The Definitive Guide to a Career in Fire Science
If your heart races every time you hear a fire siren or see a fire truck speeding toward an emergency…or, if you are fascinated with how fires start or how they are extinguished, then a degree in fire science may be in your future. Competition for fire fighting jobs is fierce, as it seems that those individuals who are employed in this profession also are passionate about their jobs. Additionally, the pay is in line with many other professional jobs that require a degree.
Employment
Simply, a degree in fire science prepares graduates for a career in putting fires out or preventing them. Fire fighting is the most visible job to the public. Other job titles include fire marshal, fire inspector, fire investigator, smoke jumper, battalion chief, engineer, captain, fire chief, assistant chief, lieutenant, deputy chief and first-line supervisor.
Fire fighting jobs are expected to grow by 19 percent by 2018, but applicants can expect keen competition for those positions. Volunteer positions often require nothing more than a high school diploma and physical fitness. Consequently, the number of qualified applicants in most areas far exceeds the number of job openings, even though the written examination and physical requirements eliminate many applicants.
Applicants with the best chances for a job in fire fighting are those individuals who are physically fit and who score the highest on physical-conditioning and mechanical aptitude exams. Individuals who have completed some fire fighter education at a community college and have EMT or paramedic certification could have an additional monetary advantage. If you already have a career in one of these fields, a fire science bachelor’s degree program can help you advance to an administrative position.
Education
Most fire departments today require at least a high school education, and some are beginning to require associate degrees or some college credits. Bachelor’s degrees in fire science are available for firefighters and other students who are interested in the disaster planning and policy aspects of fire protection. Advanced degrees provide access to leadership positions in the field.
Entry-level workers in large fire departments are trained for several weeks at the department’s training center or academy. Through classroom instruction and practical training, the recruits study fire fighting techniques, fire prevention, hazardous materials control, local building codes and emergency medical procedures, including first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). They also learn how to use axes, chain saws, fire extinguishers, ladders, and other fire fighting and rescue equipment.
Many fire departments also have accredited apprenticeship programs lasting up to four years, including programs in fighting forest fires. These programs combine formal instruction with on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced fire fighters. Finally, almost all departments require fire fighters to be certified as emergency medical technicians.
If you plan to study fire science in college, you may have the advantage of learning theories that cannot be taught at a local fire district. Fire science certificate and associate degree programs for future fire fighters also include training in emergency medical procedures and the use of fire equipment to extinguish fires. In some programs, students may combine this classroom study with field training.
During field training, students often can fight controlled fires to learn methods and techniques in firefighting. Students may also have the opportunity to work shifts in a fire station, learning valuable skills and training while on the job with fire service professionals. This hands-on experience, combined with classroom education, provides experience and education that are important to obtaining a career and advancement in the fire service profession.
Other coursework includes methods for determining a fire’s origin. Investigative work has changed over the years, as new aspects of fire origins have come to light. Since this is a changing field of study, fire fighters and administrators often are required to continue education in their respective fields, either in the classroom or in the field.
Bachelor’s degree programs include similar courses with added general education requirements. They may also include advanced topics in management and public safety statistics, all courses that could lead to advancement within this field.
Work Environment
Fire fighters spend much of their time at fire stations, which are similar to dormitories. When an alarm sounds, fire fighters respond regardless of the weather or hour. Fire fighting is hazardous work that involves a high risk of death or injury. Common causes of injury or death include unstable buildings, traffic accidents and exposure to flame and smoke. Fire fighters also may come into contact with toxic, flammable, or explosive gases and chemicals and radioactive materials, all of which may have immediate or long-term effects on their health. For these reasons, they must wear protective gear that is heavy and hot.
Many fire fighters work about 50 hours a week, and sometimes they may work longer. In some agencies, fire fighters are on duty for 24 hours, then off for 48 hours, and receive an extra day off at intervals. In other agencies, they may work a cycle of shifts. Fire fighters often work extra hours at fires and other emergencies and are regularly assigned to work on holidays. Fire lieutenants and fire captains frequently work the same hours as the fire fighters they supervise.
