There are a number of truly exciting professions in the world today. Some of them require formal schooling — while others operate as trades (via apprenticeship programs). The Fire Science degree essentially takes the best of both worlds. While there is an emphasis on academia, the ultimate goal allows the degree earner to be out in the field. By out in the field, we mean battling fires in a number of different ways. This piece will speak about the benefits of a Fire Science degree — along with the potential job opportunities that come from it.
Getting a Degree
The Fire Science degree has started to be one with a considerable amount of prestige. Interested parties are able to get a B.S. in Fire Science, as well as an A.A.S. in Fire Science. The degree itself revolves around the ability to fight fires in a number of ways. This includes the study of how fires are started, the knowledge in knowing how to react should a fire occur, and also the investigation that could take place around a fire (whether started by a person or otherwise). Statistics indicate that the field is seeing some real growth. This includes a plethora of job opportunities for fire fighters, inspectors, investigators, and others involved in the process.
For those who work a full-time job, obtaining a degree in Fire Science is quite feasible. There are a number of online programs which satisfy all of the necessary requirements. Even current fire fighters are able to take these courses at their own pace should they eventually want to transition into more of an administrative role. If one opts for on-campus tutelage, they’ll be exposed to a number of courses which aim at providing the student with the entire picture of fighting a fire. This could even lead to connections being made with various fire departments in the area. Normally, these degrees can be completed in four years (depending upon the student’s plan). Garnering an Associate’s Degree will be shorter in length.
Potential Careers
The variety of careers that exist in this field are quite impressive. Depending on the concentration of the degree, students eventually can become engineers tasked with constructing fire-fighting tools (such as sprinkler systems). Additionally, other can become both Fire Lieutenants, Fire Marshals, Environment Safety Managers and Fire Captains. For those who are already fire fighters, other potential careers include Fire Chief, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, and Assistant Fire Chief. As one can see, there’s a considerable amount of versatility and variance when it comes to professions within the Fire Science field.
Benefits of Entering This Profession
There are a number of benefits for those who opt to get a degree in Fire Science. For one, these professions hold a considerable amount of prestige. Those tasked with keeping people safe often garner universal praise and respect. Additionally, there are a number of pension and incentive benefits that individuals can enjoy when entering this field once securing the degree. There’s also good opportunity to move up the proverbial ranks as experience is accrued.
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