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The 411 on Fire Science Degrees
Allison Tinney, Kayla Baxter | FireLink.com
Salary Benefits & Promotion
Usually, fire fighters are first promoted to engineer, then lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief, deputy chief, and, finally, chief. For promotion to positions higher than battalion chief, many fire departments now require a bachelor’s degree, preferably in fire science, public administration, or a related field. An associate degree is required for executive fire officer certification from the National Fire Academy.
Most experienced fire fighters continue studying to improve their job performance and prepare for promotion examinations. To progress to higher level positions, they acquire expertise in advanced fire fighting equipment and techniques, building construction, emergency medical technology, writing, public speaking, management and budgeting procedures, and public relations.
For more information, please refer to the following articles:
• Firefighter’s Five Step Guide to a Promotion
• Homeland Security: Top 10 In-Demand Occupations
• Use Keywords to Land a Department of Defense Job
Information adapted from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.com
