Best Online Fire Science Degree Programs: Explore an online Fire Science degree to align with your enthusiasm for problem-solving and public service. Opt for either an associate or bachelor’s degree, positioning yourself for potential earnings exceeding $50,000 annually, as indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Will You Learn in an Online Fire Science Program?
A fire science online program degree can teach you how to prevent and respond to fires, requiring both technical and situational management skills. Here are some of the courses you’ll encounter in fire science studies:
- Construction of Buildings: This course gives an overview of how building codes relate to fire procedures.
- Planning for Defense: This instructs fire science students on preparing for fires, creating evacuation plans, and effectively reducing community risks.
- Understanding Fire Behavior: This course provides a fundamental understanding of how fires start and spread by examining chemical properties.
- Preventing Fires: This covers procedures for preventing fires.
- Putting Out Fires: This course delves into the methods of extinguishing fires and preventing their spread.
- Hydraulics and Water: This teaches fire science students about basic water defense systems, including hoses, ladders, and lift systems.
A degree program in this field usually includes topics such as fundamental emergency services, how fires behave, investigating fires, constructing buildings, collaborating with government for fire prevention, protection systems, precautionary actions, reducing community risk, understanding fire dynamics, and HAZMAT and OSHA regulations.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Fire Science?
Earning a Fire Science degree can position you on the frontline of ensuring the safety of people and the environment from fires. Those with expertise in fire science work to prevent and respond to fires. Let’s explore some common job opportunities for Fire Science program graduates:
- Firefighter
- Fire Investigator
- Fire Inspector
- Fire Marshal/Commissioner
- Forensic Investigator
- Safety/Plant Manager
Lots of folks who graduate with this degree opt for jobs in government offices. Yet, plenty of private firms in manufacturing or production also seek out specialists with these highly specific talents.
Fire Science Degree Salary
People who work in fire services often receive good pay because they play crucial roles in ensuring the safety of both property and individuals. Let’s explore some salary trends:
- Firefighter: $52,500
- Forensics Technician: $60,590
- Fire Inspector: $62,120
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics supplies all the details about wages and employment.
How Much Does a Fire Science Degree Cost?
The total expense of obtaining this degree depends on various factors, with the most obvious one being the duration of your studies.
Choosing a two-year associate’s degree in Fire Science is evidently more budget-friendly compared to other degree choices. That’s why it’s often recommended for those aiming to become firefighters.
To illustrate, the average cost of a two-year degree from a public college is approximately $10,000. The cost of obtaining a four-year Fire Science degree varies widely. Essentially, it will be similar to the expense of any other bachelor’s degree from the same institution.
Opting for an online program has a key advantage – you won’t have to cover expenses like room and board, making it more affordable for many individuals.
Best Online Fire Science Degree Programs
The list of schools below is organized alphabetically. To make the cut, a college or university needs to have regional accreditation and provide online or hybrid degree programs.
Albany Technical College
- AAS in Fire Science Technology
Albany Technical College has the approval of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
American Military University
- AA in Fire Science
American Military University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission in its respective region.
APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- BS in Fire Science
Anna Maria College has been approved by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Bowling Green State University
- BS in Fire Administration
Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Bucks County Community College
- AA in Fire Science
Bucks County Community College offers a degree in Fire Science, and it is recognized by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Casper College
- AAS in Fire Science
Casper College offers a degree in Fire Science, known as an AAS (Associate of Applied Science). It has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado State has approval from The Higher Learning Commission.
Columbia Southern University offers an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science.
Columbia Southern University
- AS in Fire Science
Columbia Southern University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- 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 has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Eastern Oregon University
- BA in Fire Services Administration
- BS in Fire Services Administration
Eastern Oregon University has received accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Fayetteville State University
- BS in Fire and Emergency Services Administration
Fayetteville State University has been given the stamp of approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Hillsborough Community College
- AS in Fire Science Technology
Hillsborough Community College has approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- AS in Fire Services Administration
- BS in Fire Services Administration
Idaho State University has received regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Johnson County Community College
- AA in Fire Services Administration
Johnson County Community College has received accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission.
Lake Superior College
- AS in Fire Science and Administration
Lake Superior College has been approved by The Higher Learning Commission.
Is a Degree in Fire Science Worth It?
Yes, getting a Fire Science degree is beneficial for numerous students. Jobs in protective services are expected to increase by 3% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Typical jobs in this field involve being a firefighter, forensics technician, or fire inspector.