Fire Science Degree

The fire science program at Virginia Highlands 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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Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC)

1 College Avenue, Wise, VA

Virginia Highlands Community College, located in beautifully mountainous Abingdon, Virginia, enrolls approximately 3,200 students each year into their many programs of study.

VHCC offers the opportunity for students to earn an associate’s degree in many different areas, including: arts, education, business, information technology, science and horticulture, engineering, and industrial technology. VHCC also offers various career studies certificates, including: nurse’s aide certification, pharmacy technician certification, and business management. These certificates allow local businesses and employees to help augment their current knowledge of their already existing job field.

Virginia Highlands Community College is a fully accredited part of the VCCS system and subsequently has an agreement with all Virginia state colleges which allows students automatic acceptance when they have completed their associate’s degree.

Those who need additional financial assistance to attend VHCC may qualify for their Tobacco Scholarship Assistance Program which is geared toward students whose heritages lies with the many tobacco farmers of southern and western Virginia.

The cost to attend Virginia Highlands Community College is $127.00 per credit hour for in-state residents. Those who reside out of state can attend VHCC for $319.00 per credit hour. Those who live within a 30-mile radius, but across the state line, can attend VHCC for $143.00 per credit hour.

If you would like to apply at Virginia Highlands Community College, or would like more information on the many associate’s degree programs and career certificates offered there, click here to access VHCC’s official website.

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).