
More than a helmet and a hose
The first thing one thinks
of in relation to fires and firemen is probably the bulky
suit, protective helmet, and monster hose requiring about
five strong men to hold it and manipulate the powerful stream
against a raging fire. In many areas, the local firemen are
still volunteers; but the need for trained professionals in
the area of fire science is changing that. Furthermore, you
can get your degree online, often in less time than it would
take in a traditional classroom setting. continued below »
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Columbia Southern University offers an A.A.S. and a B.S. in Fire Science degree program online. Both programs provide comprehensive curriculums of fire prevention and fire protection. Coursework includes Fire Protection, Fire Prevention, Principles of Fire Behavior, Fire Protection Systems, and more.
For program disclosure information, click here.
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Keiser University offers an Associate’s in Fire Science that is designed to provide students with an understanding of crisis management and prepare them to conduct fire scene investigations. Coursework includes fire prevention methods, fire detection systems, fire rescue, safety and salvage procedures, and more.
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A bachelor’s degree in fire science from Kaplan University will provide you with the skills to protect a community against fire and to combat fires effectively when they happen. It is a good degree to pursue if you want to be a firefighter, fire inspector or fire investigator.
For program disclosure information, click here.
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EKU offers a Certificate in Fire Science and Emergency Services. This certificate is designed for those who have experience-based skills in fire fighting and prevention, rescue and emergency response procedures. You will study first response management, fire engineering and rescue operations, and public emergency services; your education will prepare you for leadership positions and management level responsibilities.
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Kaplan University offers an A.A.S. in Fire Science. You will learn skills in firefighter safety, building codes, fire prevention, code inspection and more. Once you have your degree you will be qualified to work as a firefighter, fire inspector or fire investigator.
For program disclosure information, click here.
What
is Fire Science
Fire Science is much more than putting
out fires, although appropriate methods of fire suppression
and extinguishment are certainly a part of the education.
In addition, 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. Such an
individual will have a thorough knowledge of fire detection
systems, of hazardous materials, of fire behavior, and of
safety and salvage practices. The degree prepares an individual
An individual who is willing to travel and be in a position to influence city, state and even national government organizations can study the fire regimes for different ecosystems along with the different kinds of fires that occur on various landscapes. Fire scientists also address the restoration of wilderness areas that have been devastated by fire along with presenting proposals for the re-establishment of native plant and wildlife species.
Getting
the Education
An Associate's Degree in Fire Science
may involve as much as 60 credit hours with 36 hours in the
fire science courses themselves. 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.
You can become a fire chief by combining 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.
Your
Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports
that firefighters often endure low (or no) pay and poor working
conditions. A degree in fire science, however, will enable
you to specialize and qualify for jobs in public safety agencies,
government administration, or international fire related research,
prevention and recovery. 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.