FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS IN MICHIGAN

Michigan is filled with forests and urban settings, requiring firefighters to protect the state’s people, land, and property from fire loss and damage. Currently, there are more than 6,000 fire service professionals serving the state, and it’s likely to grow over time.

Firefighters are not only responsible for preventing and fighting fires, but also investigating fires, determining the causes of them, and serve as first responders on a need-basis. Fire service supervisors take on more managerial roles and are responsible for proposing new methods for effective firefighting and fire prevention.

The annual salaries for fire service professionals vary depending on location, education, certification, and experience. Get a quick glance at average yearly earnings for firefighters, fire inspectors and investigators, and fire service supervisors in Michigan.

FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS IN MICHIGAN

Michigan has 19 colleges that offer fire science training and education. In this state, certification is very important; in fact, it requires firefighters to have at least a Michigan Fire Fighter I/Fire Fighter II certification before working for any fire department. Additionally, some fire departments may require aspirants to undergo drug screenings, and physical and psychological exams.

Students studying to earn the state’s required dual certifications can expect basic training programs that teach the basics of firefighting, firefighting tools, and fire chemistry, for example. Additionally, the training is designed to prepare students to take exams that will lead to earning the certifications.

The associate degree (2-year) in fire science will open up job opportunities as a fire investigator or prevention engineer, while the bachelor’s degree (4-year) will allow firefighters to advance up the ladder and take on higher-level positions such as managerial, administrative, and supervisory roles. These managerial roles often require individuals to have strong leadership skills, in addition to a solid educational background.

FIRE SCIENCE SCHOOLS IN MICHIGAN

Michigan is home to 19 accredited colleges that provide fire science degree and certificate programs. Explore your academic options below using our list.

DISTANCE LEARNING: FIRE SCIENCE & SAFETY

Distance learning options are available for students in Michigan who have busy schedules. They can work toward their degree whenever they want, from virtually anywhere with strong Internet connection! General coursework can usually be completed entirely online; however, some classes required toward the degree may still require students to meet on-campus occasionally to complete hands-on projects in-person. The reason for this is because firefighting is a very hands-on field, and book-material alone will not prepare students well enough for the working world.

Online classes usually involve students participating in class via chat programs or virtual discussion boards with professors and other peers after finishing assigned reading material. Students generally turn in their assignments to professors on assigned due dates via email. Of course, every school’s system is slightly different, so it is important for students to review the syllabus thoroughly before beginning a class.