FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS IN NEW MEXICO

Looking to pursue a career in fire science? You’ll make yourself right at home in New Mexico alongside approximately 1,730 firefighters and 1,390 emergency medical technicians and paramedics, serving around 250 fire stations across the state. These fire service professionals are skilled at responding to emergencies, fighting blazes in both urban and rural areas, and suppressing and investigating fires.

Annual wages in the industry vary depending on location, education, expertise, experience, and certification, to name a few. See the chart below for a quick glance at the approximate yearly earnings of firefighters, fire inspectors and investigators, and fire service supervisors in New Mexico.

STUDYING FIRE SCIENCE IN NEW MEXICO

The academic options are endless in New Mexico. Students can either choose to pursue a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree in fire science or related field. Depending on the school, some may even offer programs that offer two concentrations, allowing students to focus on fire science, while gaining useful knowledge and skills in emergency medical services, for example. Students will get a well-rounded education by taking general education coursework such as English, math, and history as well. These classes are not related to fire science directly, but are great at preparing students for the working world regardless of what field they choose because they help to develop strong communication and reasoning skills.

The certificate level can usually be finished in a year or less, and will provide an overview and beginning foundation to fire science. On the other hand, the associate degree generally takes two years of full-time study and will delve in deeper on the topics covered on the associate level. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree will have to be able to dedicate four years of full-time learning. They will explore the foundational topics, as well as get a taste for more concentrated subjects within the field. Those who have a bachelor’s degree in fire science often have better chances at getting promoted or hired on to take supervisory or managerial roles in the long run. Students at both the associate and bachelor’s level will have to also take general education courses to graduate.

NEW MEXICO’S FIRE SCIENCE COLLEGES

New Mexico is home to several community colleges and universities that offer fire science training. Browse through the list of schools below to find your best match.

FIRE SCIENCE: DISTANCE LEARNING

Because New Mexico is so spread out, many students wishing to learn fire science may not live near a physical college that will allow them to commute easily to classes. Distance learning is a viable option for students in this situation, or for working professionals requiring a flexible schedule to study after their shifts. New Mexico’s schools offer online fire science certificate and degree programs that will allow students to not only learn the book material like a student would in a traditional classroom setting, but also get the necessary hands-on experience as firefighters.

Those considering online learning will require a reliable Internet connection, strong drive to succeed, and great time management skills to thrive. Because professors are not physically present to monitor their students, students must be able to work well independently with little to no hand-holding. However, there are ample resources available to students in the event that they find they need help or clarification on any topic. Students will have the opportunity to connect with their instructors online via email, and chat with other peers on an online blackboard designated for each class.