FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS IN FLORIDA

The firefighting industry is growing rapidly in Florida, with over 470 fire stations and approximately 23,750 firefighters employed in the state. Fire service professionals work in occupations ranging from fire investigators and inspectors, emergency medical technicians, and fire service supervisors, to name a few.

The annual salaries in the fire science field vary depending on location, experience, education, and position. However, generally speaking, Florida has a high demand for firefighters, making it a great state for job opportunities in this profession. Administrative or supervisory professionals may make more than firefighters due to extensive education and experience. Take a look below at the yearly earnings for firefighters, fire inspectors and investigators, and fire service supervisors in the state.

FIRE SCIENCE EDUCATION IN FLORIDA

Aspiring firefighters must be at least 18 years old with a GED, a clean driving record, no criminal record, good vision, and be physically fit in order to work in the state of Florida. In addition to these basic requirements, aspirants will have to apply for certification at the Central Florida Fire Institute at Valencia College. Firefighters at the median level with some education and experience may improve their employment odds by pursuing higher education, like obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

Florida has 37 accredited colleges that offer fire science degrees. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in fire science will come in handy for those looking to take on higher-level positions such as managerial, administrative, or supervisory roles within the field.

FIRE SCIENCE COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES IN FLORIDA

See our list below for the accredited schools in Florida that offer a fire science degree and certification program.

FIRE SCIENCE: DISTANCE LEARNING

Hopeful firefighters must earn their certification in fire science before pursuing a degree, whether it be an associate, bachelor, or master’s degree in Florida. There are a plethora of distance learning options available in the state through online colleges that allow students to earn certificates and degrees in fire science.

At the certificate and associate-degree level, students can expect to learn the fundamentals of fire science, such as fire behavior, history of fire science, and basics of hazardous materials handling, to name a few. Students who choose to study online must still be able to meet on campus to complete projects and tasks in-person. These projects are designed to give students some insight on the hands-on experience required on the job as a firefighter.

Students wishing to advance their careers and take on managerial roles may want to consider earning a bachelor or master’s degree in fire science. There are online schools in Florida that allow students to take required courses online. Students in these programs may find themselves exposed to more in-depth applicable fields within the industry, such as human resources, technology, finances, emergency services management, and arson investigation. Students at this level will also be required to complete some projects in a traditional classroom setting to finish certain courses.