Fire Science Degree

The fire science program at Oakton Community 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 Illinois colleges that offer fire science degrees.

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Oakton Community College

5500 N Saint Louis Ave, Chicago, IL

Oakton Community College is a two-year post-secondary school with two convenient locations for students living in the Chicago, area: the main campus is located about 20 miles northwest of Chicago in Des Plaines, and the newer, Ray Hartstein Campus is about 15 miles north of Chicago in Skokie. As community colleges go, Oakton is rather large, with an enrollment of almost 11,000. Despite its size, administration is focused on fostering a personal, intimate environment; most classes top out at around 14-15 students. Oakton’s main campus offers a surprisingly sophisticated variety of programs in the fields of art, science, and business, to name just a few.  Associate and certificate programs are available in nearly 80 areas of study.

At OCC, cultural enrichment abounds. Students can visit the campus museum to view the works of high-profile artists based in Chicago. The performing arts center and writer’s series are also a source of school pride. Oakton’s extracurricular clubs cater to a broad variety of tastes, affording students opportunities to make friends and share personal interests in their free time. In response to a culture that is more aware of health and fitness, the college has launched Student Health 101, an online interactive health journal, where students can log on and ask health-related questions.

Oakland’s tuition rates are competitive, coming in thousands of dollars below average U.S. college and university tuition rates, and financial aid is available to qualified students. Individuals wishing to apply for admission should contact the admissions office for details. With its broad range of certification and degree programs, personalized instruction, and reasonable tuition rates, Oakton Community College is an educational value for today’s students.

Students Enrolled in the Fire Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Oakton Community College has offered the following academic levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• 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

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 9
  • Average Hourly Rate: $28.50
  • Average Annual Salary: $59280
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 660
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.22
  • Average Annual Salary: $42060
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $22.30
  • Average Annual Salary: $46390

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

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 250
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 170
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.35
  • Average Annual Salary: $48560

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).