Online Fire Science Degrees: Inside Top Programs
As wildfires grow more destructive across the country, the demand for skilled fire science professionals is rising. An online fire science degree can equip you with the knowledge to investigate, prevent, and manage these megafires. Keep reading to find programs that can help you get started.
Expertise: Higher Ed.Criminal JusticeTeachingBasics of Fire Science Degree Programs
- Choose from certificates (a few weeks to 1 year), associate degrees (~2 years), bachelor’s degrees (~4 years), master’s degrees (~2 years), or doctorates (up to 10 years).
- Programs may focus on fire behavior, engineering, disaster prevention, or emergency management.
- Pick the right program for you based on your current education, career goals, and circumstances.
Career Options for Fire Science Graduates
A fire science education qualifies you for career opportunities across several fields. Before you choose a program, think about which path interests you:
Emergency Services
Emergency services is one of the most vital aspects of the fire science field. Employees work directly in different aspects of disaster prevention, containment, and management – often, in the public sector. These jobs are generally extremely fast-paced and require grace under pressure.
Emergency services career options for fire science graduates include:
- Emergency Management Administrator
- Firefighter
- Hazardous Waste Removal Technician
- Social Services Manager
Law Enforcement
Fire science might not seem related to law enforcement, but in the context of criminal justice and investigation, it’s a crucial consideration for many agencies. Fire science graduates gain specialized knowledge of how fire works on different scales.
They are ideal candidates for roles such as:
- Detective
- Fire Investigator
- Forensic Science Technician
- Private Investigator
Medicine and Public Health
Fire science isn’t just about fire itself – it’s also about how fire can impact human health on an individual and/or societal scale. Fire scientists often are qualified for medical roles, either directly or indirectly. Graduates who take these positions can handle individual medical issues and/or public health research.
Possible career options include:
- Building Inspector
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Occupational Health and Safety Inspector
- Public Health Consultant
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Discover More Resources
Need more than what we cover on this page? Dive into our guides for a more complete picture of the top programs in your state, what to expect from different degree levels, and what your future could look like after graduation. These resources will give you the information you need to thrive in your studies and beyond.
Fire Science Programs in Your State
More Fire Science Resources
Salary and Career Details
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Fire Inspectors and Investigators | $46,360 | $137,220 | $74,160 |
| U.S. | Firefighters | $31,600 | $93,720 | $57,120 |
| U.S. | Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | $35,000 | $92,170 | $54,080 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Fire Inspectors and Investigators | 15,000 | 15,600 | 600 | 4.00% |
| United States | Firefighters | 334,200 | 346,200 | 12,000 | 3.60% |
| United States | Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | 2,400 | 2,800 | 400 | 16.70% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Degree Programs by Level: Which One Do You Need?
Fire science degree programs are available for different types of students, from high school students wondering what to study after graduation to experts in the field looking for a terminal degree. Which program is right for you largely depends on your education level and prior career experience, but there are other considerations.
Learn more about different degree types below.
Undergraduate Certificates
Undergraduate certificate programs in fire science provide students with foundational knowledge of the field. They cover topics such as fire combustion and behavior, fire safety and prevention, and emergency services.
These programs prepare students for entry-level jobs as firefighters and (in some cases) EMTs. Additional training and education (such as a firefighter academy or an EMT licensing course) are required to advance further in the field.
Fire science undergraduate certificate programs are commonly offered by community colleges and technical/vocational schools, and can be found both online and on-campus.
Requirements for earning a certificate vary, but most require completion of 10 to 30 credit hours of coursework. Program lengths vary from a few weeks to one year.
University of Florida – Fire Ecology and Management Undergraduate Certificate
This program is primarily intended for students who are enrolled in a relevant bachelor’s program at the university, such as environmental science. The program builds on the undergraduate curriculum to help students earn an additional qualification.
| Cost | Credits | Mode | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| $129.18/credit hour | 15-17 | Online | SACSCOC |
Associate Degrees
Associate degree programs in fire science prepare graduates for entry-level employment as firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, fire instructors, and (in some cases) EMTs. Additional training is required to advance in these jobs.
