30 Best Online Fire Science Degree Programs [2024 Guide]

By Joy Cromwelle
Updated on January 30, 2024
Ready to start your journey?
Explore Online Fire Science Degree Programs for 2023. Compare schools, online programs, careers, and salaries.

Explore Online Fire Science Degree Programs for 2024. Compare schools, online programs, careers, and salaries.

Online Fire Science Degree

Are you interested in pursuing a Fire Science degree online? Your twin passions for solving problems and serving the public can help you to excel in this critical field.

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Choose between an associate degree or bachelor degree and prepare yourself to potentially earn $50,000 or more per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Online Fire Science Degree Programs

You’re looking at two options when pursuing a degree in fire science online.

Compare fire science programs to see which one is the right choice for you.

Associate’s in Fire Science

firefighters disinfecting the streets

Many people choose to earn their degrees in two years at community colleges using an associate’s degree in fire science online program. An A.S. in Fire Science can help prepare you for service examinations to become a firefighter or fire investigator. In an associate degree program, you can learn the basics that go into both fire prevention and response.

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Additionally, you can graduate from an associate degree program at community colleges with the qualifications needed to help you to take on a supervisory role in fire departments, even working your way up to fire chief, after you accumulate enough work experience. This depends primarily on the size of your community though, as larger cities prefer candidates with either an on-campus or online bachelor degree.

Bachelor’s in Fire Science

fire inspector checking the fire extinguisher

Graduates with a fire science bachelor’s degree typically start in the same positions as associate degree graduates, performing duties as a firefighter or other type of emergency responder.

With a fire science bachelor’s degree, however, you are more likely to qualify for management or more specialized roles, such as fire investigator, fire inspector, or even fire chief. You’ll still need to put your time in before promotion, but you won’t need a master’s degree to advance in the field of fire science professionals.

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If you do want to teach fire science, though, an in-person or online bachelor degree can help set you up to enter a master’s program and eventually earn your advanced degree. Plus, if you want to finish your degree quicker than the average four years, consider pursuing an accelerated fire science degree program.

What Will You Learn in an Online Fire Science Program?

What Will You Learn in an Online Fire Science Program

A degree from a fire science online program can show you how to prevent and respond to fires. You will need both technical skills and skills for situational management.

Here’s a look at some courses you can expect to encounter while studying fire science:

Building Construction provides an overview of the relationship between building codes and fire procedures.

Defense Planning instructs fire science students on how to prepare for fires, come up with evacuation plans, and engage effectively in community risk reduction.

Fire Behavior provides a core understanding of the way fires begin and spread by looking at chemical properties.

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Fire Prevention goes over prevention procedures.

Fire Suppression covers how to put out fires and prevent spreading.

Hydraulics and Water teaches fire science students basic water defense systems like hoses, ladders, and lift systems.

Things like the basics of emergency services, fire behavior, fire investigation, building construction, fire prevention cooperation with government entities, protection systems, preventative measures, community risk reduction, fire dynamics, and fire behavior are all typically covered in a degree program. You will also probably be introduced to HAZMAT and OSHA regulations.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Fire Science?

Fire Science Degree Salary

A degree in Fire Science can help put you at the front line of keeping both the public and ecosystem safe from fires. Fire science professionals in this field do work in both preventative and responsive capacities. Here’s a look at some typical roles for graduates of Fire Science programs:

  • Firefighter
  • Fire Investigator
  • Fire Inspector
  • Fire Marshal/Commissioner
  • Forensic Investigator
  • Safety/Plant Manager

Many people with this degree choose to work in the public sector. However, many private companies with manufacturing or production settings need experts with these very unique skills.

Fire Science Degree Salary

Fire Science Degree Salary

Fire services professionals are often paid generously because they serve essential roles that keep both property and people safe.

