This post expands on the query: How much Science is in Fire Science Degree? We focused on subjects in the vein of science, whereas this query addresses the other courses you can expect. As explained in the other article, there are science courses, particularly chemistry. To understand the science of fire, you need to have a grasp of the chemistry of combustion. Fire is essentially a chemical reaction.
Science classes are just one part of a range of courses dealing with fire protection, suppression, leadership, investigation, prevention, and hazardous materials. We will provide examples of classes from college programs within the U.S. In addition, at the undergraduate level, there are programs in which you can specialize in an area related to this science. You may be more interested in arson and investigation instead of leadership.
As you search college/university programs, you will no doubt find schools that are a Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) institution. The FESHE endorsement means that the school’s fire and emergency services program meets this government agency’s academic standard. You may want to focus your search on schools with this accreditation.
The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) is another accrediting organization. In conjunction with the National Fire Academy, FESHE acts as an accrediting agency for degrees in the fire services industry. The services include emergency management, fire administration, and prevention.
Bachelor of Science-Fire Science
The B.S. in Fire Science explores the technical and legal aspects of arson, as well as courses associated with firefighting, safety, tactics, prevention, and building codes.
Purdue University Global offers a curriculum that covers all the topics above. Students will graduate with a firm understanding of fire dynamics and the application of technology in fire services.
RELATED: The 10 Best Online Fire Science Degree Bachelor’s Programs
B.S. in Fire Administration
This degree may interest individuals who want to study the academic foundations for leadership and administration of fire service organizations. An example is Columbia Southern University’s online program in fire administration, which has accreditation from FESHE.
Their classes involve fire behavior, protection, building construction and principles of fire and emergency services. In addition to the courses regarding the knowledge and skills required to be a firefighter, you will have classes that focus on administration. Examples of what you will learn in a fire administration program are:
Management: Those who want to move into positions of leadership within a fire department will benefit from this course. The use of human resources is vital to any organization, including those in the public sector. Learn how the city and state laws and policies affect personnel decisions. The information you take from this course will help you understand different leadership styles.
Administration: You will learn various phases of the administration of emergencies at the local level. Also, you will learn about budgeting, reducing risk in the community, and managing resources when a crisis strikes.
Fire Protection: This deals with the technical and mechanical sides of fire services. You will learn about building sprinkler systems and their components. The course examines water supply systems, extinguishing tactics, fire detectors, and alarm systems.
Online classes at Eastern Kentucky University concentrate on matters associated with arson and explosion. This bachelor’s degree will appeal to individuals eager to learn about the investigation of intentionally set fires.
The coursework covers the typical subjects of fire behavior, prevention, construction, safety, and others. To be knowledgeable in arson investigation, you must also have a grasp of its criminality. To address this, EKU has included courses in the legal issues about arson and intentional explosions.
Fire and Emergency Services
These programs concentrate on the managerial elements in fire services. Those with ambitions to rise to a leadership role may consider this particular degree. A bachelor’s degree is imperative for individuals working or planning to work in any position of leadership. In particular, those who envision their career advancing through the ranks within a firehouse. Definitely for those who have their sights set on district command positions within this field.
Conclusion
Experienced and inexperienced fire and emergency services personnel have several degree choices at the bachelor’s level. The different areas of specialization can accelerate your advancement and teach you valuable skills associated with fire science. Conveniently, you can earn your degree while continuing work through various online programs.