic. Adding this option allows Fire Science students to map out a three-year dual-degree path combining Fire Science and the AAS in Emergency Services. This flexible, streamlined option offers just 90 credits to completion and prepares students for real EMS roles in diverse rescue scenarios.
FIRE UP YOUR FUTURE
Train in diverse coastal scenarios
Benefit from small classes
Serve your community
MEET OUR GRADUATES
“The supportive instructors and specialized coursework helped me develop the skills and dicipline essential for starting a career in the fire service. The emphasis on teamwork and leadership has prepared me to handle high-pressure situations with confidence and professionalism.”
–Kimber Privetts, Fire Science Graduate
“I have been inspired by watching successful firefighters who enjoy their jobs. Now, I get to help the next generation start that same journey. Because of SWOCC, I have the necessary education to work and enjoy the best career I could ever want.”
–Caleb Owens, Fire Science Graduate
DIVERSE TRAINING SCENARIOS
Southwestern’s location on the coast provides unmatched access to diverse training scenarios – gain practical experience through:
Live fire drills in the College’s NEW fire tower
Aircraft and maritime rescue simulations
Wildland and coastal response practice
Water rescue and hazardous material training
Field trips to local fire stations, airports, and hospitals
Disaster response training
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Mike Seldon
Michael Seldon brings over thirty years of career experience in emergency services disciplines including structural/municipal firefighting with the Coos Bay Fire Department, hazardous materials team technician, emergency room trauma technician, and ambulance-based emergency medical technician.
During his career, he obtained certifications in firefighter 1 and 2, fire officer, fire instructor, incident safety officer, vehicle extrication, heavy rescue systems and practices, pumper and aerial apparatus operator, and SCBA maintenance and repair.
Seldon earned an Associate of Science degree in Public Fire Service and graduated from the fire academy at Rancho Santiago College in Santa Ana, California. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Communications – Radio/TV/Film from Long Beach State University.
One of his primary goals as the Fire Science Program Lead Instructor is to focus on career exploration and development. He takes particular satisfaction in introducing students to potential peers, mentors, and local support organizations to enhance understanding of careers in fire service and emergency response, and to facilitate achievement of career goals.
On a personal note, Seldon is a husband and father of three and enjoys family-based recreational activities, golfing, cooking and adventuring with his dog.
