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The 411 on Fire Science Degrees
Allison Tinney, Kayla Baxter | FireLink.com
Online v. Traditional
With new technology allowing easy access to information, many firefighters are considering taking fire science courses online. But along with an increase of online options comes the natural question of quality.
Are Online Degrees as Valued as Traditional Ones?
As far as fire science goes, yes. As long as you are taking courses within an accredited program, there is no question at all of validity. Keep in mind of course that you will still be required to go through an academy and prove physical aptitude. Online fire science programs are not a substitute for firefighter training.
Hiring and promotion committees are more likely to commend you for your after-hours dedication to furthering your education.
Why Online?
Because of the small number of fire science programs, interested firefighters often have a hard time finding courses that are not only within their area, but fit their schedules as well.
I had an interesting discussion about online degrees with Paul Lepore early this year. He recently completed a fire science degree online, and had a take on the matter that I hadn’t considered before. The typical firefighter Paul said, is dedicated, strong-willed, and self-motivated. Because there is no professor breathing down your neck to accomplish assignments, these are all character traits that are almost unspoken requirements for online course work.
The Aspiring Firefighter’s Two-Year Plan
Another point Paul made is that firefighters and those applying to the service often work multiple jobs, leaving little time for attending structured class. With a schedule that often clashes with the rest of the world, online courses offer the freedom of doing coursework at whatever time is convenient for you.
Combine the need for independence plus a natural motivation, and it becomes clear why online fire science degrees make so much sense.
You can read more about the importance of education in Paul Lepore’s book, The Aspiring Firefighter’s Two Year Plan.
robertpiatt
about 1 month ago
18 comments
Allan Hancock College offers fire science classes online for those individuals on here asking about classes in California. I'm taking classes through them online right now. The proffessors name is Dan Cofffman. The campus is located in Santa Maria CA. I'm stoked on it so far. Check it out
volunteer911
about 1 month ago
4 comments
if looking for any good degree programs whether it be online or in class check out this website. It will list all colleges and universities nationwide or just in your local area that have classes your looking for!
http://www.uscollegesearch.org/
ddonaldson2010
2 months ago
4 comments
Columbia Southern University is the way to go!!!
oralious23
3 months ago
2 comments
Is there any online classes credited for southern california, im working and expecting a baby boy soon, any help is appreciated.
schweikhard91
3 months ago
2 comments
Guys check your local colleges, i live in ventura and the local college has a everything from Fire Tech courses to an academy to EMT-B and beyond. Call your local college
TrexLOCKMAN
3 months ago
14 comments
I'M ATTENDING FIRE TECH CLASSES, AT TMCC ! YOU CAN CHECK THIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OUT YOURSELF, AT TMCC.EDU
Account Removed
3 months ago
Any good collage in miami
firechick7
4 months ago
16 comments
Anybody know a good college near Seattle, WA?
IzzyArmyFire
4 months ago
2 comments
Hello everyone, I usually do not post comments, but I had to share a few things after reading some of these posts. First and foremost when researching a college, MAKE SURE THEY ARE REGIONALLY ACCREDITED!!!!. If they are not regionally accredited there is a high probability that a) you will have to retake accredited classes in order to pursue a Masters Degree or b) no one will take your degree seriously. From my experience most depts require degrees from regionally accredited colleges in order to get preference points. Secondly, online programs are becoming more and more popular, especially in the Firefighting field given the work schedule. There are a lot of colleges that are accredited for online programs, in fact, the NFA (National Fire Association) has agreed to have their program sponsored by seven regionally accredited colleges . Thirdly, don't just pick the first college you see, advisers are essentially recruiters and will say almost anything to get your money. Look around, check what colleges give credit for EMT/Military/Certificates etc etc....I personally have had one accredited college agree to give me 34 credit hours for prior training and have another college only offer 7!! FOR THE SAME TRAINING!! Military guys/girls try and get your transcripts through military training transferred to college credit, it's always worth a shot. Just thought I would throw my two cents in. Again, do some research when choosing a college, don't get burned, hope this helped.
vinfirefighter
4 months ago
28 comments
Vincennes University and Ivy Tech in Gary, IN both have fire science degree programs online and on campus. http://www.vinu.edu http://www.ivytech.edu
xxarceo
4 months ago
2 comments
hi there people i was wondering if you guys and gals know of a good college that is around Washington State?
FireFighter760
5 months ago
2 comments
anybody know any good academy's around southern california or in the high desert??
cafrfghtr
5 months ago
2 comments
Columbia Southern University is very good so far. Totally online and transfer of military courses and other schools were great. Highly recommend them.
Chase_Y
6 months ago
14 comments
anybody know a good college near houston?
gregmartens
6 months ago
2 comments
University of Maryland University College has worked well for me so far. You can take your courses online and at your own pace. I've been deployed to a remote outpost in Iraq for the last 14months and I've been able to complete 4 fire science classes. However, they are not cheap. Classes cost about $700 per class for in state tuition or military. I believe it is twice that for out of state students.