Fire Science Degree

The fire science program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University 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 Oklahoma colleges that offer fire science degrees.

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Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU)

7210 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, located in Weatherford, Oklahoma, was founded in 1901 as Southwestern Normal School. Operations began in 1903 at both the preparatory school and the normal school. By 1920, the preparatory facility was shut down and in its place was established a bachelor degree granting program. By World War II the school had grown, resulting in several name changes and the addition of additional programs, including the school of pharmacy. In 1953 SWOSU began offering masters degrees, and received its current name in 1974. The school merged with Sayre Junior College in 1987, expanding its offerings, facilities, and area of operation.

Academics

Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers a diverse number of programs at the associate, bachelor and master levels. Programs are offered on campus, at the branch campus at Sayre, or online. Bachelor degree programs typically take four years to complete, with an additional two years for a master's program. The PharmD program will take between 2 and 6 years depending if a student is enrolling out of high school or out of college. Associate degree programs are limited, offering tribal administration, American Indian Studies, children's teaching and general studies programs.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Graphic Design
• History
• Nursing
• Social Work

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in enrolling at Southwestern Oklahoma State University must have a GPA of 2.7, be in the top 50% of their class, and have an ACT score of 20 or an SAT score of 940. Students may complete the application for admissions online, or submit it through mail along with all pertinent transcripts and documents. Students may also wish to complete the housing forms, also available online.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, work study programs and loans. Students in need of aid must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility and awards. Scholarships typically require a separate application that must be sent to the overseeing body of the scholarship and may be awarded based on criterion other than need.

Athletics

The Southwestern Oklahoma State University Bulldogs compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Division II Great Western Conference. The school colors are white, blue and bulldog grey. Athletic programs provide students with additional skills and training that may be useful and applicable in academics and professional careers. These include discipline, maintaining a healthy body, and teamwork.

Athletic programs:

• Baseball (Men Only)
• Basketball
• Football (Men Only)
• Golf
• Rodeo
• Softball (Women Only)
• Soccer (Women Only)
• Cross Country (Women Only)
• Volleyball (Women Only) 

Students Enrolled in the Fire Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers an associate's degree program in fire science.

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

• Oklahoma City, OK
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $26.18
  • Average Annual Salary: $54450

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

• Oklahoma City, OK
  • Total Employment: 100
  • Average Hourly Rate: $30.15
  • Average Annual Salary: $62710

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).