Both Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs in fire science can be found online.
These programs typically require two years of full-time study, including general education classes and major-specific coursework. They are most often offered by community and technical colleges, but are also available from some four-year colleges and universities.
Coursework is usually presented in an asynchronous format, and most programs can be completed entirely online without any in-person requirements.
University of Cincinnati – Associate of Applied Science in Fire Service Technology
This degree program is offered in an accelerated format. Most courses take seven weeks to complete. Some courses are presented by the National Fire Academy ‘s Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Program.
| Cost | Credits | Mode | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| $7,288/semester | 60 | Online | NCA |
Bachelor’s Degrees
Bachelor’s degree programs in fire science allow graduates to seek entry-level jobs as firefighters, fire inspectors, and EMTs (which all require additional training). But, they are mainly designed for current fire services professionals who want to advance into management and/or supervisory positions.
Online degree programs are available in specialized areas of study such as investigation, administration, fire technology, and emergency services.
These programs are offered by both public and private colleges and universities. They typically require four years of full-time study that includes general education, major-specific, and elective coursework.
Most programs feature fully online coursework, but some include a few classes in a hybrid (online and in-person) format.
Western Illinois University – Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Services
This degree program prepares graduates for advancement to senior leadership positions in fire service. They can also purse careers in related fields such as arson investigation, fire inspection, and industrial safety.
| Cost | Credits | Mode | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5,047.50/per semester | 120 semester hours | On-Campus | HLC |
Graduate Certificate Programs
Online graduate certificate programs in fire science are non-degree programs that are designed for students with a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as mechanical engineering. These programs are for students who have not yet taken coursework in fire science or fire protection, but want to pursue a career in the field.
These programs typically take one year or less to complete (often, as little as a few months). Many offer flexible classes to make enrollment easier for working professionals.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Graduate Certificate in Fire Protection Engineering
This program is offered through the university’s School of Engineering. The non-degree program can be completed in approximately one year. Standardized test scores are not required for admittance.
| Cost | Credits | Mode | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| $861/credit hour | 24 | Online | SACSCOC |
Master’s Degrees
Online master’s degree programs in fire science are designed for working professionals who have several years of experience in firefighting, fire protection, fire investigation, or a similar field. These professionals want to advance into top-tier leadership positions – often, in administration or investigation.
Advanced and specialized education are the hallmarks of master’s-level fire science degree programs. Students can pursue MS degrees with different focuses, such as:
- MS in Emergency Management
- MS in Fire Protection Engineering
- MS in Public Administration (specializing in Fire and Emergency Services)
- MS in Public Safety Leadership and Administration (specializing in Executive Fire Administration)
Oklahoma State University – Master of Science in Fire and Emergency Management Administration
This degree program is fully online and can be completed during two years of full-time study. The program is designed for students who already earned a bachelor’s degree and want a career in emergency services management.
| Cost | Credits | Mode | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| $489/credit hour | 33 | Online | HLC |
Doctoral Degrees
Doctoral degrees – including online doctoral degrees in fire science – are terminal degrees; they’re the highest level of education you can attain. These programs require some mandatory, highly advanced coursework in fire science.
A large portion of the program will be spent completing a doctoral dissertation or thesis. Students must design, complete, and present an original research project with the help of an academic advisor.
Graduates of online doctoral degree programs in fire science are eligible to apply for upper-level fire science positions in research and academia.
Oklahoma State University – PhD in Fire and Emergency Management Administration
This program leads to an advanced degree that can be completed fully online. Students must complete 60 credits of coursework plus write and present an original research dissertation. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in fire and rescue, emergency management, emergency medical services, law enforcement, homeland security, and related fields in both the public and private sectors.
| Cost | Credits | Mode | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| $489/credit hour | 60 | Online | HLC |
Choosing the Right Online Program
Pursuing a degree in fire science – whether it’s online, on-campus, or hybrid – can be a substantial commitment in terms of both time and money. So, it’s crucial to know if the field of study and the specific degree you’re considering are the right choices for you before you commit to a program.
