Fire Science Degree

The fire science program at Southside Virginia 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 Virginia colleges that offer fire science degrees.

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Southside Virginia Community College (SVU)

1 University Hill Drive, Buena Vista, VA

Southside Virginia Community College, located in Alberta, Virginia, was founded in 1970 and is one of the 23 schools that comprise the Virginia Community College System.  The school serves 10 counties through campuses in Alberta and Keysville.

The school also operates the Southside Virginia Education Center, which provides additional education services to residents.  SVCC serves over 8000 students annually and operates on the semester system which is typically 15 weeks long.  It is open to all individuals, and is dedicated to providing the best education possible through a qualified staff and engaging programs, which are reviewed regularly to ensure they meet current standards and student needs.

Academics

Southside Virginia Community College offers a variety of programs designed to facilitate academic transfer or provide in depth career training. Academic transfer is achieved through the completion of the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying for transfer to a college or university to finish the final two years and earn a bachelor's degree.

Students applying to Virginia public institutions will have ease of transfer through agreements that guarantee admission if certain academic prerequisites are met. Transfer to out of state or private schools will require the student to requirements of the individual school to be considered for admission, and as a result should consult a counselor and research his or her desired schools prior to applying.

Career training programs prepare students for a career in a chosen area of study. Enrolled students will be able to enter the workforce as professionals upon completion of their program, having been through the necessary courses, which include study in theory, practice, application and methodology. Practical experience is gained through controlled and supervised settings that allow for error and growth. A program takes between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or degree which assists graduates in seeking employment at the entry level.

Programs offered include:

• Business Administration
• General Studies
• Nursing
• Liberal Arts
• Education

Admissions and Financial Aid

Individuals interested in enrollment at Southside Virginia Community College may do so through the school's open enrollment policy which only requires the applicant to be 18 years of age or have a high school diploma or GED. Those who meet the minimum requirements need to submit a completed application and pay all fees prior to the start of classes in order to be enroll.

Student are also asked to supply previous transcripts and standardized test scores if possible or available, the information from which may be used to substitute the required placement exam. A visit to a counselor and participation in new student orientation are also encouraged.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the financial aid office to construct a aid plan that is based on the student's need and aid program eligibility. Aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year.

Students Enrolled in the Fire Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Southside Virginia 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

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

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).