Here’s a look at some salary trends:

All salary and job information is provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Fire Science Professional Organizations

Professional Organizations for Those with a Degree in Fire Science

You will be in a very rare and specialized role when you step into your career as a fire specialist. It can be helpful to be in the loop with other professionals who are steeped in the same intense tasks that you are. Here’s a look at the associations that should be on your radar:

The International Association of Firefighters is the labor union that represents full-time firefighters throughout the United States and Canada.

The International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Service is a networking organization that promotes education, support, and advocacy for women employed in fire service.

The U.S. Fire Administration is the top federal agency for fire data collection, public education on fires, fire research, and related training. This agency is a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

These groups are important because they can keep you on the cutting edge of what’s happening in the fire service industry. They also provide advocacy for fire services professionals that helps to ensure that you can look out for yourself while pursuing a career advancement that keeps others safe.

Fire Science Certification and Licensure

emergency medical technologist looking at a clipboard

Many people decide to pursue EMT certification after obtaining a degree in fire science online or through in-person programs. This combination may put you at an advantage when applying to roles as a first responder.

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What’s more, it should give you added confidence whenever you need to walk into potentially high-risk situations throughout your career in fire service.

Accreditation for a Fire Science Degree Online

Accreditation for a Fire Science Degree Online

Regional accreditation is something to consider when planning for your degree. While not necessary, regional accreditation does often make your degree more attractive to employers. Regional accreditation is proof that your school has passed a stringent review process.

Those seeking degrees in Fire Science also need to be aware of accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

This is a top-level accreditation that is explicitly granted to institutions of higher education with programs for fire and emergency. This accreditation is a sign that a program meets strict criteria in fire service education.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid for a Fire Science Degree Online

The financial aid opportunities that are available to you as you seek a degree in Fire Science will be the same opportunities that are available to students seeking any degree types through accredited two-year and four-year programs. This includes everything from federal grants and loans to work-study programs and state aid.

Private organizations often provide special scholarships for firefighters. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) provides access to a number of private scholarships from institutions. You may also find that your local firefighter union offers scholarship opportunities.

Get a Fire Science Degree Online

Can You Get a Fire Science Degree Online?

Yes, just as with a Fire Administration degree online, you can get a Fire Science degree online.

It is possible that you will need to complete at least a portion of the training that goes along with this very intense field of study in person on a practicum level.

How Do I Get a Degree in Fire Science?

fire science degree student studying in a library

The path to a degree in Fire Science begins by finding a program that works for you. You’ll first need to decide if you’d like to pursue a two-year or four-year degree. This is a crucial decision because it may impact your career advancement once you begin applying to jobs following graduation.

A two-year degree program for Fire Science should be sufficient if your goal is to become a firefighter. A two-year degree is likely going to be a more desirable option for you if you have your eye on a supervisory role.

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Jobs related to fire safety and fire investigation in the private sector can often be obtained with both two-year and four-year degrees. However, what you’ll generally find is that four-year degrees typically set you up for supervisory roles.

The final perk to discuss in relation to four-year degrees is that you will have the option to pursue a master’s degree that’s related to your field. You may find that your career path puts you in the spot of needing a master’s degree in engineering or a related field after a few years.

How Much Does a Fire Science Degree Cost?

fire science degree student studying at home

The full cost of this degree varies based on a few different factors. The obvious factor is the length of study you choose.

An associate’s degree in Fire Science that is earned in two years is obviously going to be less expensive than other degree options. This is why it’s often the recommended route for those aspiring to become firefighters.

For instance, the average cost of a two-year degree from a public college is somewhere around $10,000. The cost to get a four-year degree in Fire Science varies wildly. The price will essentially be the same as the cost for any other type of bachelor’s degree from the same institution.

The primary benefit of completing an online program is that there won’t be any need to pay fees for room and board that can put the price out of reach for so many.

