Interested students should become firefighters or work in the fire service, considering a specialty in fire science. Also, to become a firefighter, you must pass the qualification exam and undergo specific training on your site.
However, Most fire departments require at least a high school education, some of which require a college degree or credit.
Advanced degrees are necessary for leadership positions in this area, from fire chiefs to government emergency service managers.
In this writing, we shall discuss all to know about fire science degrees, the best degrees for firefighters, fire science degrees online. Also what you can do with a fire science degree and fire science careers.
Notwithstanding, foreign scientific disciplines study many aspects of fire science careers. This service profession also includes fire behavior, fire fighting, rescue, and related environmental policy. It is important that firefighters are familiar with firefighting equipment and how to maintain it.
In some programs, students can combine classroom study with field training. During field training, students can fight controlled fires to learn methods and techniques. These methods include firefighting or having the opportunity to work shifts at the fire station.
However, becoming a firefighter affords many opportunities for advancement. A combination of experience and education requires advancement. Advancement opportunities for an entry-level firefighter include fire inspector, fire investigator, and fire chief.
Advanced fire science degrees often focus on management training or fire inspection skills. These fire science degree programs usually are for the fire service professional seeking advancement in his career.
These programs typically focus on one aspect of fire science, such as fire suppression or fire protection.
Just take your time and go through this article, the World Scholarship Forum has arranged every detail you need so as to know what you will do with a fire service degree.
All You Need To Know About Knowing What To You Can Do With a Fire Science Degree? Schools & Career
Types of Fire Science Degrees
The University offers fire science degrees on many levels, from certification programs to master’s degrees. The fire science degrees are general and, at times, specific to a particular field of fire science, such as firefighting, fire prevention, or command of fire services.
Certificates and degrees are usually designed for new students or firefighters looking for an office job requiring field knowledge.
Advanced certification programs are designed specifically for experienced firefighters or associate professionals who wish to lead or establish fire protection policies.
Fire science degrees can also be general or specific to a fire science specialty, such as fire suppression, or fire services leadership. They can be tailored to entry-level firefighters or to those with experience who want to advance their careers. The Options include:
Certificates:
The Certificates are not certified in themselves. They are also a type of accreditation that indicates that you are trained in a particular area, such as fire inspection or fire investigation.
Certificates are usually short courses that take less than a year to complete and are open to high school graduates. This is also one of the best degrees for firefighters.
Associates degree:
The community colleges offer scholarship programs and usually take two years of full-time study to complete. Must have a high school certificate to enroll in an associate degree program.
Fire science scholarships prepare students for junior firefighting positions. This is also one of the best degrees for firefighters.
Bachelor’s degree:
A bachelor’s degree in fire science generally takes four years of full-time study. While current firefighters have been looking for these traditional degrees, more and more candidates for beginners are looking for bachelor’s degrees as a competitive advantage to obtain jobs. This is one of the best degrees for firefighters.
Master’s Degree:
Master’s degrees are final certificates (the most advanced degree you can obtain) in the field of fire science. They have two years of full-time work, although many pursue part-time teachers.
Firefighters who have an interest in becoming bosses or in high-level leadership positions should consider getting a master’s degree.
It is important to keep in mind that the certificate does not replace any additional training required by the municipal fire departments.
Firefighters, whether or not also have a degree, must complete approximately 600 hours of training for 12 to 14 weeks in the Fire Academy designated by the Employment Fire Department. This is one of the best degrees for firefighters.
Fire science degree online option
There are a variety of options to obtain a fire science career Online. Because this is the field of practical training, online degrees tend to focus on management and policy issues and are of great value to firefighters who have already received field training.
However, mixed programs where you learn some content online and others personally, are good options for those who do not have the experience.
Firefighters who live in remote areas without access to the local campus are excellent candidates for online learning, as are older firefighters seeking a career change.
What You’ll Study
Associate degree coursework typically includes classroom and hands-on training, and even internships. Students become familiar with firefighting equipment and learn how to maintain it. Field training can include fighting actual, albeit controlled, fires and working alongside firefighting professionals in a fire station.
In addition to general education classes, typical courses include:
- Fire Behavior and Combustion
- Rescue Procedures
- Fire Extinguishment Basics
- EMT Basics
- Chemistry of Fire Science
- Fire Codes and Laws
Fire Science majors at the bachelor’s level may also combine classroom study with field training and/or an internship.