Salary Information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paid employment in fire fighting occupations was about 365,000 in 2008, with about 310,400 of those numbers employed as paid fire fighters. Volunteer fire fighters, who perform the same duties and may constitute the majority of fire fighters in a residential area, constituted about 70 percent of fire companies throughout the U.S. in 2007. About 91 percent of fire fighting workers were employed by local governments. Often, pensions are guaranteed after 25 years of service.
According to the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for fire fighters, employment estimate and mean wage estimates for this occupation show a mean hourly wage of $22.95 per hour, with a mean annual wage of $47,740 per year. However, that wage can vary by education and skill and, also, by where you are employed.
If you scroll down that linked page, you’ll see a map that shows the annual mean wage of firefighters by state as of May 2010. Here, you can learn that fire fighters in New Jersey are the highest paid in that list at a mean annual wage of $71,310. California comes in second, followed by Washington, New York and Nevada.
This page also carries information about top paying metropolitan areas for this occupation. One of the largest fire employers at the highest wages is within the Los Angeles – Long Beach – Glendale, California division, with an annual mean wage of $95,000.
Don’t forget to look at the Occupational Employment and Wages for first-line supervisors in this field, as you can learn more about how advancement might affect your wages. In some cases, advancement to first-line supervision as a fire fighter can mean almost $20,000 per year over the wages mentioned above.
Conclusion
Becoming a firefighter affords many opportunities for advancement. A combination of experience and education is typically required to move ahead in this field. While your passion to help the public in this field may outweigh the monetary concerns, a little planning in where you might want to work could lead to a comfortable lifestyle along with a job that fulfills your dedication to this field.
While several schools now offer programs specific to fire science, many positions can be filled with other related public safety degrees like emergency management and safety & health. We have made getting a fire science degree easy by taking the step and finding schools that offer the degree. Below are some of the best online fire science degrees and other related programs.
 AAS in Fire Science |
Kaplan University offers a wide variety accredited online fire science degrees. The advanced start programs are designed for students who already have an associates or bachelors in another subject, whereas the standard associates and bachelors have no pre-requisite degree requirements. Students will be able to choose from an Associates, Bachelors, or Advanced Bachelors degree in Fire Science; or a Bachelors or Advanced Bachelors degree in Fire Emergency Management. |
 BA/Homeland Security and Emergency Management |
With security threats on the rise, Ashford University offers a multitude of programs focused on public safety. Their online Bachelor of Arts degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management helps students gain a broad knowledge of homeland security and emergency preparedness at the federal, state, and local levels. Their online programs are ideal for busy professionals who are seeking to obtain greater knowledge in this field and achieve greater success in their careers. |
 Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Disaster & Emergency Management |
Designed for working professionals seeking to obtain higher education, Walden University provides a variety of online programs to choose from to help individuals advance in their career. The B.S. in Health Studies with a concentration in Disaster & Emergency Management degree teaches students how to examine threats in public health safety, disaster management, reducing risk and preventing disasters, and tactics associated with terrorism and much more. |
 M.S. in Leadership: Disaster Preparedness & Executive Fire Leadership |
The Masters in Executive Fire Leadership prepares students for high level or managerial roles in their career. Students will gain vital skills and knowledge like disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, organizational skills, and building strong communication and human interaction skills. This accredited degree requires a bachelors degree as a prerequisite but is available online and can be completed in under two years. |
 Bachelor of Science in Health Administration - Emergency Management |
University of Phoenix is one of the most recognizable online universities in the nation. They offer an online Bachelor of Science in Health Administration - Emergency Management degree which will help build a foundation of knowledge and skills relevant to entering the health care industry. This program is designed for EMTs, First Responders, Firefighters, or other emergency personnel. |
 Master of Public Administration - Emergency Preparedness and Response |
Argosy University is a leading provider in online education. Their Master of Public Administration degree is designed to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to execute duties and responsibilities needed to help the public sector, especially at the state and local levels. Students will focus on a wide range of topics including public service, project management, government, citizenship, decision-making, and more. |
