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Online Education Guide - What is a College Major? View College Majors - Aviation Science - Biology - Biotechnology - Environmental Science - Fire Science - GIS - Mathematics & Statistics - Physics - Veterinary Science |
Home | Career Pathways | Online Education Guide | Science Majors | Fire Science Online Education GuideGuide to College Majors in Fire ScienceWhat 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. Career Education in Fire ScienceGraduate and undergraduate degree programsCollege 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 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 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 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 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 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 What can you do with a College Degree in Fire Science?Career options for aspiring fire science professionals
Salary Information for Careers in Fire ScienceEntry-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 LicensureA 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:
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
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