A bachelor's degree program in fire science prepares students for careers in fire suppression, fire prevention and fire engineering. Learn about the curriculum and online learning options for a fire science bachelor's degree.
Why is a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science Right For Me?
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.
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.
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.
<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>
