Firefighting: Career Heroism

If you are more interested in serving and protecting others than sitting in a cubicle for eight hours a day, then a career in fire fighting may be right for you. Today, there are numerous fire science degree programs that can prepare you to safeguard the public against life-threatening situations, save valuable property, and contain the spread of destructive wildfires.

Fire Science: Degrees and Education Opportunities

It is important to remember that while overall employment figures are expected to grow in the firefighting industry, so too should the competition for employment. This competition for jobs makes earning a fire science degree all the more important.
According to the Bureau of Statistics, a college degree can enhance your chances of employment. Today, a number of colleges have started offering 2- and 4-year fire science degree programs. While most programs are campus-based, they may offer an online education component, allowing you to take courses online. In addition, firefighters typically must complete intensive hands-on training at a local fire training academy. Some programs even offer an apprenticeship that combines the best of classroom and practical experience learning.
Fire science coursework may include CPR, fire fighting techniques, local building codes, hazardous materials, emergency medical procedures, fire prevention, and more.

Fire Science: Career Opportunities

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job opportunities for fire fighting occupations to increase by 12 percent between 2006 and 2016. Becoming a firefighter is not the only career opportunity to fire science degree holders. Some become fire inspectors, fire investigators, forest fire inspectors, or prevention specialists. In 2008, fire fighters earned a median annual salary of $44,260, fire inspectors earned $53,030, and forest fire prevention specialists earned $31,380.
With new fire science programs that offer online degree components, becoming a firefighter should be easier than ever. Remember, if you are ready to turn in your briefcase for a fire hose, be prepared for competition in the industry.
Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fire Fighters, 2008 Wages
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fire Fighting Occupations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fire Inspectors and Investigators, 2008 Wages
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Karin Hansen lives and works in San Francisco. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in English literature, and edits a music blog in her spare time.