Top Online Fire Science Degrees in California (CA)
Are you passionate about protecting your community? Have you ever considered working in the fire service? With California’s vast landscape and diverse urban environments, the demand for trained fire service professionals is high. In 2023, there were over 7,000 wildfires and more than 594,000 emergency responses in the state.
Pursuing a fire science degree in California is the first step in your public service career. In this guide, STEPS will give you a detailed overview of top-rated fire science programs in California, with information on career pathways, job outlook, and student resources to help you earn your degree.
Associate Degrees in California
Your career in fire service can begin with an associate degree with courses in a variety of topics. Whether your goal is to become a firefighter or to work in the broader fire science field, these programs provide a solid foundation. Take a closer look at two schools offering an online or hybrid associate degree in fire science.
Chaffey College
Chaffey College offers a fire science degree designed to prepare students for a range of careers in fire service and fire protection. Courses cover essential topics including emergency medical services, fire prevention, and fire behavior/combustion, prepping students for careers as municipal and wildland firefighters, fire prevention specialists, EMT/paramedics, and fire investigators. The degree features general education coursework to help students improve critical thinking skills and prepare for transfer to a baccalaureate program if interested.
Beyond the 75-credit Fire Technology/Professional Firefighter Associate in Science degree, you can also choose from two additional programs: the Fire Prevention Inspector Certificate and the Professional Firefighter Certificate, ranging from 18-34 credits. Students benefit from real-world experiences and accomplished faculty who are professionals in the field.
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Fontana
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $3,450
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma
- 18 years of age
- Satisfy English proficiency requirements
Merced College
Merced College’s Fire Technology Program allows you to pursue either an associate degree or certificate in fire technology. With either of these, combined with completing the Fire Fighter I Academy and achieving EMT certification, you’ll be well on your way to pursuing a career with your local fire department or the state-wide fire agency, or to further education.
Instructors with real-world education will cover fire behavior and prevention, emergency response, and patient and victim treatment. The fire technology program comprises 25 units of the 60 overall units students need to graduate with their associate degree.
Location: Merced, Los Banos
Mode: Hybrid, online, or in-person
Cost: $2,760
Admissions Requirements:
- Online orientation
- Counselor meeting
Bachelor’s Degrees in California
Whether you already have your associate degree or want to begin a four-year degree right away, these top online fire science degrees in California are a great place to start. A fire science bachelor’s degree provides in-depth education to prepare you for a career as a firefighter or other fire technology specialist.
California State University San Marcos
If you’re looking for a 100% online option, the Bachelor of Science in Wildfire Science at California State University San Marcos is a fit, developed to address the growing need for wildfire management professionals in California.
The only one like it in California, the program was created in partnership with the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection and provides an in-depth education on wildfire behavior, ecology, management strategies, and environmental impacts. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in wildfire science.
This fast-track, 60-credit program can be completed in five semesters, and applications are accepted each fall. Student resources and services include academic support, technology help, and career counseling.
Location: San Marcos
Mode: Online
Cost: $28,500
Admissions Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- English proficiency
- Meet state residency requirements
- Minimum 60 college credits
- Prerequisite courses
- Meet general education transfer standards
Cal State LA
A public university in the California State University system, Cal State LA offers a BS in Fire Protection Administration and Technology that focuses on both technical and administrative skills.
In this 120-unit degree-completion program, transfer students take upper division classes in fire protection, personnel management, wildland fire science and strategy, building codes, and fire service ethics.
Track choices include the fire administration track, which focuses on managing fire service personnel in various situations, and the fire technology track that explores fire science and topics like safety codes, cause investigation, and fire prevention. Student resources for transfer students and undergrads are available.
Location: Los Angeles
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $14,320
Admissions Requirements:
- You must transfer 60 units in general education and core coursework from a community college, inclusive of specific prerequisite courses, with grades of at least C- or C (course-dependent) in those courses.
- You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Master’s Degrees in California
A master’s degree in fire science in California is suitable for those who want to take their fire service career to the next level, perhaps as a leader or administrator in the field or to pursue advanced fire research and prevention.
California Polytechnic State University
Cal Poly offers a comprehensive online Master of Science in Fire Protection Engineering, designed for professionals who want to discover the latest technologies in the field and how to use them to protect people and property from fires. Fire protection engineers work with local fire departments, architects, and building officials to ensure safe environments and structures.
The program’s rigorous curriculum includes fundamental and applied courses on fire dynamics, fire protection systems, and thermal sciences. Elective courses in fire safety, forensic fire analysis, thermodynamics, and more are available. There’s also a culminating experience similar to a capstone project.
