Fire Science Bachelor’s Degree Online
Is a Fire Science Degree for You?
A fire science degree is for those who are interested in a career related to firefighting, fire protection, and fire prevention. Fire science degree holders have devoted a lot of their academic career to understanding the physics of fire and how to manage it. 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, chainsaws, 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. Once they have covered the basics of fire science and suppression, students are introduced to fire analysis and investigation, which are necessary for fire science majors who 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. Online fire science degrees are just as authentic and competitive as traditional, on-campus degrees, right down to the same rigorous curriculum and high standards imposed on traditional students. The programs can be completed 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. There are several different online fire science programs, but it is crucial that students enroll at an accredited online college that has been reviewed by an accrediting agency backed by the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Required Courses
In addition to mandatory general study course work, most fire science programs require students to take classes in fire protection, fire prevention, fire administration, hazardous materials operations, fire investigation, 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 students gain in these courses will directly relate to their fire science jobs.
Common Career Paths
Fire science graduates can choose from a number of career opportunities, which include (but are not limited to):
- Firefighter
Firefighters are often the first to respond to the scenes of car accidents and natural disasters. They work to expand public awareness of personal fire safety by visiting schools and community centers. Certain firefighters train to deal with hazardous waste emergencies and forest fires. Most firefighters earn a high school diploma; however, those who earn a degree in fire science can have better career options and may be more often sought out by departments looking to hire career firefighters who can take on many responsibilities. In addition to having a degree in fire science, firefighters undergo training in a firefighting academy, where they put to practice the concepts they learned earning their degree. They also often earn emergency medical technician certification to prepare them to help injured victims.
They are expected to have good employment prospects in the next few years, though job candidates face stiff competition. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that employment for fire fighters will grow over 19% in the next 10 years. In 2008, firefighters earned an average salary of $44,260.
- Fire Inspector
Fire inspectors travel around the areas of their jurisdiction and examine businesses and other buildings. They ensure that these places are up to local and state fire code standards. They check exits and entrances, test fire extinguishers and other preventive systems, and make sure proper procedures are implemented during fire drills. Fire inspectors also evaluate and approve plans for new buildings and inspect the development of these buildings to make sure that any new construction is up to code.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that fire inspector employment will grow as fast as other industries. Job prospects will probably match the pace of urban development. Competition for these jobs will be stiff, so it makes sense to make your candidacy as attractive as possible by earning a degree in fire science. In May of 2008, the BLS found that fire inspectors made around $55,000 annually.
- Fire Investigator
While fire inspectors examine factors that could lead to fires or affect what happens if a fire occurs, fire investigators look into what caused a fire. They interview witnesses, examine and catalogue evidence, and write reports about what they believe caused the fire. They are especially useful in cases where arson or other criminal activity is thought to have started the fire. Like fire inspectors, fire investigators also generally earn a high school diploma before taking the job; however, they can often improve their chances of receiving a job offer if they have studied fire science and earned a bachelor's degree.
Employment opportunities for fire investigators are projected to grow as fast as the average for other industries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Candidates for these job openings, however, will face stiff competition, so they are advised to earn a degree in fire safety to improve their standing. According to the BLS, fire investigators made an average of $53,030 annually as of May 2008, while their counterparts in the forest fires division made around $30,000.
