There are many minor towns across the country where heroic people help prevent fires and, in a wide number of cases, they are normally just volunteers with a little training. If you live in a larger city and would like to translate your the desire to help others as part of your career, you should start a degree in Fire Science.

You can often finish a Fire Science Degree in 2-3 years but they are only available from a small number of technical colleges and universities. They are even rarer if you are looking for an online training program because the courses tend to contain a lot of practical training. There are several colleges that offer Fire Science degrees and more often than not, Universities offer the chance to study Fire Science at a variety of levels. This means that will always be an entry level for you no matter what experience or previous qualifications you have.

When you enroll on a Fire Science degree you learn about chemistry and fire behavior and often receive guidance on how to prevent fires. You will also gain expertise in methods of firefighting and fire safety practices. Some degree programs also give you basic training in building construction to understand how fires spread and what parts of the building could cause a fire hazard.

Coursework

University Fire Science programs are internationally relevant and widely respected. They help link theory with practice and also provide assistance in conducting research with professionals from a wide range of disciplines. You’ll develop skills to solve real world problems. Areas of training include strategic planning, management, financial administration and emergency management services. Degrees in Fire Science can cover a range of topics from diagnostic approaches to fire prevention to the investigation of the disaster and fire-defense planning. Other issues of common interest are:

• Hazardous Materials Management

• The role of fire services in the community

• Analytical approaches to fire prevention and research

• Defense planning disaster and fire

• Hazardous Materials Management

• Structure and fire protection system design

• The role of the fire service community

• Technical, legal and social aspects of arson

• The application of technologies for fighting fires

• The psychological effects of flame dynamics

Universities and Institutions

There are a few Universities and Institutions across the country that offer degrees in Fire Science. Even fewer offer the option to do it online. If you have other commitments which mean you might not be able to set aside a certain amount of time, you might want to look more closely at the courses that offer the chance to study online. I recommend you do a lot of research for the corresponding cost and timings, as well as looking in to a variety of courses. There can be a very wide range of differences in the rates of some universities and colleges so you have to make sure you gather all available information in order to have the most relevant options for you.

Realizing a vocation

A job in the fire service is always exciting and dangerous. However, if you have a strong desire to help others and keep people safe from fire, a career in Fire Science can also be very fulfilling.