The Top Fire Science Bachelor’s Degrees Online

Few career fields save more lives or have a bigger impact on community safety than fire science. Individuals in this industry often work for fire departments to prevent and suppress fires along with providing other services to keep communities secure. To enter the field, most professionals need only an associate degree, certifications, or EMT training.

However, if you want to advance to a leadership position or help a fire department manage personnel and resources, a fire science bachelor’s degree may be required.

Whether you’re just entering the field or are a seasoned professional looking to advance your career, this guide can help. In it, we outline how to get your fire science bachelor’s degree online and spotlight the best programs out there. Read until the end for more information on how much this degree costs, additional resources, and admission requirements.

What You’ll Learn in an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science

A bachelor’s degree in fire science is designed to help students understand how to become managers and leaders within fire departments. Course topics typically cover management principles as they relate to human resources, leadership, safety, community risks, and a department’s resources and finances. Many courses also address ethical and legal considerations and how fire management can collaborate with other departments, such as emergency services. Fire science programs also review specific strategies and tactics to prevent or stop fires.

Below, find five courses you’ll likely find as you research fire science bachelor’s degrees, along with a typical course description.

Common Courses in Associate in Fire Science Programs

Accreditation for your Online Fire Science Program

Accreditation isn’t a nice-to-have feature for a fire science program; it’s essential. Without it, your degree may not be recognized by other academic institutions or employers. Plus, federal and state financial aid, as well as some private aid sources, are only available to students attending accredited institutions. And if you decide to pursue your master’s degree in fire science after receiving a bachelor’s degree, you must first have a bachelor’s from an accredited college.

First, you’ll want to research institutional accreditation by a regional or national accrediting board. The University of Florida, for example, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Additionally, many degrees have programmatic accreditation — one common agency for fire science is the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). And industry/professional recognitions can also provide insight into academic standards. The FESHE Recognition certificate, for example, is an acknowledgement that a degree program meets the minimum standards of excellence established by FESHE professional development committees and the National Fire Academy.

For an example of a fire science program with multiple sources of accreditation, check out Purdue Global.

FAQs About an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science

So far, we’ve covered curriculum basics and stand-out programs. But you still likely have questions about how long it takes to get a fire science degree, admission requirements, costs associated with the degree, and more. Continue reading for the answers to the most commonly asked questions about getting an online fire science degree.

Can I earn my bachelor’s in fire science 100% online?

You’ll find many 100% online programs for fire science students. Many of the schools featured in this guide fall into that category, including the degrees at Purdue Global, Anna Maria College, and Eastern Kentucky University. However, some programs do offer more hands-on features that may require in-person residencies, so be sure to review program guidelines to identify any on-campus components.

How long does it take to earn a bachelor’s in fire science degree online?

The typical timeline for any bachelor’s degree is four years. But you can earn your degree in less time, whether it’s by choosing an accelerated program or transferring credits from another institution. Some programs even allow military or work experience to count toward a fire science degree.

Some of the fastest fire science degrees are American Military University (two to four years), Purdue Global (three to four years), and Waldorf University (three to four years).

What are the admissions requirements for online fire science degrees?

Fire science degrees can be competitive, and individual institutions can ask for different admission requirements. But you’ll find commonalities among requirements, including a minimum high school GPA, essays or short-answer responses, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and filling out the common application.

Because it’s popular to apply for a bachelor’s in fire science after working in the field or a related industry, academics aren’t weighed as heavily as in other programs. Schools often ask about work, volunteer, and military experience. Most likely, they will place more emphasis on experience than grades for candidates who aren’t applying right after high school.

How much does an online fire science bachelor’s degree cost?

Getting a college degree can be expensive. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average public four-year degree costs $27,800, which is in alignment with the range of tuition prices outlined in the chart below.

Once you’ve identified a school with tuition that meets your budget, you may want to consider applying for financial aid including scholarships, student loans, and grants.

How much can you make with a bachelor’s degree in fire science?

Predicting how much you’ll make after graduating can be tricky considering a degree in fire science can lead to multiple career outcomes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the following average annual salaries for three possible job titles:

• Firefighters: $57,120
• Fire inspectors: $71,420
• Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists: $61,090

Of those three positions, a firefighter is probably the most common job held by graduates of an online bachelor’s degree program in fire science. Because the minimum education necessary to become a firefighter is typically a high school diploma, those with a bachelor’s are more likely to be on the higher end of the scale. In 2023, the top 10% of firefighters earned over $93,000.

Are there any certifications or licenses that you need to work in fire science?

The fire science industry doesn’t offer standard licenses or requirements; instead, individual fire agencies set their own certification requirements. Some of the most common requirements might include an associate or bachelor’s degree in fire science, EMT certification, or training from FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute. You’ll want to review state licensure requirements for firefighters by state to determine if you have the appropriate qualifications.

Additional Resources for Fire Science Students and Professionals

This guide is an excellent starting point to learn about earning your fire science bachelor’s degree, but you may be ready for additional resources to supplement your journey. To that end, we’ve compiled 10 useful resources for fire science students and professionals.

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  Certifications, along with your bachelor’s in fire science, can help your resume stand out when applying to jobs. FEMA offers multiple free certifications that may be of interest.
• Fire Ecology Chats
  This podcast includes interviews with leading experts to discuss the intersection of fire science and environmental protection. Past episodes addressed the degradation of California Black Oak, the impact of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) ignition on fire, and new types of investments needed to reduce wildfire risk.
• Firefighting Reddit Thread
  While earning your degree and throughout your career, you may find it handy to chat with other fire science professionals. This Reddit thread is a virtual space where firefighters and fire science students can discuss current problems, potential solutions, and other aspects of the industry.
• Fire Research Group
  The University of California, Berkeley created the Fire Research Group to study new potential fire protection technologies and how to implement them. The group focuses primarily on research and developing resources related to California wildfires, though it could be a good source of information for fire departments battling wildfires in any state.
• Fire Science Students Scholarships and Support
  Affording your fire science degree is a primary concern for many students. To help, the team at Student Training & Education in Public Service (STEPS) compiled a list of scholarships and other student resources. All are specific to fire science students.
• FireWise TV
  Fire science is a topic that touches upon many aspects of public service, and this YouTube channel explains those aspects, as well as specific strategies fire science professionals can use to overcome challenges on the job.
• Landing A Dream Fire Science Job
  Purdue Global created a guide for students looking to land their dream job in fire science. In it, you’ll find ways to gain experience, learn how to best discuss your education with potential employers, and identify certifications to work toward.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  NFPA provides resources to fire departments and researchers to help communities combat damage from fire. Specific topics addressed include wildlife preparedness, electrical safety, community risk reduction, public safety, and fire prevention.
• Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC) Fire Science Degree Program YouTube
  Wondering what topics you may cover in your fire science coursework? The degree program at PPCC — also known as Pikes Peak State College — offers a behind-the-scenes look via their YouTube channel. Videos cover topics like how to clean a ladder, an explanation of fire academy, and different career paths available within the field.
• Stress Management for Firefighters and Fire Science Students
  Earning your degree and working as a firefighter are two stressful scenarios. To help, Anna Maria College developed a health and wellness guide for those in the industry with a specific emphasis on how to reduce stress.