Roane State Community College

June 10, 2026

Beginning Fall 2026, Roane State will offer an all-new academic emphasis in fire science for students interested in pursuing or already working in emergency services – a first for the East Tennessee region.

More than two dozen courses have been added to the college catalog covering topics such as rescue awareness, fire investigation, disaster management, hazardous materials, fire protection systems, administration, and leadership development. Several classes will be available this fall.

“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,” explained Roane State Vice President for Student Learning Dr. Diane Ward. “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 recent agreement with UT Martin means that all courses taken at Roane State under the fire science emphasis will transfer for credit toward a bachelor’s degree at the university.

Roane State’s first cohort of fire science students will be classified as seeking an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in General Technology with an emphasis in Fire Science. Approval of the full program by the college’s accrediting body, SACSCOC, as well as the Tennessee Board of Regents will change the degree ultimately awarded to those students to an AAS in Fire Science.

“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,” Dr. Ward added. She expects the new degree to become official by the end of 2027 if all requirements are met.

Roane State leadership already presented its plan to the State of Tennessee’s Commission on Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education on May 6. The commission voted to authorize the college to provide curriculum for its fire science emphasis as well as Hazardous Materials Awareness, Hazardous Materials Operations, and Firefighter I and II certifications.

These specialized offerings will allow firefighters to achieve and renew state professional certifications locally and comply with the state's minimum training statutes. Roane State is the first higher education institution in East Tennessee to make these courses available. The classes will count towards completion of the AAS in General Technology – Fire Science Emphasis.

Additionally, Roane State has partnered with the Alcoa, Oak Ridge, and Rockwood fire departments to ensure these new academic pathways set students up for success.

“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,” Dr. Ward said. “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.”

Roane State is also exploring dual enrollment options in fire science so that high school students can get a head start in the field. More info is available at roanestate.edu/gentech.