There is possibly no image more indelibly engrained in our minds this century than that of the firefighters raising the flag amid the rubble of the World Trade Center the morning after the worst terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. Firefighters are public servants, placing their lives on the line everyday to protect human life and property from the ravages of flames. If this seems like a profession for you, being a firefighter is a hot career. Firefighters are the people on the front lines fighting fires, and while it may seem as simple as picking up a hose and pointing it, there is much to learn in the profession of firefighting. 

Enrolling in one of the country's fire science colleges will give you a leg up in this career. In addition to learning the science behind fires and how to put them out, firefighters are often the first responders on the scenes of accidents and other medical emergencies, and programs in fire science colleges typically include classes on saving lives in an emergency. Students enrolling in fire science college must be physically fit, as the job is very physically demanding. You must be able to carry hundreds of pounds of equipment up stairs and climb ladders. Those aspiring to a career as a firefighter should also have good people and communication skills, have the desire to help people, and have a natural risk-taking ability, while being able to follow the commands of leaders within the company.   

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The types of classes in most fire science colleges include fire and safety, comprehensive fire investigation, electricity and fire, gas/oil and fire, automobile fire investigation, and fire dynamics. Those interested in enrolling in one of the fire science colleges can typically choose between an associate's degree, which is a two-year program, or a bachelor's degree program, which is a four-year degree program. A bachelor's degree program most likely will include more classes on administrative and leadership functions within a fire department. In fire science college, students normally complete coursework, as well as engage in experiments and visit sites of fires out of the classroom.



A career as a firefighter typically begins with a high school diploma. Some firefighters are hired without further schooling, but graduating from one of the fire science schools in the country will give you a leg up on the competition. More and more fire departments are hiring firefighters with advanced degrees in the fire sciences. Additionally, a degree from a fire science school will also give you more promotional opportunities. These include officer positions within departments, as well as inspector positions. Once you complete your education at a fire science school, you will typically be required to take a test and attend a training academy sponsored by the department to which you are applying.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in firefighting are expected to grow faster than average until at least 2016. However, it is expected there will be hotter competition in securing these jobs. A degree from one of the fire science schools will help you learn the profession fully, as well as possibly giving you an advantage when applying for a job. Firefighters can expect to earn between $30,000 to over $56,000 annually. Fire chiefs can earn as much as $95,000 per year. 



The higher your education in a fire science school, the greater your opportunity for advancement, so find one of the nation's fire science schools near you and get started today!