They study many aspects of the fire service profession, such as fire behavior, fire extinguishment, rescue procedures, and environmental policy. Common courses, in addition to general education classes, include:
- Fire Prevention
- Emergency Management
- Fire Investigation
- The Fire Control
- Fire Chemistry and Physics
- Hazardous Materials Management
- Disaster and Fire Defense Planning
What Can I Do with a Fire Science Degree?
While a high school diploma and practical training are generally sufficient to be a firefighter, obtaining a degree in firefighting can be useful when looking for work and can open up advanced professional opportunities.
Firefighters respond to emergency calls of all types, including car crashes, building fires, and emergency rescue operations.
Their primary responsibility is to fight fires, but they are often called to assist with other emergency issues as well. They must have skills in both firefighting and emergency medical training.
At the scene of a fire, firefighters have many duties. They use their equipment to ensure that water goes where it is needed.
Firefighters rescue victims trapped in buildings or other structures and administer emergency medical treatment when needed. They attempt to salvage the burning structure and any of its contents.
When not responding to a fire or emergency call, firefighters clean and maintain equipment, perform fire drills, and complete paperwork relevant to emergency incidents.
Hazardous conditions are the norm for a firefighter, who might encounter life-threatening fumes, smoke, or fire during any work shift.
However, the rewards are high; many firefighters are also seen as heroes in their community and are admired by children and adults alike. The chance to save lives on a regular basis is the primary draw for most firefighters.
There is great potential for advancement as a firefighter. Within a fire station, a firefighter may move up the ranks from engineer to lieutenant, and further up the chain until becoming chief.
Also, advancement is usually limited to employees with experience in the field and higher education.
Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist
The forest fire inspector and prevention specialist is a special type of firefighter who works in forests and national parks.
Observing the fires from its watchtower and summoning any view to the main station. These professionals fight fires in national parks and forests using a variety of methods.
Fire prevention is an important part of your job too. They are responsible for ensuring that visitors to the camp, forest, and parks comply with fire safety regulations and procedures.
Fire Inspector
Fire inspectors inspect buildings and internal and external structures to detect fire hazards. They also ensure fire laws are followed and discuss any changes made to the builders or owners. Fire inspectors are also responsible for collecting construction permits.
Firefighters also test equipment, such as fire extinguishers, and make sure they work properly. The fire inspector can issue a quote if the changes are also not made.
However, if the problems listed in the quote are not mentioned in the code, legal action can be taken against the building owner or developer.
Fire inspectors are typically part of the fire department and may be part of a team of fire inspectors.
They typically have field experience working and are part of their requirement to have a high school diploma or GED. Some states will accept an associate degree in fire science in lieu of experience as a firefighter.
Fire Investigator
Fire investigators work at the scene of the fire that believes to be intentional or causes criminal negligence. The principal responsibility of the investigator is also to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
To do this, fire investigators take pictures of the scene, inspect the location of the fire and collect the evidence.
Get to know the witnesses and the owner of the building or house that has burned down. Regardless of the duties at the fireplace, the fire investigator is responsible for reporting any information obtained at the fire site.
Fire investigators can arrest suspects and execute arrest warrants. The fire investigator may be called to testify if the case is brought to trial.
Fire Science Certification, Licensure, and Associations
The license is unnecessary to become a firefighter, researcher, or inspector. But to be designated by the fire department, the firefighter must pass specific tests and conduct local training.
State requirements vary for different professions related to fire science, so it is important to verify local safety and fireboard.
Volunteer firefighter certificates are also available through a variety of organizations. Volunteer certificates show mastery of various skills and are useful for getting a job or progressing.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers many voluntary certifications, including:
- Certified Fire Protection Specialist
- The Certified Fire Inspector
- Certified Fire Inspector, II
- The Certified Fire Plan Examiner
- Certified Building Inspector
- The Certified Building Plans Examiner
All certification programs through the National Fire Protection Association require extensive experience in the field and some relevant education. Certification is also available to fire inspectors through the Uniform Fire Code Association.
Career Paths With a Fire Science Degree
Graduates with a fire science career can enter administrative positions in this field, depending on the location and size of the fire department.
However, anyone with this degree can also get a job in other professions other than firefighting.
