Fire science degrees are great for people who are looking to advance their careers in the firefighting or emergency services fields. If you are looking to become a firefighter, fire investigator, forest fire investigator, then going to school for a fire science degree is a great decision.
This article will go over the value of earning a fire science degree, from where to go to school, classes you will take, and careers and salaries available to graduates of a fire science degree program.
What Is a Fire Science Degree?
A degree in fire science focuses on how fire behaves, fire safety, investigations, fire prevention, administrative duties, and much more. Getting a fire science degree is a great idea for individuals who want to advance their career as a firefighter or in other fire and emergency occupations.
There are a few classes you can count on taking as a fire science major. They include:
- EMT Basics
- Emergency Management
- Fire Control
- Fire Prevention
Best Fire Science Degree Schools
To best aid your career journey, you should find a school with the best fire science degree program that fits your future career goals. To help, let’s now take a look at some notable schools that offer traditional and online fire science degrees.
Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global is the online branch of Purdue University, recognized as an official Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education institution. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science online. This program is geared toward those who are interested in becoming firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, or in holding other related occupations.
Some courses you will take include:
- Fire Behavior and Combustion
- Principles of Emergency Services
- Fire Prevention Organization and Management
- Fire Prevention Practices
- Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply
City University of New York
The John Jay College of Criminal Justice at City University of New York offers a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science that focuses on reducing the loss of life and property to fires. Its program is designed to teach students about fire safety and policies, and about buildings and environments in relation to the growth of fires.
Some of the courses you will take include:
- Fire Dynamics
- Building Construction and Life Safety Systems
- Fire Safety Administration
- Hazard Identification and Mitigation
- Water-based Fire Suppression Systems
University of Florida
The University of Florida offers both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in fire science. It offers a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Fire and Emergency Services. Its bachelor’s degree program is for students who are looking to work in emergency services and would like a leadership position. The master’s program is for students who are looking to learn more and advance their careers in homeland security, disaster response and recovery, and emergency planning.
Some of the classes you will take include:
- Community Risk Reduction for Emergency Services
- Fire and Emergency Services Administration
- Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Management
- FES Financial Management
- Command and Control at Catastrophic Incidents
Liberty University
Liberty University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration. This fire science degree focuses on the administration and technical side of the firefighting and emergency services industry. With this degree, you are able to take charge, educate people on fire safety, know different policies and procedures for emergency preparedness services, and fill the void in leadership positions in the fire industry.
Some courses you will take include:
- Human Resources Management in Fire Service Organizations
- Fire Prevention and Protection
- Legal and Political Issues in Fire Administration
- Leadership in Fire Services Organizations
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration. This program is tailored to students who want to be a fire chief one day. Students learn about leadership, communication, finance, public administration, and other skills needed for the fire administration industry.
You will learn creative thinking outcomes, how to plan and manage within an organization and see how it affects budgets, and be able to understand policies within the administration.
Some of the classes you will be taking are:
- Fire and Emergency Systems Administration
- Analytical Approaches to Fire Services
- Applications of Fire Research
- Psychology of Disaster
- Political and Legal Foundations for Fire Protection
These specific courses help students gain a full understanding of the fire and emergency services industry and what they can expect after graduation. After graduating with your fire science degree, you can expect a higher salary than someone who does not have a degree.
Careers with a Fire Science Degree
After you receive your degree, your career opportunities broaden and you are able to apply for a variety of jobs. Listed below are some of the best jobs available with a fire science degree.
Firefighter
Although it is not required to have a fire science degree, some firefighters get a degree before going on to the academy. Becoming a firefighter with a degree can be a great start because if you want to transition into other positions in the industry, some require a fire science degree on top of work experience. To learn more about becoming a firefighter, read our guide on how to become a firefighter.
Fire Inspector
- Median Pay: $60,230 per year
- Education Requirements: Past firefighter experience; Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science
- Number of Jobs in 2019: 16,400
- Job Outlook: 8% increase
- Highest Paying States: California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada
- Highest Employment Level: Florida, Texas, New Jersey, California
Fire inspectors make sure that local, state, and federal fire codes are met when inspecting buildings. Forest fire inspectors work outdoors to assess hazards in residential and public areas. Most jobs require firefighting experience on top of a fire science degree.
Fire and Arson Investigator
- Median Pay: $60,230 per year
- Education Requirements: Past firefighter experience; Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science
- Number of Jobs in 2019: 16,400
- Job Outlook: 8% increase
- Highest Paying States: California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada
- Highest Employment Level: Florida, Texas, New Jersey, California
Fire and arson investigators are responsible for finding the source of a fire or explosion. They launch an investigation to see what happened and how it can be prevented in the future. Most investigator jobs require some firefighting experience.
Fire Chief
A fire chief is in charge of a fire department. This position is earned by becoming a firefighter first and gaining years of experience. After you feel like you have earned the proper credentials and skills, and the trust of your fellow peers, you may apply for a fire chief position.
You will be responsible for running the department, making sure day-to-day duties are completed, supervising firefighters at the scene, and training their firefighters. With a fire science degree, you are more than qualified to understand the administrative duties that come along with it.
The average salary for a fire chief is $78,896 per year in the United States.
Other positions include working with the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, the Red Cross, Emergency and Safety Management, and more.
Does Getting a Fire Science Degree Appeal to You?
After reading this article, you should have a good understanding of what getting a fire science degree entails, the best schools, and what careers it can lead to. A fire science degree will help propel your career in the fire and emergency services industry. Read on if you still have more questions.
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Fire Science Degree FAQ
Do I need a fire science degree to become a firefighter?
You do not need a degree to become a firefighter, but it would help your salary and future job prospects that you may be interested in.
Do schools offer programs online?
Yes, most schools offer an online fire science degree program if you cannot attend a traditional course.
What can I do with my degree if I don’t want to be a firefighter?
You can be a fire and arson investigator, a fire inspector, or work in emergency services or fire administration.
Does getting a fire science degree mean I do not need to attend the fire academy?
No. Even though you get a degree in fire science, you must still enroll in the fire academy to be a firefighter.
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