Fire Science Bachelor's Degree Programs

<p>This program is designed for anyone interested in the fire service, or those seeking career advancement within a fire department. Most programs take four years to complete. Some schools offer additional firefighter certificates, like the National Fire Academy (NFA) Certificate of Completion or the NFA Certificate of Achievement. </p> <p>If you're interested in becoming a firefighter, fire service technologist, arson investigator or would like to work in the fire prevention field, this degree program will provide you with a solid start. Firefighters work for municipalities, counties and fire districts. In addition to fire containment, firefighters may provide emergency medical services. </p> <p>A fire service technologist uses his or her knowledge of engineering and fire science to limit potential destruction caused by smoke and fire. Arson investigators survey the scene of a fire and collect evidence to determine the likelihood of criminal activity. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Levels</b></td><td> Certificate program, bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> High school diploma or GED; work experience or certifications may count as course credit</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Thermodynamics, fire chemistry, fire service legal issues, emergency operations, hydraulics</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Fully and partially online programs are available</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$52,500 <i>(Firefighters)</i></td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>6% growth <i>(Firefighters)</i></td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---AreThereAnyPrerequisites">Are There Any Prerequisites?</h3> <p>There are no specific prerequisites other than a high school diploma. If you're already working in the field or have any related certifications, many schools will give you course credit. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatKindsOfTopicsWillIStudy">What Kinds of Topics Will I Study?</h3> <p>Your specific coursework will vary depending on the concentration you select. Some commonly offered specializations include fire/arson investigation, fire administration and fire engineering technology. Once you complete any general education requirements, topics of study may include: </p> <ul><li>Code enforcement </li><li>Legal issues and the fire service </li><li>Fire protection systems </li><li>Thermodynamics </li><li>Fire analysis and investigation </li><li>Fire safety and behavior </li><li>Hydraulics in fire science </li><li>Emergency operations </li><li>Chemistry of fire </li></ul><p>Some programs also have internship or research project requirements that help you acquire hands-on experience. </p> <h3 id="section---CanIGetItOnline">Can I Get It Online?</h3> <p>Online bachelor degree programs in this field are available, and some schools will allow you to combine traditional and online classes. A few offer certain courses on DVD. You'll need an up-to-date computer with an optical drive and high-speed Internet access. Classes are attended via the school's online learning portal; for entirely online programs, this is where you'll hand in assignments and talk to your instructors.</p>