Traditional occupations include firefighters, fire investigators, and fire inspectors. However, this degree can also open the doors to work in emergency management, internal security, and forensic analysis.
Traditional Firefighting as a Safe Career
While fire departments have individualized practices for fighting and preventing fires, nationwide governmental organizations such as the U.S.
Fire Administration (USFA) seeks to create uniform fire safety measures to protect firefighters through fire prevention and control.
The USFA along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently issued fire estimate summaries, which serve as great resource tools for fire services members and the public to obtain general information regarding fire issues that impact the nation’s communities.
This information can also reduce the risk of deaths, injuries, and property loss across the U.S.
Large vs. Small Fire Departments
Firefighters can work in government-funded departments, volunteer departments, and independent firefighters. Each fire department has its own needs according to the population it serves.
When the population grows, this growth allows larger fire-fighting departments through residential taxes.
Consequently, with the growth of the region, new jobs are required for these large departments. Each fire department can not afford to hire inspectors and fire investigators. In addition, many firefighters are volunteers who must undergo the same rigorous training as paid individuals.
Emergency Medical Services:
As part of this effort to make fire safety more consistent, smaller rural fire departments or more firefighters require access to education in emergency medical assistance.
The education that firefighters can get in this way is just one example of how to expand the firefighting profession in another area, such as working as an emergency technician or paramedic.
Employment in medical and paramedical emergency technicians is expected to increase faster than the average for all professions. Employment should be good, especially in cities and in private ambulance services.
These salaries depend on the employment setting and geographic location of their jobs, as well as training and experience.
The average hourly salary was $14.10 in previous years. The average hourly salary in the industries employing the largest numbers of EMTs and paramedics also in previous years was $12.99 in other ambulatory healthcare services and $15.45 in local government.
Inspection and Investigation:
Other related fire science careers include fire inspection and investigation. Job applicants for this position must expect tough competition.
Those who also have completed a little or have experience in education about firefighting, or those who have experience and training related to criminal investigation, should have the advantage. The average salary for this position in the previous years was $53,303.
Police and Detectives:
Graduates with a degree in firefighting can train police or investigators. These professions, including protecting lives and property, can be as dangerous as extinguishing fires.
However, with additional training at the US Marine Corps base UU In Quantico, Virginia, or at the federal law enforcement training center in Glencoe, Georgia, you could take a job at the FBI.
The applicant must also have one of the following: a major university in accounting, electrical engineering, information technology or computer science, fluency in a foreign language, a certificate from an accredited law school, or three years of relevant work experience full time.
Some average annual salaries in the previous years for police work include:
- Police and sheriff’s patrol officers: $51,410
- Police and detective supervisors: $75,490.
- Detectives and criminal investigators: $60,910
- Fish and game wardens: $48,930
- Parking enforcement workers: $32,390
- Transit and railroad police: $46,670
Federal law provides special salary rates to federal employees who serve in law enforcement. Total earnings for local, state, and special police and detectives frequently exceed the stated salary because of payments for overtime, which can be significant. (valium)
Forensic Sciences:
Students do not need to specialize at the undergraduate level for a forensic science technician career. Broad training in numerous forensic specialties allows for more job flexibility.
A fire inspector or investigator is a type of forensic scientist, and further training and higher degrees can allow an individual to become a lab director.
Those also with a Ph.D. also may teach forensic science at the college or university level.
Moving Forward with a Fire Science Degree
A job can help pay bills, but focusing on a job can allow progress, personal fulfillment, and more job satisfaction. It is up to the person to plan a career.
However, more experienced people with advanced degrees have more opportunities to advance in a job or to expand business options. A master’s or doctorate also offers business school, college, or university teaching opportunities.
While a fire science career typically prepares graduates to work only in firefighting, several jobs and occupational titles exist within that field.
Fire science majors receive the education and training they need to advance to leadership positions within the fire service profession.
Possible Jobs for Fire Science Majors
Explore a variety of careers in the science of fire. To help you with your educational and professional decisions, we will provide basic information about work duties, salaries, professional expectations, and education requirements.
Graduates in fire science are preparing for a career in firefighting. However, it is important to keep in mind that most firefighters go to training at the fire academy and that extensive experience in supervisory positions is required. Specific functional titles may include fires, fire investigators, smoke birds, captains, firefighters, assistant commanders, lieutenants, and volunteer firemen.
