The field of fire science covers a wide variety of topics and your online Bachelor of Fire Science degree should put you on the right track to achieving your dream of becoming a firefighter or fire chief.
Whether you are considering an entry-level position as a firefighter or ready for a promotion to management, your fire science degree program will benefit you greatly. Please verify that your school of choice is approved by the National Fire Academy, an educational branch of the United States Fire Administration.
To earn your degree, a Bachelor of Fire Science program can take you up to four years to complete. Can you earn this accolade through a 100% online program? Through some programs you can, however, others are considered hybrid programs.
This type of format requires the student to attend on-campus learning, as well. Lab work, workshops, lectures, and other hands-on training may be required. Some programs will have an internship, field training, or research project requirement. In addition, some schools offer on-campus fire stations and towers for training.
Generally, most online classes are asynchronous, allowing you to access your coursework at any time, from anywhere… all you will need is a computer and high-speed internet. You will be able to access your teachers, in addition to, interacting with classmates through message boards, email, and chat rooms.
Coursework will include classes in preventing fires, the different types of fire systems in building construction, local and state fire codes and the legal aspects of fire protection, handling and transporting hazardous materials, emergency medical procedures, and how to properly use firefighting equipment. You will also learn about the principles of pumps, hydraulics, and the importance of a water supply.
A significant portion of your coursework will focus on how to safely recover victims. Your online Bachelor of Fire Science degree program should also include instruction in the use of fire ladders, heavy hoses, and chainsaws. You will also focus on thermodynamics and fire chemistry.
Other coursework will prepare you for fire and arson investigations, how air drafts affect the flame’s path, fire research, how to properly assess damages such as loss to homes and vehicles, and how to investigate fatalities caused by smoke inhalation and fire. Your program should also focus on advanced fire company management, such as human resources, public relations, and fund-raising activities.
You may be asked to choose electives based on a specialization that interests you. Common concentrations include fire administration, active response, occupational safety, fire/arson investigating, terrorism management, forest fire studies, or fire engineering technology.
If you would like to continue your educational experience, master’s degree programs in fire science are available, although uncommon. A master’s program may be required for upper management positions and deals primarily with administrative skills needed to excel in the field.
Also, additional learning certifications are available if you would like to enhance your credentials. Firefighters may choose to participate in advanced training offered by their departments or by other professional organizations that focus on fire safety such as the U.S. National Fire Academy.
If you would like to learn more about this field, please check out our choices for the Best Online Schools for Bachelor in Fire Science Degree Programs. Remember, Stop, Drop, and Enroll today!