Fire Science Degree

The fire science program at Lower Columbia College prepares students for careers as firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, first line supervisors, or managers of firefighters. The program focuses on the duties of firefighters. Program courses include: firefighting equipment operation and maintenance, principles of fire science and combustible substances, methods of controlling different types of fires, hazardous material handling and control, fire rescue procedures, public relations, and laws and regulations. Get more details below including other Washington colleges that offer fire science degrees.

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Lower Columbia College

11605 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA

Lower Columbia College, located in Longview, Washington, is a public, two year institution founded in 1934 when it was known as Lowe Columbia Junior College. Students originally registered for courses through local businesses in various cities with classes held at R.A. Long High School. Over the years the college grew in size and enrollment, eventually getting its own campus and permanent home. The school became a community college in 1961 and joined the state supported Washington Community and Technical College System in 1967.

Academics

As a comprehensive community college, LCC offers a variety of courses aimed at academic transfer or career development. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a college education, followed by applying for transfer to a four year institution to continue one's education and earn a bachelor's degree. Career training programs assist students in receiving an education in a given are or field with the intention of seeking employment in that field upon graduation. Programs take between one and two years to complete and confer a certificate or degree upon completion.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Anthropology
• Business
• Criminal Justice
• Political Science

Admissions and Financial Aid

Lower Columbia College is a public, two year institution that maintains an open enrollment policy that admits any individual who meets the minimum requirements. Students must submit an application, provide transcripts and test scores, and pay all associated fees, and may be required to take a placement exam prior to registration. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships which are awarded based on need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students Enrolled in the Fire Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Lower Columbia College has offered the following program levels for students:

• Less Than Two-Year Award
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Municipal Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisors

Description

Supervise fire fighters who control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and property, and conduct rescue efforts.

Municipal Firefighters

Description

Control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and property and conduct rescue efforts.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, municipal firefighters employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 3
  • Average Hourly Rate: $36.48
  • Average Annual Salary: $75870
• Tacoma-Lakewood, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 980
  • Average Hourly Rate: $38.12
  • Average Annual Salary: $79290

Fire Inspectors

Description

Inspect buildings and equipment to detect fire hazards and enforce state and local regulations.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, fire inspectors employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.5% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 110
  • Average Hourly Rate: $44.96
  • Average Annual Salary: $93510

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Description

Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 13.1% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).