Super-charge your career with an associate degree in explosives ordnance disposal

Whether in times of military conflict or in the processes of demolition, construction, mining, or drilling, explosives can be devastatingly effective. However, when they are no longer needed, locating and removing these explosives can be a difficult--or even deadly--task. In most cases, an elite group of highly trained experts are called in to ensure that bombs and explosives are disposed of properly and safely. Does this sound like the perfect career for you? If so, an explosives ordnance disposal degree can help you break into the field.

Associate degree in explosives ordnance disposal: career outlook

A job seeker with a degree in explosives ordnance disposal or related education and experience can find work in government agencies, non-profit organizations and private firms.

Government jobs in this field are distributed at the local, state and federal level. There are many positions in explosives ordnance disposal in the military, but opportunities are available in many other criminal justice agencies and departments as well, including fire departments, police departments, state and federal investigation agencies, and state and federal agencies that oversee and regulate firearms and explosives.

In the private sector, candidates with explosives disposal experience and education can fill a number of different functions. In addition to security-related work, bomb technicians and explosive ordnance disposal experts can apply their skills to the construction, mining and drilling industries. In some of these roles, certification or licensure may be necessary, depending on the requirements of a particular jurisdiction. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, explosives workers had a median annual wage of $42,460 in 2009.

If you choose to apply your associate degree in explosives ordnance disposal in a law enforcement setting at the local or state level, you can expect to earn a salary that is roughly comparable to those offered in standard law enforcement positions. Based on 2009 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, representative median salaries in the field include:

• Police and sheriff's patrol officers, $53,210
• Transit and railroad officers, $50,940
• Detectives and criminal investigators, $62,110
• First-line supervisors and managers of police officers and detectives, $76,500

Associate degree in explosives ordnance disposal: educational requirements

Students pursuing a campus-based or online associate degree in explosives ordnance disposal or a related field such as law enforcement can expect to encounter coursework that covers topics such as physics, chemistry, electronics and electricity, management and communication, in addition to standard general education courses.

While many job seekers that pursue careers in this field have a military background, an associate degree in explosives ordnance disposal can bolster a military resume or boost the credentials of a civilian seeking to break into the field. There are a number of programs that award an online associate degree in explosives ordnance disposal upon completion; most or all of the coursework required to complete these programs can be accessed using the latest Internet-based distance learning technologies.

Because of the unique nature of the work involved, many employers prefer to hire explosives technicians with experience in the field. As such, some degrees in explosives ordnance disposal require some hands-on learning components, and campus-based programs are also available for students who prefer a traditional learning environment. Get started today--enroll in the explosives ordnance disposal degree program that best suits your needs.

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