Fire Science

Fire science degrees can cover many aspects of the fire profession, including fire behavior, extinguishment, rescue, and inspection skills. They also teach management, administration, and planning. Public safety professionals can also benefit with higher salary potential and career advancement by earning a fire science degree. Many schools will offer concentrations such as technology, administration, investigation and more. Graduating with a fire science degree can qualify graduates for jobs in local public safety agencies or in government administration as well as fire fighting. Advanced degrees, such as a Master's in Fire Service Leadership, are available for fire fighters or fire service professionals interested in advancement.

The benefits of getting a Fire Science Degree include: enhanced job opportuntities, promotional advancement opportunities, increased salary incentive, and enhanced pension benefits.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of fire fighters is expected to grow as fast as average for all occupations from 2006 to 2016. However, competition is keen so applicants with postsecondary education will have advantage over those with a high school diploma. In addition, most fire officer positions require a 2 or 4 year degree, as well as other qualifications.

Income for firefighters vary based on location, employer, and level of experience and education. According to the BLS, median annual earnings of fire fighters were $41,190 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,550 and $54,120. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,660, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $66,140. Median annual earnings of first-line supervisors/ managers of fire fighting and prevention workers were $62,900 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $50,180 and $79,060. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,820, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,820. First-line supervisors/managers of fire fighting and prevention workers employed in local government earned a median of about $64,070 a year. Median annual earnings of fire inspectors and investigators were $48,050 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,960 and $61,160 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,840, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,930. Fire inspectors and investigators employed in local government earned a median of about $49,690 a year.

Fire science careers include: fire fighter, fire chief, fire marshal, fire inspector, fire prevention specialist, fire investigator, arson investigator.

Fire Science - BS
UMUC's Bachelor of Science in Fire Science covers disaster planning and the administration of fire-protection services, encompassing all areas of incendiary-fire management. Developed in conjunction with the National Fire Academy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, this degree serves fire-service professionals seeking state-of- the-art knowledge to support advancement to senior leadership positions. It also serves professionals in related fields, such as public safety, law enforcement, government, health services, insurance and private-industry emergency response, as well as those in military fire departments in the United States and abroad. The fire science major provides an understanding of the interagency coordination necessary for fire prevention, emergency management, safe and successful fire-incident command and arson investigation. UMUC's BS in Fire Science program is one of only seven in the country to be sponsored by the NFA.

• Fire Safety Systems - Certificate
• Public Fire-Protection Management and Administration - Certificate

Fire & Safety Engineering Technology - BS
EKU's College of Justice & Safety delivers its expertise in fire and safety education to students around the country by offering its Bachelor of Science in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology, Fire Protection Administration option, completely online. The program is one of only a handful of fire administration bachelor degrees offered in the United States, and it is backed by one of the most distinguished faculty in the world. The Fire Protection Administration concentration within the online B.S. in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology is designed for working fire and safety professionals who want to advance their education in the field. Areas of study include life safety; fire prevention, suppression and investigation, fire service administration; fire protection principles; industrial loss prevention; safety program management; and occupational safety and health.

• Fire Protection Engineering Technology
• Fire Protection Administration
• Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation
• Industrial Safety and Risk Management
• Safety and Industrial Relations

• Fire & Safety Engineering Technology - Certificate
• Fire & Emergency Services - Certificate
• Fire & Emergency Services - MS

Fire Science - BS
Modeled on the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) national curriculum, the BS in Fire Science program includes analytical approaches to fire protection and investigation, the role of the fire service within the community, and the technical, legal, and social aspects of arson. The degree serves fire service professionals seeking enhanced skills and a broad spectrum of knowledge in the field of fire science. It may be a good fit for individuals aspiring to become firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, first-line supervisors, or managers of firefighters.

• Fire Science - AAS
• Fire Science (Advanced Start) - BS
• Fire Management (Advanced Start) - BS
• Fire & Emergency Management - BS

Executive Fire Science Leadership - MS
A Master of Science in Executive Fire Service Leadership degree at Grand Canyon University will provide you with the necessary skills to pursue or enhance your career. This degree is offered entirely online, and offers you the benefit of fitting your education into your schedule. All MSEFSL courses are facilitated by doctorate-professors who possess first-hand knowledge and experience in the fire service/emergency management fields. Professors will provide an environment where current and future issues in the industry can be discussed and students will develop an understanding for strategic management, analysis, evaluation, and effective internal processes.

• Emergency Management - BS
• Disaster Preparedness and Crisis Management - MS
• Public Safety Administration - BS

Fire Science - AS
Keiser University's Associate of Science degree in Fire Science provides instruction in fire prevention methods, fire detection systems, fire codes, fire investigation rescue, safety and salvage procedures, hazardous materials, pump operations, fire behavior, plans reading and extinguishment. This program assists in qualifying firefighters for management positions with the Fire Service.

• Homeland Security - AS
• Homeland Security - BA