I am enrolled in a Fire Science program at vincinnes university in Indianapolis. I'm more than halfway done with my assosiates degree, and I keep hearing that my major will not help me get onto a paid fire dept anywhere. Is that true? I think having a fire service related degree would at least give me an edge in a recruiting process......What do you think?
All depends. Some places want someone who they can mold themselves, rather than have to change things that they've learned in schooling. Personally, I think it would be an advantage, but that's just my opinion. I'm just going on what I've heard...not experience.
Permalink Reply by Russ on December 22, 2009 at 7:28pm
the advantage of an advanced degree is determined by the department you are applying to. in the case of my state (florida) the state has a money incentive for having an associates degree or bachlors. the value of having a degree is that when you go for a senior position (chief etc...) you will have an academic advantage over someone that has just time in grade. shop around is my advice. depending on where you choose to apply and what you waqnt to do, i would ask if the department has incetives for having a degree or not. as the fire service becomes more technicial then vocational, a degree is a necesity
It might not help you get hired in an entry-level position, but it should help as you advance in your career.
Remember, a college degree won't necessarily help you with your first post-college position, but it will probably help you with your 3rd or 4th post-college position.
I can see this as only helping your chances, not hurting. As it is, there are many departments that do give an incentive for a degree in the form of extra points to some that now require a degree to apply. As stated some depts may require further education to move up to management positions, but it still helps to land a job too. Just don't expect to be treated differently than any other probie, degree or not, you are still the low person on the totem pole. You also won't be starting at any higher pay rate (most likely) because you have a degree. You're halfway done, keep going, it will be worth it in the end despite what others say.