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Online Education Guide

Guide to College Majors in Fire Science

What is Fire Science?

Working in the fire service profession is an exciting, challenging career with many opportunities for advancement. It is a highly valued public service, one that can be quite rewarding. Students interested in becoming fire fighters, or working in the fire service field, should consider a major in fire science.

Undergraduate degrees in fire science are available for students interested in becoming entry-level fire fighters. Advanced degree options are available for fire fighters or fire service professionals interested in advancement.

Fire science majors study many aspects of the fire service profession, including the behavior of fire, fire extinguishment, and rescue. Students become familiar with the equipment used in fire fighting and learn how to maintain it. Along with these courses, field training usually is required.

During field training students often can fight controlled fires to teach them methods and techniques in fire fighting. Students may also have the opportunity to work shifts in a fire station, learning valuable skills and training while on-the-job with fire service professionals. This hands-on experience, combined with classroom education, provides experience and education that are important to obtaining a career in the fire service profession.

Becoming a fire fighter affords many opportunities for advancement. A combination of experience and education typically is required for advancement. Advancement opportunities for an entry-level fire fighter include fire inspector, fire investigator, and fire chief.

Advanced degrees in fire science often focus on management training or fire inspection skills. These degree programs usually are for the fire service professional seeking advancement in his or her career. These programs typically focus on one aspect of fire science, such as fire suppression or fire protection.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in fire science are expected to grow about as quickly as the national average for all professions. Competition for jobs in this field is expected to be fierce. The minimum education required to become a fire fighter is a high school diploma, which makes these positions highly sought after among job seekers without higher education. The satisfaction of working in a public service profession often draws candidates to fire service professions as well.

People are also often drawn to fire science because of quality benefits. Aside from excellent health benefits, most fire stations offer guaranteed pension upon retirement after only 20 years of service. Another benefit of working in the fire service profession is the infrequency of layoffs. Most fire departments resort to hiring freezes or purchasing embargos, rather than downsizing. Current employees' jobs typically are safe during lean times in a fire station.

Because of the large competition for careers in fire science, the best opportunities for employment will likely be for job seekers with education beyond the high school level, and some on-the-job experience. Physical fitness and overall good health are also important factors in gaining a career in fire service.

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Career Education in Fire Science

Graduate and undergraduate degree programs

College degrees in fire science are offered at many levels, from certificate programs to master's degrees. Degrees in fire science are sometimes general and other times specific to a particular field of fire science, such as fire suppression or fire prevention.

Degree programs are available for students interested in entry-level careers as fire fighters. These programs are typically undergraduate certifications, associate's degrees, and bachelor's degrees. Other degree programs are designed specifically for the fire service professional seeking advancement or increased knowledge in his or her field. The programs chosen by these professionals typically are graduate certificates or master's degrees.

Undergraduate Certificate Programs
Undergraduate certifications in fire science are available to students who have completed at least a high school education. They are short courses of study that typically take less than one year to complete. Undergraduate certifications are often available at night and on weekends. Online undergraduate certification programs can frequently be found as well.

Often, undergraduate certificates in fire science focus on expanding knowledge in one area of the fire fighting profession. For example, undergraduate certificates with a focus on fire inspecting, fire investigation, or fire fighting are common. Courses common to these certification programs include fire prevention, fire chemistry, and fire fighting techniques and strategies. Undergraduate certifications are excellent educational opportunities for both fire-fighting professionals and for students seeking entry-level fire fighting positions.

Associate Degree Programs
Associate's degree programs are two-year courses of study that require a high school diploma for entrance. An associate's degree in fire science typically is preparation for an entry-level position as a fire fighter.

Courses required for an associate's degree in fire science focus on teaching the student fire behavior, rescue procedures, and the basics of fire extinguishment. Hands-on instruction or a required internship is common. General education courses are required in addition to major-specific courses such as emergency medical technician basics, the chemistry of fire science, and the uniform fire code.

