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The Online Fire Science degree places focus on the knowledge and skills needed to successfully acquire and succeed in a fire service career.
A fire science degree is a study program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become firefighters, fire investigators and other professionals in the field of fire safety. If you want to know what degree you need as a firefighter, a fire science degree is your answer.
Are you interested in pursuing a Fire Science degree online? Your twin passions for solving problems and serving the public can help you to excel in this critical field.
Choose between an associate degree or bachelor degree and prepare yourself to potentially earn $50,000 or more per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Online Fire Science Degree Programs
You’re looking at two options when pursuing a degree in fire science online.
1. Online fire science associate’s degree
2. Online fire science Bachelor degree
Compare fire science programs to see which one is the right choice for you.
Associate’s in Fire Science
Many people choose to earn their degrees in two years at community colleges using an associate’s degree in fire science online program. An A.S. in Fire Science can help prepare you for service examinations to become a firefighter or fire investigator. In an associate degree program, you can learn the basics that go into both fire prevention and response.
Additionally, you can graduate from an associate degree program at community colleges with the qualifications needed to help you to take on a supervisory role in fire departments, even working your way up to fire chief, after you accumulate enough work experience. This depends primarily on the size of your community though, as larger cities prefer candidates with either an on-campus or online bachelor degree.
Bachelor’s in Fire Science
Graduates with a fire science bachelor’s degree typically start in the same positions as associate degree graduates, performing duties as a firefighter or other type of emergency responder.
With a fire science bachelor’s degree, however, you are more likely to qualify for management or more specialized roles, such as fire investigator, fire inspector, or even fire chief. You’ll still need to put your time in before promotion, but you won’t need a master’s degree to advance in the field of fire science professionals.
If you do want to teach fire science, though, an in-person or online bachelor degree can help set you up to enter a master’s program and eventually earn your advanced degree. Plus, if you want to finish your degree quicker than the average four years, consider pursuing an accelerated science degree program.
What Will You Learn in an Online Fire Science Program?
A degree from a fire science online program can show you how to prevent and respond to fires. You will need both technical skills and skills for situational management.
Here’s a look at some courses you can expect to encounter while studying fire science:
Building Construction provides an overview of the relationship between building codes and fire procedures.
Defense Planning instructs fire science students on how to prepare for fires, come up with evacuation plans, and engage effectively in community risk reduction.
Fire Behavior provides a core understanding of the way fires begin and spread by looking at chemical properties.
Fire Prevention goes over prevention procedures.
Fire Suppression covers how to put out fires and prevent spreading.
Hydraulics and Water teaches fire science students basic water defense systems like hoses, ladders, and lift systems.
Things like the basics of emergency services, fire behavior, fire investigation, building construction, fire prevention cooperation with government entities, protection systems, preventative measures, community risk reduction, fire dynamics, and fire behavior are all typically covered in a degree program. You will also probably be introduced to HAZMAT and OSHA regulations.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Fire Science?
A degree in Fire Science can help put you at the front line of keeping both the public and ecosystem safe from fires. Fire science professionals in this field do work in both preventative and responsive capacities. Here’s a look at some typical roles for graduates of Fire Science programs:
- Firefighter
- Fire Investigator
- Fire Inspector
- Fire Marshal/Commissioner
- Forensic Investigator
- Safety/Plant Manager
Many people with this degree choose to work in the public sector. However, many private companies with manufacturing or production settings need experts with these very unique skills.
Fire Science Degree Salary
Fire services professionals are often paid generously because they serve essential roles that keep both property and people safe.
Here’s a look at some salary trends:
- Firefighter: $52.500
- Forensics Technician:$60.590
- Fire Inspector:62.180
All salary and job information is provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Fire Science Professional Organizations
You will be in a very rare and specialized role when you step into your career as a fire specialist. It can be helpful to be in the loop with other professionals who are steeped in the same intense tasks that you are. Here’s a look at the associations that should be on your radar:
The international association of human right: is the labor union that represents full-time firefighters throughout the United States and Canada.
The international association of women and fire service and emergency: is a networking organization that promotes education, support, and advocacy for women employed in fire service.
The US fire administration: is the top federal agency for fire data collection, public education on fires, fire research, and related training. This agency is a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
These groups are important because they can keep you on the cutting edge of what’s happening in the fire service industry. They also provide advocacy for fire services professionals that helps to ensure that you can look out for yourself while pursuing a career advancement that keeps others safe.
Fire Science Certification and Licensure
Many people decide to pursue EMT certification after obtaining a degree in fire science online or through in-person programs. This combination may put you at an advantage when applying to roles as a first responder.
What’s more, it should give you added confidence whenever you need to walk into potentially high-risk situations throughout your career in fire service.
Accreditation for a Fire Science Degree Online
Regional accreditation is something to consider when planning for your degree. While not necessary, regional accreditation does often make your degree more attractive to employers. Regional accreditation is proof that your school has passed a stringent review process.
Those seeking degrees in Fire Science also need to be aware of accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
This is a top-level accreditation that is explicitly granted to institutions of higher education with programs for fire and emergency. This accreditation is a sign that a program meets strict criteria in fire service education.
Financial Aid
The financial aid opportunities that are available to you as you seek a degree in Fire Science will be the same opportunities that are available to students seeking any degree types through accredited two-year and four-year programs. This includes everything from federal grants and loan to work-study programs and state aid.
Private organizations often provide special scholarships for firefighters. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) provides access to a number of private scholarships from institutions. You may also find that your local firefighter union offers scholarship opportunities.
Can You Get a Fire Science Degree Online?
Yes, just as with a fire administration service degree online. you can get a Fire Science degree online.
It is possible that you will need to complete at least a portion of the training that goes along with this very intense field of study in person on a practicum level.
How Do I Get a Degree in Fire Science?
The path to a degree in Fire Science begins by finding a program that works for you. You’ll first need to decide if you’d like to pursue a two-year or four-year degree. This is a crucial decision because it may impact your career advancement once you begin applying to jobs following graduation.
A two-year degree program for Fire Science should be sufficient if your goal is to become a firefighter. A two-year degree is likely going to be a more desirable option for you if you have your eye on a supervisory role.
Jobs related to fire safety and fire investigation in the private sector can often be obtained with both two-year and four-year degrees. However, what you’ll generally find is that four-year degrees typically set you up for supervisory roles.
The final perk to discuss in relation to four-year degrees is that you will have the option to pursue a master’s degree that’s related to your field. You may find that your career path puts you in the spot of needing a master’s degree in engineering or a related field after a few years.
How Much Does a Fire Science Degree Cost?
The full cost of this degree varies based on a few different factors. The obvious factor is the length of study you choose.
An associate’s degree in Fire Science that is earned in two years is obviously going to be less expensive than other degree options. This is why it’s often the recommended route for those aspiring to become firefighters.
For instance, the average cost of a two-year degree from a public college is somewhere around $10000. The cost to get a four-year degree in Fire Science varies wildly. The price will essentially be the same as the cost for any other type of bachelor’s degree from the same institution.
The primary benefit of completing an online program is that there won’t be any need to pay fees for room and board that can put the price out of reach for so many.
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