Grow Your Career With A Fire Science Degree

Traditionally, people employed as firefighters were preoccupied with fighting fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of fire incidences has reduced significantly in the last three decades. For example, surveys indicate that Boston alone has recorded a fall in major fires from a whopping 417 in 1975 to just 40 in 2012 thanks to growth in fire protection technology, improved building codes and increased public awareness. This has meant that colleges and universities must be prepared to offer meaningful fire science degrees in order to conform with the changing needs in the field. So while firefighters still need to have the firefighing skills, the field has grown so much to become more professional.

Although the minimum requirement for a firefighter is a high school diploma, many people seeking to occupy the highest positions in the field are now looking to pursue bachelors, associate and master’s degrees in fire science. This is to leverage on the opportunities out there and to become more competitive in a highly dynamic field. In 2012 alone, the number of applications for 24 fire trainee position in Las Vegas were 500. This means that if you are looking for such openings, you are going to need to stand out of the rest. To do so, you will need to go beyond a high school diploma for you to have an added advantage. In fact, it is not extraordinary for a firefighter to have multiple degrees. Acquiring a fire science degree opens up more opportunities and careers in a number of areas, including fire safety, fire drills, and investigations.

Fire science degrees are also critical for people already working in the field, as this provides them with a rare chance to advance their career levels. By combining your experience and higher education, you are assured of moving into higher positions such as a fire safety director, fire inspector or an emergency services director.

A Master degree in fire science will take an average of two years of full-time study, although part-time studies may mean a longer period of study before you obtain the degree. It is viewed as the most advanced degree that one can ever obtain in the field of fire science. However, whether you have an entry-level qualifications or a degree, you will need at least 600 hours of training over a period of not less than 12 weeks.

Online Fire Science Degree

Colleges and universities are beginning to appreciate the increased demand for the course and the need for convenience study programs. As such, online degree programs have been designed to help those who have busy schedules and who cannot afford to be on campus full-time. However, it is worth noting that degrees that are offered fully online are most appropriate for those focusing on administration and policy areas of the field. In addition, they may be more applicable to those who already have had thorough field training.

What You Expect to Study

An associate degree coursework involves a number of areas, including classwork, hands-on training, and field internships. Students are exposed to firefighting equipment and learn the techniques of maintaining it. In addition to general classes, a typical fire degree course may include:
• Fire combustion and behavior
• Rescue Procedure
• Fire Extinguishment Basics
• Basics of EMT
• Chemistry of Fire Science
• Fire Regulation, Codes and Laws
• Fire investigation
• Emergency management
• Fire control
• Hazardous materials handling
• Disaster planning

You will need to select the best and reputable fire academy to guarantee yourself a quality degree that can can help you secure a job in the competitive field of fire fighting.