Roane State Community College launches new fire science pathway
The new pathway will provide fire science courses to students who are pursuing or working in emergency services.
Roane State Community College will begin offering a new academic emphasis in fire science beginning with the Fall 2026 semester. The college aims to begin offering a full Fire Science program in the future, with the first courses in the fire science pathway ready for enrollment with the upcoming fall semester.
According to an article on Roane State Community College’s website, Dr. Diane Ward, who serves as the college’s Vice President for Student Learning, was quoted as saying, “Our goal is to build a complete Fire Science Program that supports the workforce and career training needs of all local career, combination, and volunteer fire departments. We’re excited to announce that we’ve already inked an articulation agreement with the University of Tennessee at Martin and are seeking full program approval at the state level. The first students to enroll in the new academic emphasis this fall will likely also be the first to receive a fire science degree from Roane State.”
Among the fire safety courses that will be ready for enrollment in the Fall 2026 semester are those that cover rescue awareness, fire investigation, disaster management, hazardous materials, fire protection systems, administration, and leadership development. Thanks to the recent agreement the college signed with UT Martin, all of these courses will be able to transfer for credit toward a bachelor degree at the university.
The college is seeking full approval of a fire science program from the SACSCOC as well as the Tennessee Board of Regents. When that approval comes, students in these courses will be able to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science degree. Until then, students will earn an Associate of Applied Science in General Technology with an emphasis in Fire Science.
On May 6, 2026, Roane State Community College presented its plans to the State of Tennessee’s Commission on Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education. The college was approved to offer this fire science emphasis as well as Hazardous Materials Awareness, Hazardous Materials Operations, and Firefighter I and II certifications. Firefighter I and II certifications will allow current firefighters to achieve or renew their professional certifications, and these courses will count toward an AAS in General Technology – Fire Science Emphasis.
As part of the rollout of the fire safety program, the college has partnered with the Alcoa, Oak Ridge, and Rockwood fire departments to ensure their offerings will align with what first responders need to learn about fire safety.
Dr. Ward said, “The guidance provided by our local fire departments has been instrumental as we prepare to launch these new offerings, and we look forward to continuing that work. Our students will have access to hands-on training with fire service professionals and real equipment. These partnerships will expand job placement opportunities while supporting recruitment and retention efforts.”
For more information about Roane State Community College, visit the school’s website.