10 Top Double Majors With a Fire Science Degree

Fire science is a major that focuses on building skills in firefighting and fire prevention. It's often offered as an associate or bachelor's degree for those wanting to become firefighters. Double majoring in college with fire science can increase your career opportunities. Keep reading to discover some of the best double majors for fire science.

Top Fire Science Double Majors

Many fire science majors go on to work in fire departments, but a double major can expand your opportunities. Below, we've listed some of the best double majors for fire science.

1. Emergency Management

Emergency management refers to the handling of natural disasters and other emergency events, both while the emergency is happening and in the aftermath. These degrees often cover topics like:

• communication across teams
• emergency planning
• hazards and risk management
• public service

An emergency management double major is great for fire science majors who want to move into management roles and want to oversee large-scale events. Some colleges offer fire science and emergency management as one cohesive major.

2. Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine, sometimes called paramedic technology, is a major typically meant for those wanting to become emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. Students learn:

• anatomy and physiology
• emergency medicine
• medical ethics
• medical terminology

Many firefighters must be trained in basic medicine, as they are first responders. A dual degree in emergency medicine will help give you a leg up in the job market.

3. Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is a degree program that studies the criminal justice system. These degree programs often cover:

• crime scene investigation
• criminal behavior
• criminal law
• public policy

With double majors in fire science and criminal justice, you'll be well-equipped to investigate crime scenes involving fire. This may include cases of arson as well as accidental fires.

4. Forensic Science

Forensic science is the application of science to law and the criminal justice system. These programs usually include courses on topics like:

• biochemistry
• crime scene investigation
• genetics
• organic chemistry

Forensic scientists collect evidence at crime scenes and process crime scene evidence in a lab. This degree can prepare fire science majors to collect and process evidence at the scene of a fire.

5. Business Administration

The field of business administration is broad and includes business fields like finance, HR, and more. These program often include core courses covering topics such as:

• business operations
• business planning
• economics and finance
• leadership and management

By earning a business administration degree along with a fire science degree, you'll be poised to take on the more administrative side of fire science. It's especially great for someone looking for a career in insurance or management.

6. Forestry and Natural Resources

A degree in forestry and natural resources focuses on forest management and conservation. These programs may cover:

• forest biology
• forest ecosystems
• natural resources
• urban forestry

A double major in fire science and forestry and natural resources is great for those who want to work in areas with a high risk of wildfires. It's also great for those wanting to work to protect forests and lower wildfire risks.

7. Environmental Sciences

Environmental science degrees are degree programs focusing on the environment and climate concerns. Common areas studied include:

• biology
• chemistry
• ecology
• geology

A degree in environmental sciences is another option for students who want to protect areas from wildfires. It also opens the door to careers in environmental research and policy.

8. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a field of engineering concerned with physical machines. These are heavily based on math and science, and often cover topics like:

• machine design
• manufacturing
• nuclear energy
• robotics

With a dual degree in fire science and mechanical engineering, you can understand how machines can cause fires. This is a great option for someone wanting to work in fire prevention or workplace safety.

9. Chemistry

Chemistry focuses on how different elements interact with each other. There are multiple components covered in a chemistry degree program, including:

• analytical chemistry
• inorganic chemistry
• organic chemistry
• physical chemistry

Fire is a chemical reaction, and a double major in chemistry will help you better understand how fire works. This can help you excel in a variety of fire-focused careers.

10. Physics

Physics is another type of physical science that deals with states of matter and movement. Courses often go over topics like:

• classical particles
• matter
• quantum physics
• thermal physics

Fire science requires some physics knowledge, but a double major will help you comprehend the physics of fire. Like a degree in chemistry, this will help you excel at a multitude of fire science careers.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major is a second major added to your primary major. You will need to complete course requirements for both majors, but often only need to complete one final project. When you complete a double major, you'll receive one degree with two majors. You'll still graduate within a standard amount of time, but your courseload will likely be heavier.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

A dual degree program essentially means you're earning two degrees at once. This is different from a double major, where you're earning one degree with two majors. Dual degrees often take more time to complete than double majors. Some programs offer bachelor's-to-master's dual degrees, allowing students to earn both a bachelor's and master's in the same subject or a related field within five years.

FAQs About Double Majoring With Fire Science

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about double majoring with fire science.

Can You Double Major With Fire Science?

Many programs will let you double major with fire science. However, it will depend on your specific school or program.

Is a Double Major With Fire Science Worth It?

For students wanting to advance beyond a typical job with a fire department, a double major with fire science is worth it. Adding a second major will increase your career opportunities and let you find specialized roles within multiple industries.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With Fire Science?

The biggest benefit of double majoring with fire science is that it increases your career prospects. It can also help you land jobs in other fields that require specialized fire knowledge.

Will a Double Major With Fire Science Improve My Career Outlook?

Double majoring with fire science can improve your career outlook. It can open up jobs in other industries and help you land specialized roles.