Fire Science Degree

The fire science program at Volunteer State 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 Tennessee colleges that offer fire science degrees.

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Volunteer State Community College (VSCC)

2101 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN

Volunteer State Community College, located in northern Middle Tennessee, offers a variety of programs that allow students to obtain their Associate Degree, certificates or just continue with education. Vol State serves students from Metro Nashville to the Cumberland Plateau. Besides Gallatin, Vol States main campus, the college offers satellite campuses across the region. This includes campuses specifically for evening classes, high school dual-enrolment and other programs like Health and Business.

Vol State has a very diverse and large variety of clubs and organization, which provides great opportunities to its students to learn and later serve the community. Free tutoring and low tuition has made VSCC a top choice for returning and new students in the area. Students wanting to complete a bachelor’s degree can take advantage of Vol States’ Tennessee Transfer Pathway Program. 

Cost to attend is $139 per semester hour for in-state students, and $574 for out of state students. For more information on tuition and fees, including maintenance fees, please visit Vol States tuition information page.

VSCC provides assistance to students who need to apply for financial aid and apply for fee waivers. Grants, along with Scholarships are also available for students to take advantage of. 

There are currently more than 8,000 students enrolled at VSCC, and the college prides itself on being culturally diverse. Vol State provides a healthy learning environment to its students, and offers many tools and resources to ensure a quality education. You can visit Vol State’s webpage for a more detailed look at the college.

Students Enrolled in the Fire Science Program

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

• Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $19.69
  • Average Annual Salary: $40950

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

• Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
  • Total Employment: 60
  • Average Hourly Rate: $24.23
  • Average Annual Salary: $50410

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).