Distance learning or online fire science education programs are a good fit for the fire science student. Generally, students who are interested in this degree have had some experience in the fire service either as a volunteer or as a full-time employed fire fighter. Or in my case, many of us started in a Boy Scout Explorer program that introduced us to the fire service. Having the flexibility to complete the program on your own time allows many students to complete an associates, bachelor, or graduate degree in fire science.

There is a lot of discussion about whether or not a degree will help the fire service candidate obtain a job as a firefighter. Many civil service programs award extra points for education, which may put you ahead of another candidate who scored as well as you on their civil service exam and agility test. Those few points may make the difference. This is not true for all potential employers.

Having a degree in fire science is very helpful when it comes time for promotion. Those extra points can really make a difference. If you are not interested in being promoted, then I wouldn't seek a more advance degree. However, I believe that in fire service, as in other arenas, that education is the key to advancement. Not only for the piece of paper, but also for the advanced knowledge you will learn in a program. The fire service is not about the "good old boys" anymore.

Think how confident you are going to feel if you go for your interview as a potential candidate for hire or advancement if you have a portfolio that contains a copy of your degree. Immediately this says things about you; you are a motivated individual who is interested in learning new things, that you have persistence in meeting your goals, and that you can time manage. These are all qualities that any employer is looking for.

Your course work can be done during your down time at the fire station through the Internet. Advisors, instructors, and other students are available through e-mail and sometimes streaming or video. Financial aid is often available to help defray the costs of education.

There are several colleges and universities that provide entire online fire science degree education programs.