Duties and Work Environments
Most firefighters work for local governments, but some work in airports and factories. Wild firefighters are trained specifically to extinguish fires, forest environments, and fire extinguishers in the position of birds of smoke from wildfires from the sky.
The work of firefighters depends on their area of expertise. For example, fireguards and inspectors find fire prevention methods, conduct inspections on buildings, enforce fire safety laws, and teach children about fire safety. Fire investigators talk to witnesses and gather evidence to discover the source of the fire.
Salary Information
The salaries for fire science professionals vary by job title. According to March 2017 the median salary was $46,332 for firefighters, $52,416 for fire inspectors, $73,253 for fire chiefs, and $57,790 for fire marshals.
Employment Outlook
Firefighters can expect a 5% growth in employment opportunities between 2014 and 2024, notes the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is about average. However, improvements in buildings have reduced fire incidents, and aspiring firefighters should expect stiff competition for paid positions.
However, firefighters will still be needed to respond to both fire and medical emergencies.
Although most firefighters find work with only a high school diploma, some employers prefer applicants who have completed community college courses or those with a university degree in firefighting. EMT certification is also required.
Educational Requirements and Options
Learn how to deal with serial saws, fire extinguishers, and other tools. They also learn how to work in a team environment when saving victims, dealing with different types of fires, and dealing with hazardous materials.
Typical college courses include fire prevention, investigation methods, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, hazardous materials, building construction, combustion, fire behavior, and firefighting basics.
Fire Science Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
Many colleges and universities offer programs to obtain a fire science career in firefighting for aspiring professional firefighters, fire department officials, and inspectors.
At school, students learn how to also deal with accidental fires, arson, and hazardous materials as part of their fire education.
Most Affordable Fire Science Programs
Colleges, universities, and fire academies across the country offer programs to obtain a fire science career in science. Students can find specialized training at multiple levels in almost every state.
Also, the degree of fire science can be a great investment of time and money. In order to help prospective students choose the most affordable options, we have provided information on firefighting programs organized for affordability.
| Rank | School Name | Tuition + Fees | Annual Program Graduates | No. Of Programs | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antelope Valley College | $1,104 | 27 | 1 | Lancaster | California |
| 2 | Yuba College | $1,124 | 32 | 1 | Marysville | California |
| 3 | Crafton Hills College | $1,134 | 39 | 1 | Yucaipa | California |
| 4 | Fresno City College | $1,140 | 46 | 1 | Fresno | California |
| 5 | El Camino College-Compton Center | $1,142 | 1 | 1 | Compton | California |
| 6 | El Camino Community College District | $1,142 | 19 | 1 | Torrance | California |
| 7 | Shasta College | $1,183 | 33 | 1 | Redding | California |
| 8 | Luna Community College | $1,198 | 6 | 1 | Las Vegas | New Mexico |
| 9 | East Los Angeles College | $1,220 | 15 | 1 | Monterey Park | California |
| 10 | Lake Tahoe Community College | $1,221 | 7 | 1 | South Lake Tahoe | California |
Top Fire Science Degree Programs
Popularity can be an indicator of everything from the reputation of the school, or to what extent the program prepares students for jobs, quality education, or site convenience.
It can also affect the degree of acceptance in the program. We compiled a list of the country’s most popular fire science programs.
| Rank | School Name | Annual Program Graduates | No. Of Programs | City | State | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Butte College | 539 | 1 | Oroville | California | Public |
| 2 | Mid Florida Tech | 211 | 1 | Orlando | Florida | Public |
| 3 | Utah Valley University | 197 | 3 | Orem | Utah | Public |
| 4 | Southwestern Illinois College | 165 | 2 | Belleville | Illinois | Public |
| 5 | Kilgore College | 160 | 2 | Kilgore | Texas | Public |
| 6 | Red Rocks Community College | 151 | 2 | Lakewood | Colorado | Public |
| 7 | William T. McFatter Technical Center | 134 | 1 | Davie | Florida | Public |
| 8 | Hillsborough Community College | 118 | 1 | Tampa | Florida | Public |
| 9 | Southern Arkansas University Tech | 113 | 2 | Camden | Arkansas | Public |
| 10 | Houston Community College | 105 | 1 | Houston | Texas | Public |
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