FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS IN CALIFORNIA

With California’s dense population, dry and windy climates, and expansive areas of both urban and suburban settings, the state is always in need of skilled firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, and medical technicians.

The majority of firefighters working in the country are employed in The Golden State. As a result, many training and education opportunities are available here! The firefighting industry is extremely lucrative in California, with firefighters and other fire prevention specialists earning some of the highest salaries in the country.

California Fire Service Careers 10th Percentile 50th Percentile 90th Percentile
Firefighters $39,660 $69,130 $111,320
Fire Inspectors and Investigators $47,390 $76,510 $115,910
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists $45,840 $77,420 $93,560

CALIFORNIA FIRE SCIENCE & FIRE ADMINISTRATION TRAINING IN CALIFORNIA

Fire science courses are readily available at local community colleges scattered throughout the state, though most fire science education is taken at the undergraduate level in 4-year colleges and universities. Since California has their own firefighting requirements, the state government provides unique programs and training for prospective firefighters who wish to be trained outside of the college environment. The Cal Fire Academy is one promising option for aspirants located in the Sierra Nevada foothills in Northern California.

Prospective firefighters often pursue an undergraduate degree in fire science that can be completed in two years (associate degree or certification programs). During these two years, students can expect to study the science behind fire, flammable materials, fire chemistry, fire management, fire department administration, and legal issues in the field, to name a few. Additionally, four-year bachelor’s degrees are available to firefighters who want to advance their career into a higher-level position requiring more knowledge and hands-on experience. Bachelor degree programs will open doors to jobs in fire science training and emergency services management.

COLLEGES THAT OFFER FIRE SCIENCE EDUCATION IN CALIFORNIA

There are 61 accredited fire science schools in California that offer degrees in the fire science field. This includes associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificates.

LEARN FIRE SCIENCE ONLINE

Want to pursue fire science but want an alternative to the traditional campus learning experience? You’re in luck! Fire science programs are available online from many accredited California colleges for students wishing to earn a degree or certification in the firefighting field.

Distance learning programs allow students to learn a majority of the book-material on their own time and in their own space. However, it’s important to keep in mind that because firefighting requires a lot of hands-on experience and learning, students may be required to occasionally visit a campus to complete laboratory projects or tasks in-person to complete coursework.