To help you in that process, ask yourself the questions below and see if they make choosing a program easier.
Do I feel comfortable working in dangerous situations?
Many fire science roles – particularly those in emergency services – deal with life-threatening danger. Though some fire science roles do not involve dangerous situations, you should consider this when applying for programs that prepare you for roles in emergency services.
Do I want to work outdoors?
Some fire science roles, including work in emergency services, require you to work outdoors. This is especially true for firefighting roles and conservation roles that deal with wildfire. Consider whether an outdoor job appeals to you as you explore program options.
Am I comfortable around people in distress?
This question is similar to the one about danger. Ask yourself if you are comfortable encountering people in distress as you work. Fire science roles in disaster relief and law enforcement often involve working with people who are going through trauma, and this can be challenging for many people.
What kind of hours do I want to work?
Some roles in the broader fire science field involve working unconventional hours, while other roles involve working a traditional nine-to-five schedule. You’ll need to consider which type of schedule appeals to you; it’s one of many factors that will determine the best type of fire science degree program for you.
Do I want to work with my hands?
Physicality (or lack of) required by a job is a major factor that differentiates fire science roles. Some roles are highly physical, while others (like office roles) are more sedentary. You need to determine which type of role appeals most to you in the long term.
How Much Does a Degree in Fire Science Cost?
The cost of online fire science degree programs varies substantially.
Generally, certificate programs and associate degree programs are most affordable, while graduate degree programs are most expensive. Typically, online programs are less costly than on-campus/in-person programs, mainly because you won’t need to pay to relocate.
Beyond that, whether a program is public or private and (for public programs) whether you’re eligible for in-state tuition can majorly impact costs. The official cost of a degree program is not always reflective of what you’ll need to pay in total.
Be sure to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form early in the process of choosing a school and program. You should also apply for any financial aid opportunities that your school offers. Finally, check out private scholarship opportunities and apply for any that you’re eligible for. Note the deadline for each type of financial aid and apply before it passes.
Answering Common Questions from Fire Science Students
How do I know if an online fire science degree program is high-quality?
A variety of factors can help you determine whether an online fire science degree program is high-quality. You can look at academic rankings, but you should also consider whether support services are available for students and how accessible they are.
You should look at options for specialization in a specific program, especially if you have a highly specific academic goal in mind.
How long does it take to complete an online fire science degree program?
As noted above, the amount of time needed to complete an online fire science degree program varies substantially. Non-degree programs, like the undergraduate and graduate certificates mentioned above, are can generally be completed faster.
Associate degrees and master’s degrees generally take two years to complete, but bachelor’s degrees and doctoral degrees can take four years. Remember that choosing to study part-time (if that option is available) will increase the total time that’s required before you can graduate.
Can I work while studying for an online fire science degree?
Whether or not you work while studying for an online fire science degree depends on both the program and the job you currently have. Online classes are often flexible, but whether or not that aligns with the job you want to work will depend on the job itself.
It’s important to make sure that you can keep up with your studies if you’re also juggling work responsibilities.
Is financial aid available for online fire science degree programs?
You can apply for state and federal financial aid for an accredited fire science degree program, as long as you submit a FAFSA form before the deadline. Your school likely offers financial aid for its students; this aid can be based on both need and merit.
Finally, check which private scholarships you are eligible for, and be sure to keep track of application deadlines so you can maximize your chances of receiving a scholarship or grant.
Is it important that an online fire science degree program is accredited?
It is vital that your online fire science degree program is accredited or is offered by an accredited institution. This proves that your school met relevant standards and confers legitimacy on a degree to future employers and schools you might attend in the future. Programmatic accreditation from a fire science organization can also confer a mark of prestige on a specific fire science program.
Best Online Fire Science Degree Programs
You should consider various factors – such as your personal goals and experiences – when deciding which online fire science degree program is best for you. Beyond personal factors, you should also consider some objective factors, such as rankings.
To determine the rankings below, we considered student services, ease of online learning, financial aid, and more. Check out our list of the best online fire science degree programs.