Fire Science Bachelors Degree Online
Is a Fire Science Degree for You?
If you like to play with fire (literally) and enjoy helping others, you should consider earning a fire science degree. Fire science is the study of fire behavior, fire suppression, fire prevention and protection. Much of the fire science curriculum focuses on controlling a variety of fires, clearing smoke-filled buildings, rescuing victims in fires and other accidents and handling flammable, hazardous materials. Students will study practical techniques for fighting fires and learn how to properly handle and use fire extinguishers, chain saws, fire hydrants and other firefighting tools. Another major concentration of fire science is emergency preparedness and response. Students will learn how to enter burning buildings, rescue victims and administer CPR and other emergency treatments when necessary. Fire science majors will also study the chemical properties of fire and the chemical process of combustion. They'll use this knowledge to explore how fires start, how they behave and how to extinguish them. Once they've covered the basics of fire science and suppression, students are then introduced to fire analysis and investigation. This information will come in handy if fire science majors want to become property loss claims investigators, fire equipment and systems designers or building code inspectors.
Advice for Earning Your Fire Science Degree Online
Earning your fire science degree online is an excellent choice for those who have to balance school with work and family demands and need a flexible schedule. Online fire science degrees are just as authentic and competitive as traditional, on campus degrees. Online students complete the same rigorous curriculum and are held to the same standards as on campus students. Online programs are either fully online or partially online, and some may require students to attend local campuses for exams and live demonstrations. Students may be required to work shifts at local fire stations to gain hands-on training and firefighting skills. Online programs also offer certification opportunities and additional fire science concentrations. Online fire science degrees have also become more widely accepted in the job market as a credible and comprehensive form of education and professional training. In fact, having a fire science degree is considered an added bonus for prospective firefighters because it is not an educational requirement. There are several different online fire science degree programs, but it's crucial that students enroll at an accredited online college. An accredited school has been reviewed by an accrediting agency that's backed by the U.S. Department of Education.
Required Courses
In addition to mandatory general studies, most fire science programs require students to take classes in fire protection, fire prevention, fire administration, hazardous materials operations, fire investigation and analysis and first aid and CPR. These classes give students a comprehensive look at firefighting, emergency management, fire safety technology and building construction. The knowledge and skills they gain in school will directly relate to their fire science jobs.
Common Career Paths
Fire science graduates have many hot job opportunities to choose from. A common career path for most fire science majors is to become firefighters. Firefighters respond to emergency calls, put out fires and save lives. Fire science graduates are also qualified to work as construction and building inspectors, foresters and forestry technicians, fire safety technician and emergency medical technician (EMT).
Starting Salary: $29,239 to $40,280
Mid-Career Salary: $41,171 to $67,151
Learn More About a Career in Fire Science
