Help your Community to a Healthy Respect for Fire: Get your Fire Science Degree Online

Taming the Awesome Power
FIRE! We depend on some aspect of it in nearly every facet of our lives, from the lowly spark that ignites a grill, oven, or starts a car to the roaring power of a blast furnace. Yet, when someone shouts the word or sets off an alarm, our hearts race and we listen intently to find out where there is a fire—that is a fire that is burning where it isn't supposed to be. If you have an interest in helping your community harness and use fire safely, and if you also thrive on a bit of danger and excitement, a degree or certificate in fire science may be just for the career you are looking for. continued below »

Schools offering Online degrees:

Columbia Southern University provides both an A.A.S. and B.S. in Fire Science degree program online. Both programs offer well-rounded comprehensive curriculums that focus on fire prevention and fire protection. Coursework includes Principles of Fire Behavior, Fire Protection, Fire Prevention, Fire Protection Systems, and more.

Eastern Kentucky University offers a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology program, a Masters in Safety, Security and Emergency Management - Fire and Emergency Services program, a Fire and Safety Engineering Technology certificate program, and a Fire and Emergency Services certificate program. All programs provide students with knowledge of fire safety/protection and prepare them for advancement in their fire safety field.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute: provides a M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering degree program online. The program is primarily designed for those currently working at engineering firms, as consultants, and in the government sector. In this program, students are exposed to the newest research and the latest industry trends.

Grand Canyon University provides an online M.S. in Executive Fire Service Leadership program. In this program, students are taught various strategic management strategies and learn about the internal processes fire management. Coursework includes analysis, evaluation and administration of fire protection services, management instruction, disaster planning, and more.

Fire Science in a Technologically Advanced World
The local fire department was once known as the group of local citizens—volunteers, that is—who put their lives on the line to douse a house fire in the neighborhood, extinguish a fire in a burning car, assist in search and rescue missions, and otherwise show up for summer field days and parades. While today's fire department still does those things, the professional—with a degree in fire science—has a lot more responsibility, along with a paycheck. In addition to extinguishing fires, the degreed fire scientist will understand crisis management, will be able to investigate a fire scene to determine the cause of fire and will perform community services to guide citizens in ways of protecting lives and property. He will be able to supervise the installation and maintenance of fire detection systems, and will be knowledgeable regarding hazardous materials, fire behavior, and safety and salvage practices.

If you simply want to be more knowledgeable in your field, you might seek the certificate in fire science; if you want a higher paid position, perhaps even a managerial one, you can go for a bachelor of science or a master of science degree in the field.

Fire science, like other disciplines, has grown to variety of programs, each with its own area of focus. If you like working with people, you might interact with schools or in other public settings to educate the public in fire prevention and control as well as in the control of hazardous materials. If you are an outdoor type and like to travel, you might work with a group that studies the impact of fire on different landscapes and ecosystems. If you have a flare for influencing those in power, you might be part of a government agency, where you can help develop management programs and can analyze the legal ramifications of fire and hazardous materials.

Getting the Education
A degree in Fire Science will involve from 60 to 120 credit hours, depending on the level of education you want. The Associates Degree from an accredited school will give you the same quality of education that professional fire prevention specialists receive from the municipal fire academies. A certificate will usually involve 30 hours; will give you a good introduction to fire science if you should choose to continue your studies but will also provide you with enough education to at least get started in your career.

If you want to be a city fire chief, you will combine the fire science courses with courses in management and administration. Some students also enhance their career possibilities by taking chemistry and engineering courses that enable them to find employment as fire prevention specialists who work with architects and contractors to design safer buildings.

Getting Paid
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that firefighters often endure low (or no) pay and poor working conditions. While the volunteer fireman has not disappeared, a degree in fire science will enable you to qualify for paying jobs related to public safety and fire prevention. The average salary for a fire prevention specialist and code inspector is $46,000 while fire chiefs and officials in major cities can earn approximately $80,000 per year.

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