Bachelor of Science In Fire Science

"The faculty and staff have real-life experience, which means they truly understand the business and what students need to succeed," said Chris Rinck ‘10 a firefighter and EMT and a senior consultant with Paragon Risk Engineering.

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Tame the flame

Fighting fires requires knowledge, strategy, expert technique, calm under pressure, and courage.

As a fire science major at the University of New Haven, you will be joining one of the largest, most comprehensive fire science programs in the country. You will learn the science of what gives a fire life, what keeps it burning, and the techniques and tactics to put it out. You will learn to battle blazes, lead teams, and prevent fires from starting in the first place. And, you’ll focus your career path by choosing one of two concentrations:

  • Fire Administration: Learn fire department best practices and department command structure as you develop the skills needed to become a leader.
  • Fire/Arson Investigation: Prepare for a career in fire investigation, arson/fraud detection, and code enforcement as you earn a minor in criminal justice.
Our facilities are state of the art. Your practical experience in them will include:
  • Becoming familiar with modern fire-detection software and alarm panels
  • Studying in the state-of-the-art fire/arson investigation lab, where live fires are produced for investigation
  • Experimenting with flash and fire points in the fire dynamics lab
  • Learning about and experiencing the systems and sprinkler heads used throughout the industry

Want to broaden your knowledge even further and offer more to employers? You can also explore coursework in related areas, including homeland security, criminal justice, forensic science, law, paramedicine, and emergency management.

Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.

Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.

Meet Our Faculty
Spotlights

I was grateful to be a part of both the University’s Centennial celebration and the Fire Science Department’s 50th year celebration.

I became close with everyone in the group and loved the sense of community I felt right from the start.

Envision Your Future

The information below is designed to show the many possible careers you could pursue with your major. The research is provided by Encoura, the leading research and advisory firm focused exclusively on higher education. It includes median national salaries and industry growth projections over the next decade. Click here to view the full report.

$74K

Battalion

7% Growth 2017-2027

$63K

Claims Adjuster

6% Growth 2017-2027

$58K

Fire Inspector

8% Growth 2017-2027

Selected Courses and Programs

  • This course presents students with the application of hydraulics calculation in the design of water-based fire protection systems. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of fluids and fluid movement. Static and dynamic fluid problems, with an emphasis on fire protection systems, will be studied.

  • This course introduces the gathering and organizing of information so a paramedic can make an accurate working field diagnosis. Subjects include gathering patient history with cultural sensitivity, physical examination techniques and the instruments used, review of normal physical findings by body system, emergent patient assessment, and organizing and communicating the information gathered. Critical thinking skills of patient assessment are introduced. This course may be taught through a special agreement with the Yale New Haven Sponsor Hospital Program.

  • This course covers both life-threatening and minor pre-hospital trauma care. It will include advanced provider certification in Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PhTLS). The PHTLS provider certification will be integrated with current advanced trauma management for all major body systems with extensive coverage of multi-systems and musculoskeletal trauma. NHSHP presents the Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support Course as developed by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians in cooperation with the Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons. The clinical portion will include time in the Emergency Department and with the Trauma Team. This course may be taught through a special agreement with the Yale New Haven Sponsor Hospital Program.

  • This class will cover the three major classes of hazards: natural, technological, and intentional. The course will encompass the big picture of disasters in the world and encourage elicitations from students while exploring the Universe of Hazards diagrams. Course work will compare and contrast varying definitions for natural hazards with key terms and basic concepts such as natural disasters, risk, vulnerability, resilience, and adjustment. The model hazard management mapping will be presented and will challenge students to identify within the model the four stages of emergency or disaster management: mitigation, preparedness planning, response, and recovery. A timeline of the effects of legislation on the historic evolution of hazard mapping and modeling will be reviewed.

  • The University of New Haven offers a wide variety of in-depth courses that create a transformational educational experience for our students. To view the complete list of courses you'll take while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science, check out the Academic Catalog:

    Fire Science, B.S. - Fire Administration Concentration

    Fire Science, B.S. - Fire/Arson Investigation Concentration

    Fire Science Minor

    Fire/Arson Investigation Certificate

    Emergency Management Certificate

Charger Advantage

Get an inside look at what differentiates the University of New Haven and how your experiences as a student will prepare you for success.

Nationally Recognized Center for Career Development

All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.

From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.

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  • Admission Requirements

    Whether you're still in high school or are transferring from another college, we offer full- and part-time opportunities for undergraduates from inside the U.S. and abroad. The admission process can begin as early as the end of your high school junior year.

    The Application Process

  • Financial Aid Opportunities

    We offer a comprehensive financial aid program, with students receiving assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, student loans, and part-time employment. Funds are available from federal and state governments, private sponsors, and from university resources. More than 85 percent of the University's full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.

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