Fire Science Degree

[RobbyJR307]

Ok. Im thinking about going to college (in 6 months) for a fire science degree. I'v been talking with my father and he says that if I go for this nothing will come of it. So is it worth going to college for it and also what all will I get?

[jcasey]

It's a good jumping point to a BA in Business or Urban Affairs.

[StLRes2cue]

..........

[Diane E]

Gee, dad's encouraging.

Anyway, depending on what type of degree you are looking at -- are you looking at Fire Protection Engineering? You probably have slightly better options there. But, any degree will help you when you need to check off the college box on that fire test.

I have a BS in Arson Investigation and a BS in Fire Science Administration. And an MA in Political Science. Almost 8 years after getting my BS's, I'm finally somewhat using them (I work on fire service issues on Capitol Hill).

Of course, this all depends on what your area's hiring system is like -- in my area (100% volunteer fire departments), I had to take a Civil Service Exam in order to be on a list for the slim chance I may get called up to be a fire marshal. If I wanted to be an arson investigator (which I did when I first went to school), I would have had to have joined the police dept. and be a police officer first (another Civil Service Exam) and then it's a waiting game since openings are few and far between.

Look at the programs at Eastern Kentucky, UMD-College Park, and the University of New Haven (www.newhaven.edu) -- that'll give you an idea of what's out there. Go on a tour, ask questions, interview students/alumni and see what their career goals/paths are like. A lot of guys (and a few of the girls) from my alumni are paid firefighters -- whether it's their hometown or a major city (think Boston and New York).

If it's a financial issue that dad's worried about, there are plenty of scholarships out there (IAFC Foundation has one) and maybe you could go to a Community College first, several have fire science and criminal justice programs.

[RobbyJR307]

Its not that hes not being encouraging, he doesn't want me to waste 4 years of my life on something that I won't use which is why I asked about it. All I know is the college that I got accepted to offers a Fire Science degree so.

[DEMS11387]

what college is it that you got excpeted i myself am considering majoring in fire science

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Consider this. Ask yourself what your career goals are. If you want to be a career FF, spending four years now on a FS degree will probably not help you get the job. By all means get the degree, but realize that the major place it will help is promotions and post-retirement career.

But here's the good news. You have a ton of career options outside the fire service. One of the fastest growing professions out there today, as someone already mentioned, is fire protection engineering. To check all of the career options, locate the website for the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and check out their careers section. This field has several tracks...all of which are well paying and exciting.

Schools offering this degree include OK State, University of MD, and perhaps the best program of the all is Worcester Polytechnic Institute. With a MS in FPE and a PE license, you will write your own ticket.

A college degree will not, in and of itself, get you a job. A college degree will make you grow up, get a sense of discipline and independence and give you a clear picture of what you want to do with the next 40 years or so of your life.

Go for it!

[Diane E]

The University of New Haven offers Fire Protection Engineering, too:

http://www.newhaven.edu/psps/firescience.html

They also have a Student Branch of the Connecticut Valley Chapter of SFPE

This link has a lot of websites for jobs in the Public Safety and Professional Studies field:

http://www.newhaven.edu/psps/careerpopup.html

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Originally posted by DianeC
The University of New Haven offers Fire Protection Engineering, too:

http://www.newhaven.edu/psps/firescience.html

They also have a Student Branch of the Connecticut Valley Chapter of SFPE

This link has a lot of websites for jobs in the Public Safety and Professional Studies field:

http://www.newhaven.edu/psps/careerpopup.html

I didn't know that. Thanks.

[captstanm1]

Do it...... You will not regret it. I regret the fact that I did not get mine earlier. After 33 years in this business I am in the middle of my last class that will give me an AAS in Fire Science Technology.

[stm4710]

Like others have said.......its not going to get you on the job. It is just another step in the yellow brick road to make you look better. At my college they offer a EMT-B program in addition to the fire science so I am taking that too.
It is nice because it is the equivalent to 3 regular courses. Its three LA electives I don’t much care about I don’t have to take.....to receive a cert. I will use.

[superchef]

Rob
Speaking as one who is currently pursuing her Bachelor's in Fire Science- GO FOR IT!!!!

As George said, a college degree will not be an automatic ticket to a job. The process of earning that degree will teach you discipline, help you develop your writing skills (you write a LOT of research papers!), and it is something that no one can ever take away from you. If you have desire, commitment and dedication, the rest will follow. Good luck to you. I love every minute of it.

Cheffie

[plhansen84]

I'm currently attending a college trying to complete my associates of fire science degree. It is the growing trend in the U.S. that people need to have degree in something to even get a job. I mean really what can it hurt maybe 2 years of your life. It will be easier to hire someone who has some formal education vs. someone who just comes off of the street thinking that, that looks like an easy job. Then again when it comes time for promotions and such it will make it easier if you have the degree if you are competing with some one who doesn't have a degree.

Best of Luck

[firecadet598]

All of my teachers encourage us to go for a degree. The more education you have, the better your chances are of getting hired. And besides, a lot of places require degrees to get promotions too. So I'd say go for it!

[nsideff]

I am currently pursuing my degree in Fire Science at University of Maryland University College. It is a great program and it is online, which requires discipline to keep up with but is very rewarding and fits in with my shift work schedule.

BUT!!! If I had it all to do over again I would have gone to UMD to get a Fire Protection Engineering degree.

AND...If you want to become a career FF, I suggest you get some emergency medical experience and look to get your EMT-P, that will make it immensely easier to get hired at the department of your choice.

Overall, good luck.

[OSUFire1]

Highly recommend going to college......

Here is another great school with a great reputation and strong tradition.

http://fpst.okstate.edu/

I am currently a Senior in the program and would be more than willing to answer questions.

[MacInnis]

Here another school that fairly well known.

www.fireandsafety.eku.edu

if you have any questions feel free to ask.

[captstanm1]

The big thing to be careful about is diploma mills. The college you get your degree from (especially on line) should be able to tell you that they are accredited by one of the college associations, such as the Southern Association of Colleges.

http://www.worldwidelearn.com/elearn...ource=overture

[Diane E]

http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?c...9&itemID=18949

Who would have thought!?

[firecadet598]

Not trying to stray off topic, but what kinds of classes are associated with a fire science degree. I am taking FF1 and some wildland classes. Do they count towards a fire science degree or just a degree in firefighting.