Location: San Luis Obispo,
Mode: Online
Cost: $13,638
Admissions Requirements:
- Appropriate bachelor’s degree (e.g., applied science, engineering)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 semester credits
FAQs: Answers for California Fire Science Students
Is California a good place to study fire science?
Due to the ever-present need to prevent fires in urban and wildland areas in California, fire science graduates can look forward to a promising job market with various careers in high demand across the state. California offers competitive salaries and positive job growth compared to national averages, making it an attractive state for fire science professionals.
Are there any specific scholarships for California fire science students?
Yes. The California State Firefighters’ Association offers scholarships to members and their dependents pursuing fire science education. Certain schools often have institution-specific scholarships for students enrolled in their fire science programs in California, including Cal Poly.
Does UCLA have a fire science program?
No, despite UCLA being one of the state’s largest and most recognizable universities, it does not offer a fire science program. For a similarly widely recognized university that does offer a fire science program, consider exploring the Master of Science in Fire Protection Engineering program at California Polytechnic State University.
How long does a California fire science program last?
It depends on the program you choose. The Fire Technology/Professional Firefighter Associate in Science at Chaffey, for example, can be completed in two-and-a-half years, inclusive of all general education courses, as well as degree-specific courses. Meanwhile, the fast-track Bachelor of Science in Wildfire Science program at California State University San Marcos requires that you transfer over at least 60 previous credit hours before completing the program. As most students complete 15 credit hours per semester, this means you’d likely spend nine semesters total on this career track.
How much do firefighters make in California?
According to the California Department of Human Resources, in 2023 firefighters in California received an average annual base pay of $61,860 to $89,364. However, when you include additional compensation such as health/dental benefits, and education, hazmat, and longevity pay, total compensation packages range from $232,212 to $300,216.
Details About Salaries & Careers for Fire Science Graduates in California
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Fire Inspectors and Investigators | $54,450 | $139,780 | $96,400 |
| California | Firefighters | $50,330 | $137,640 | $80,330 |
| California | Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | $54,080 | $159,740 | $89,320 |
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 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Firefighters | 26,300 | 27,200 | 900 | 3.40% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Resources for Fire Science Students & Professionals in California
In California, numerous resources are available for students and professionals in the fire service, providing valuable support for career development and training. These organizations offer networking opportunities, scholarships, and educational programs that cater to various aspects of fire prevention, protection, and management. Below is a brief overview of key resources that can enhance your career in the fire service.
CAL Fire: CAL Fire, part of the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, oversees fire prevention and protection, emergency response, and stewardship of natural resource systems throughout California. The department’s “Join Us” page is a good place to look for information regarding training programs and fire-related career opportunities at the state level.
California Association of Professional Firefighters: This nonprofit association oversees benefits, including long-term disability benefits, for professional California firefighters. It also offers several scholarships, though they’re only available to children of previous association members.
California Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA): CFCA is a professional organization that supports fire chiefs and other fire service leaders in California. For aspiring leaders in the industry, this is an excellent resource with plenty of in-person networking and professional development opportunities. Legislative advocacy is another benefit for members.
California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC): Cal-JAC offers comprehensive training, recruitment, education, and leadership development programs for fire service professionals. It also provides resources for apprenticeships, notably Cal-JAC Academy. Those who graduate are added to the FCTC’s Statewide Eligibility List, which allows fire departments to contact you about open positions.
California Fire Science Consortium: The California Fire Science Consortium is a collaborative group that provides science-based information and resources to enhance fire management and policy. Webinars, research publications, and networking opportunities are available for students and professionals alike. This is a great resource for students interested in the science behind wildland fires and the latest research on fires in California.
California Professional Firefighters (CPF): CPF is a statewide organization dedicated to representing the interests of firefighters. It provides resources for professional development, legislative advocacy, and public safety initiatives. Membership offers access to training, scholarships, and a strong support network. CPF is the state council of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), dedicated to protecting the rights, health, and safety of its 35,000 members.
California State Firefighters’ Association (CSFA): The CSFA is the state’s oldest and largest fire service organization, providing members with advocacy, training programs, scholarships, and networking opportunities. It serves as a crucial resource for both current firefighters and fire science students aiming to advance their careers. The organization specifically welcomes anyone from students to fire chiefs to join.
Office of the State Fire Marshal: The California Office of the State Fire Marshal includes a California State Fire Training division that oversees standardized education for those in fire service. Find accredited academies, upcoming training opportunities, and further education opportunities through the division’s online portal.
Top Picks: Online Fire Science Programs in California
The following rankings identify the best schools in relation to their online learning opportunities, student outcomes, and affordability. Rankings are based on data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and factors such as number of online programs, tuition and fees, retention rate, graduation rate, and more.
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, California
Public
American River College
Sacramento, California
Public
