| The days of the "good old boys" fire department | | | | investigation, administration, fire protection, fire |
| is fast becoming history. With the advent of more | | | | prevention, and safety programs. Eastern |
| scientific knowledge of fire behavior, college | | | | Kentucky University has an online degree |
| education has become the way to secure a | | | | program. |
| firefighter job and a way to progress up the | | | | The US Department of Labor Statistics projects |
| career ladder. A degree in fire science will give | | | | that the need for firefighters will grow faster than |
| you an edge when it comes time for job | | | | average through 2014. Most firefighter positions |
| interviewing and testing. Advancement into officer | | | | have great benefits, including holidays, medical, |
| positions will be easier with a degree in fire | | | | tuition reimbursement, and retirement plans. |
| science. | | | | The median salary in 2004 was $15 to $43 an |
| An online degree program allows you to do your | | | | hour. The average salary for a battalion chief was |
| course work around your shift schedule. If you | | | | $58,000, for an assistant chief $57,000 to |
| are interrupted while doing online work, it is still | | | | $63,000, and for a fire chief $68,000. |
| available 24/7. (sort of like a firefighter). As long | | | | The fire service is an exciting career with good |
| as you have a computer, you can do your | | | | wages and benefits. Obtaining a degree in fire |
| assignments. Some programs allow you to | | | | science will help you achieve you goal of getting a |
| complete a bachelor's degree in 24 months with | | | | firefighter position or in moving up the career |
| an accelerated program. | | | | ladder. |
| Classes focus on life safety, fire suppression, fire | | | | |