Umuc

[clark918]

Thanks I sent you a PM, but I'm posting it in here as well.

Thanks for the response. I can't make it to MD until about April during Spring Break. Do you think this will be a problem? I am most likely looking at Chillum-Adelphi. They said they have less regulations and such than College Park has. They also said if I come and like the firehouse, they will make room for me. Are you a live-in? If so, how's it working out? And did you attend UMUC?

[superchef]

Thanks Chef. One more question though. My parents will be helping me out financial wise since I don't have the money myself. So I have to get it all approved by them first. My dad really doesnt like the idea of online classes. He said at his work he heard that a lot of employers laugh at those degrees. I argued that if I want a BS in Fire Science, it pretty much has to be online no matter where I attend. And when I told him the degree won't help me get hired, just with promotions and my pay at some places, he said it might be better to keep getting a degree in something else. Do you happen to know a good idea to argue this? And if I ever got hurt, will I be able to get into another Fire related career with this degree? Thanks.

Clark

Earning your degree online is every bit as valid as sitting in a classroom. You have actively participate in weekly discussions the same as if you were sitting in a classroom. The difference is that in a real classroom, you can "hide in the back of the room." In an online classroom, you have to participate.

You should talk to the academic director at UMUC for the Fire Science program. His name is Steve Carter. He is also one of the fire science professors (and I have him for the second time in spring term next year!).

A degree (any degree) is not an automatic entry ticket to any job. However, a 4 year degree will ALWAYS give you an edge over the person with no degree. Get your education now while you can. UMUC is a fully accredited college and has been around a long time. My degree will be every bit as valuable as the person who sits in a classroom a few days a week. UMUC is also affiliated with the NFA so you earn your NFA certificates for every fire science class you compete.

As for your father’s argument, earning a degree is a commitment to your education. That is what employers will look at first. If you want a career in the fire service, it makes more sense to focus your education on what will help you in your career.

I have had all levels of firefighters in my classes from fire chiefs down to firefighters. And BTW- I am NOT a firefighter. I chose this degree because it is something that I am committed to and it has proven to be very challenging, exciting and fascinating. When I am done, I am looking at possibly going into grant writing and/or research as there is a need for both in the fire service.

I am not sure if you have actually looked at the classes you have to take in fire science (in addition to the GEC). These are some of what I have already taken.

Advanced Fire Administration
Political and Legal Foundations of the Fire Service
Personnel Management
Fire Prevention Organization
Applications of Fire Research


I hope I answered your questions.

[superchef]

No, I called Cheffie......

How come I call you, in San Francisco, 3,000 miles away, and get an answer in 18 minutes?
I call my wife, out in the kitchen, 30 feet away, and don't get an answer until she wants the trash taken out.

It would have been quicker but I was taking my trash out.

[clark918]

Thanks that helped a lot. I'll email the director next to check what all of the career options are with this degree. I apreciate the help.

[thelife]

Thanks that helped a lot. I'll email the director next to check what all of the career options are with this degree. I apreciate the help.

Check your PM.

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

No, I called Cheffie......

How come I call you, in San Francisco, 3,000 miles away, and get an answer in 18 minutes?
I call my wife, out in the kitchen, 30 feet away, and don't get an answer until she wants the trash taken out.

Harve.. after all these years with the lovely Mrs. Woods, you haven't figured out a woman's fine art of selective hearing?

PS: if you really want her attention... whisper "jewelry"