Bachelor Degree Programs
A bachelor's degree in fire science often is sought by current fire fighting professionals interested in advancement in their careers. However, a bachelor in fire science is becoming increasingly more common among candidates for entry-level fire fighting positions. A bachelor degree in fire science often can help a candidate for a position as a fire fighter stand out above those without education beyond high school.

A college major in fire science often requires hands-on instruction and/or and internship. Courses common to a bachelor's degree in fire science include fire prevention, emergency management, and fire investigation. General education courses, such as algebra and writing are also required.

Bachelor degrees typically take four years to complete. Entry to a bachelor's degree program in fire science requires only a high school education, although an associate's degree in a related field may be useful.

Master's Degree Programs
In fire science, master's degrees are available to the fire service professional seeking advancement in his or her career or job specialization. Master's degrees in fire science often focus on a specialization, such as fire protection engineering, or fire inspection.

To enter a graduate degree program, candidates must first earn their bachelor degree. A bachelor's degree in fire science, engineering, or a related field is preferred. Courses common in a master's degree in fire science program include fire modeling, explosion protection, and advanced fire dynamics.

Graduate Certificate Programs
Fire service professionals who have completed a bachelor's degree or higher are eligible to pursue a graduate certificate. These certification programs are short courses of study that usually focus on one aspect of the fire service profession.

Courses in a graduate certificate program often are selected from the list of courses required in a master's degree program. Upon completion of these courses, the graduate certificate is earned. However, many students go on to complete the entire master's degree curriculum. These certification programs help provide excellent opportunities for advancement.

Universities Offering Online Fire Science Degree Programs:

Keiser University - Online Associate of Science Degree in Fire Science
Columbia Southern University - Online Fire Science Bachelor's Degrees and Undergraduate Certificates

What can you do with a College Degree in Fire Science?

Career options for aspiring fire science professionals

• Fire Fighter. Fire fighters 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 fire fighting and emergency medical training to qualify them to attend to the needs of the people and structures involved in these emergency calls.
  
  At the scene of a fire, fire fighters have many duties. They use their equipment to ensure that water goes where it is needed. Fire fighters rescue victims trapped in buildings or other structures, and provide 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, fire fighters clean and maintain equipment, perform fire drills, and complete paperwork relevant to emergency incidents.
  
  Fire fighters also visit schools and child care facilities to teach children about fire safety.
  
  To qualify for employment as a fire fighter, a high school diploma or GED is required. In addition, most fire stations require the successful completion of a written, physical and medical examination. An undergraduate certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree in fire science can further improve the chances of gaining employment as a fire fighter.
  
  Fire fighter's schedules vary from location to location, but they are often on duty for twenty-four hours at a time. They spend much of their time at the fire station, where they often live in dormitory-like facilities.
  
  Hazardous conditions are the norm for a fire fighter, who might encounter hazardous fumes, smoke, or fire during any work shift. Though the conditions may often be hazardous, the rewards are high.
  
  Many fire fighters are seen as heroes in their community, and are admired by children and adults alike.
  
  There is great potential for advancement as a fire fighter. Within a fire station, a fire fighter may move up the ranks from engineer to lieutenant, and further up the chain until becoming chief. Advancement usually is limited to those employees who have both experience in the field and higher education.
  
  
• Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist. A forest fire inspector and prevention specialist is a special kind of fire fighter who works in national forests and parks. They watch for fires from their watchtower and call in any sightings to the main station. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists fight fires in national parks and forests using a variety of methods.
  
  Prevention of fires is an important part of their job as well. They are responsible for ensuring that campers and visitors to the forests and parks follow fire safety precautions and rules.
  
  Requirements for becoming a forest fire inspector and prevention specialist typically are the same as requirements for becoming a fire fighter. They must complete high school or earn their GED and pass physical, written and medical examinations. Opportunities for advancement are improved with completed education.
  