Universities Offering Online Fire Science Degrees

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Albany Technical College

Albany Technical College campus

  • AAS in Fire Science Technology

Albany Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

American Military University

American Military University campus

  • AA in Fire Science

American Military University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

American Public University

American Public University campus

  • BS in Fire Science Management

APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Anna Maria College

Anna Maria College campus

  • BS in Fire Science

Anna Maria College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University campus

  • BS in Fire Administration

Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Bucks County Community College

Bucks County Community College campus

  • AA in Fire Science

Bucks County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Casper College

Casper College campus

  • AAS in Fire Science

Casper College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Colorado State University

Colorado State University campus

  • BS in Fire and Emergency Services Administration

Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University campus

  • AS in Fire Science

Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University campus

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Arson, Explosion, and Fire Investigation
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection Administration
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology

Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University campus

  • BA in Fire Services Administration
  • BS in Fire Services Administration

Eastern Oregon University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University campus

  • BS in Fire and Emergency Services Administration

Fayetteville State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Hillsborough Community College

Hillsborough Community College campus

  • AS in Fire Science Technology

Hillsborough Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Idaho State University

Idaho State University campus

  • AS in Fire Services Administration
  • BS in Fire Services Administration

Idaho State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Johnson County Community College

Johnson County Community College campus

  • AA in Fire Services Administration

Johnson County Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Lake Superior College

Lake Superior College campus

  • AS in Fire Science and Administration

Lake Superior College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Lakeland Community College

Lakeland Community College campus

  • AAS in Fire Science Technology

Lakeland Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University

Liberty University campus

  • BS in Fire Administration

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Mount Wachusett Community College

Mount Wachusett Community College campus

  • Associate’s degree in Fire Science Technology

MWCC is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University campus

  • BS in Fire Science

New Jersey City University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Passaic County Community College

Passaic County Community College campus

  • AAS in Fire Science Technology

Passaic County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Purdue University

Purdue University campus

  • BS in Fire and and Emergency Management
  • BS in Fire Science

Purdue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Seminole State College of Florida

Seminole State College of Florida campus

  • AS in Fire Science Technology

Seminole State College of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

St Petersburg College

St Petersburg College campus

  • AS in Fire Science Technology

St. Petersburg College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati campus

  • BS in Fire Science and Safety Engineering Technology

UC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Florida

University of Florida campus

  • BS in Fire and Emergency Services

The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus

  • BAS in Fire and Emergency Response Management

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Volunteer State Community College

Volunteer State Community College campus

  • AAS in Fire Science

Volunteer State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Waldorf University

Waldorf University campus

  • AA in Fire Science
  • BS in Fire Science Administration

Waldorf University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University campus

  • BS in Fire Protection Services – Fire Science

Western Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Is a Degree in Fire Science Worth It?

firefighters working together to put out a fire

Yes, a degree in Fire Science is worth it for many students. Protective service jobs are projected to grow at a rate of 3% in the next 10 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Common careers in this field include firefighter, forensics technician, and fire inspector.

There’s a good chance that you’ve always been a little more daring than the people around you. In fact, you’re probably the type of person to walk toward a problem instead of running away from it.

It’s hard to frame the idea of a degree in Fire Science as something that’s “worth it” if you’re simply a person with a passion for taking care of problems and keeping those around you safe.

The simple answer is that you’re going to be walking into a career that can be very rewarding and challenge your mind, body, and skills on a daily basis. There’s simply no gliding by in this industry!

firefighter saving a child from a fire

Entering a two-year or four-year program for Fire Science can be entirely worth it if you have your mind set on becoming a firefighter.

In fact, obtaining this necessary credential is going to make it possible to begin applying to positions that are open in the fire departments in your own town or state soon after graduation.

It’s also worth looking into four-year degrees either as part of an online program or one on campus if you think you’d like to use your skills and expertise to move into the private sector or government sector at some point. A four-year degree is an excellent option if you’re looking for the possibility of being promoted and carving out a very long and fulfilling career in either fire departments or elsewhere.

How do you become a trusted fire expert? It all begins by getting into a program that will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to be taken seriously. Apply to the degree program that will fuel your fire for a Fire Science career today!

Ready to start your journey?