  
• Fire Inspector. A fire inspector is responsible for examining the interior and exterior of buildings and structures for fire hazards. They ensure that fire codes are complied with, and discuss with the builders or owners any changes that need to be made. Fire inspectors test equipment, such as fire extinguishers, and ensure that it is working properly. Fire inspectors are also responsible for collecting fees for building licenses and permits. If a building does not meet the fire code requirements, the fire inspector and builder or owner discuss changes that need to be made. If the changes are not made, the fire inspector may issue a citation. If the problems listed on the citation are not brought up to code, legal action can be taken against the building owner or developer.
  
  Fire inspectors usually are required to complete a certification program acknowledged by the state in which they work. Building codes and citation information may vary from state-to-state, so each state often has their own certification examination designed to test knowledge of the fire code in that state. Certification is also available through the Uniform Fire Code Association.
  
  Fire inspectors are typically part of the fire department, and may be part of a team of fire inspectors. They typically have experience working as a fire fighter and are required to have a high school diploma or GED. Some areas find an associate's degree in fire science sufficient in the place of experience as a fire fighter.
  
  
• Fire Investigator. Fire investigators work at the scene of a fire that is thought to be arson related or caused by criminal negligence. The investigator's primary responsibility is to determine both the cause and origin of the fire. To do this, fire investigators take photos of the scene, examine the site of the fire, and collect evidence. They interview witnesses and the owner of the building or home that has caught fire. Aside from duties at the scene of a fire, a fire investigator is responsible for reporting any information obtained at the scene. Fire investigators can arrest suspects and carry out warrants. If the case is brought to trial, the fire investigator may be called to testify.
  
  Fire investigators must have a high school diploma or GED. They must pass a written, physical and medical examination. Fire inspectors typically work as fire fighters before becoming fire inspectors, but an associate's degree in fire science fulfills the experience requirement in many cases.
  
  Fire investigators typically are required to complete a certification program in the state in which they wish to work. Certification programs vary from state-to-state.
  
  

Salary Information for Careers in Fire Science

Entry-level fire fighters are often paid hourly. In 2002, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median hourly income of $17.42 for entry-level fire fighters. The chief of a fire station, the highest level to which a fire fighter typically may advance, earned a median annual income of $64,134. Fire inspectors, with more experience than entry-level fire fighters, earned a median annual income of $44,250. Fire investigators reported a median annual income slightly higher than that of fire inspectors, earning $45,000.

Though an entry-level fire fighter does not earn as much as fire investigators or inspectors, they often have significant opportunities to achieve overtime pay. This pay is often worth one and a half times their normal hourly wage. In addition, fire fighters, inspectors, and investigators typically are provided excellent health benefits and pension plans. Pension plans usually are guaranteed after 20 years of service.

Certification and Licensure

A license is not required to become a fire fighter, investigator, or inspector. Most states, however, require completion of a certification to become a fire inspector in their state. State requirements vary, so checking with the local fire and safety board is important.

Voluntary certifications are available for fire service professionals through a variety of organizations. Voluntary certifications show the mastery of a skill set, and are useful in gaining employment or advancement.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers many voluntary certifications, including:

• Certified Fire Protection Specialist
• Certified Fire Inspector
• Certified Fire Inspector, II
• Certified Fire Plan Examiner
• Certified Building Inspector
• Certified Building Plans Examiner

All certification programs through the National Fire Protection Association require extensive experience in the field, as well as some relevant education.

Certification is also available to fire inspectors through the Uniform Fire Code Association. The Uniform Fire Code Association requires successful completion of an examination demonstrating a good knowledge of the Uniform Fire Code. This certification must be renewed every three years by completing a brief examination that ensures continued, up-to-date knowledge of the Uniform Fire Code.

Related Associations and Certification Bodies

• International Association of Arson Investigators
• International Association of Fire Chiefs
• International Association of Firefighters
• National Association for Search and Rescue
• National Fire Protection Association
• National Volunteer Fire Council
• Federal Alliance for Safe Homes
• National Association of State Fire Marshals
• National Association of State Foresters
• National Emergency Management Association

Explore Related Degree, Diploma and Certificate Programs

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