Top Online Fire Science Degrees in California (CA)
Ready to earn your online fire science degree in California? Whether you’re pursuing an associate, bachelor, or master’s degree, these online and hybrid programs are some of the best in the state. Explore courses, learning options, and specialized training designed to equip you with the skills for success in your fire service career.
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- Master's
You’re passionate about protecting your community and you want to make a difference working in the fire service. But what can you do with a fire science degree? From arson investigation and fire prevention, to municipal or wildland firefighting, there are many career opportunities in this growing field.
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, you’ll find 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.
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, California
Public
American River College
Sacramento, California
Public
Associate Spotlights
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 associates degree in fire science.
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, preparing 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.
Courses in the 75-credit Fire Technology/Professional Firefighter Associate in Science degree are delivered primarily on campus, but there are several online classes in this hybrid program. 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. The college offers student support services, including career counseling to help you transition into the field after graduation.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specialization Options:
- Professional Firefighter
- Fire Prevention Inspector
The Fire Protection Technology associate degree at Monterey Peninsula College is a comprehensive program, ideal for those aspiring to advance in the fire service industry. Students who complete the program are prepared to analyze and evaluate fire incidents and identify components of firefighter safety and emergency management.
The broad curriculum will teach you the basics of fire prevention and emergency service, and you’ll choose 12 elective units from topics including rescue systems, hazardous materials, emergency medical technician training, incident command, confined space rescue, fire prevention, apparatus driver, and more. Upon graduation, you’ll have a well-rounded education for your next career step.
The 30-unit hybrid program includes hands-on teaching and experience, plus partially or wholly online coursework. If you’re looking for flexibility combined with rigorous in-person courses and training, this program may be right for you.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specialization Options:
- Firefighter Academy
- Fire Investigation
- Fire Apparatus Driver
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Safety Officer
Bachelor’s Spotlights
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. We’ve spotlighted two high-quality fire science programs in California below that feature track options, financial aid, and student resources.
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. While primarily on-campus, some of the courses are offered online.
The 120-unit degree completion program requires transfer of 60 units in general education and core coursework from a community college. Transfer students then 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.
Cal State LA offers financial aid and scholarships, and awards federal and state grants to assist students with education costs. There are also student resources for transfer students and undergrads available.
Undergraduate Programs:
- BS, Fire Protection Administration and Technology
Program Options:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specializations Offered:
- Fire Administration
- Fire Technology
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 is for students who have already completed at least 60 college credits. The program can be completed in five semesters, and applications are accepted each fall.
At $475 per credit, you can expect to pay $28,500 for the program. Financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and work study program, is available. Student resources and services include academic support, technology help, and career counseling.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Wildfire Science
Program Options:
- Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Master’s Spotlights
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.
To help elevate your career in fire science or fire service management, we’ve identified two master’s programs that are top-tier online fire science degrees in California. These advanced programs offer in-depth knowledge and specialized skills critical for leadership roles in the field.
If your goal is a public administration job in the fire service, the MPA Specialization in Fire and Emergency Services offered by Anna Maria College is a good choice.
The 100% online program is designed for fire service professionals seeking leadership roles, and will teach you how to manage fire service and emergency management personnel, with a focus on ethics, public policy, and leadership skills. Course topics include emerging trends in fire service delivery, labor management, and customer service.
The experienced faculty includes chief fire officers, national fire academy instructors, and leaders with front-line experience for real-world education.
The program is 36 credit hours, but there is a mid-career track for those who have already graduated from a fire academy and have been working in the field for years, allowing program completion in 10 courses.
Cost is $719 per credit and GRE scores are not required. Students are required to complete a capstone project or thesis.
Graduate Program:
- Master of Public Administration Fire and Emergency Services Specialization
Program Options:
- Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
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.
This is a fully-online, 45-credit course and requires an appropriate bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA. Cal Poly’s competitive tuition rates and extensive financial aid options make the program accessible, and you’re automatically considered for their scholarships when you apply.
Graduate Program:
- Master of Science in Fire Protection Engineering
Program Options:
- Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Fire Science Students in California
Fire science students in California have access to a variety of financial aid options to help fund their education, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Scholarships and grants do not require repayment like loans do, and work-study programs place you in jobs related to your studies.
There are several state grants and scholarships in California, including Cal Grants from the California Student Aid Commission and the California Dream Act that provides financial aid to low-income students who can’t obtain federal aid such as FAFSA.
There are also specific scholarships for fire science students. 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.
It’s important to explore all financial aid options for earning a fire science degree in California, as well as scholarships for public service students. Fire Science scholarships and other financial aid resources are also available.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Fire Science Graduates in California
Due to the dangerous nature of jobs like firefighting and the ever-present need to prevent fires in urban and wildland areas, fire science graduates in California 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 prospects compared to national averages, making it an attractive state for fire science professionals. Salaries and job growth are notably higher than the national average in some cases. Below is a snapshot of the job outlook and earnings potential for key fire science careers in California.
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics
California Fire Science Professional and Student Resources
Now that you know a bit more about your prospects as a fire science student, explore these essential resources tailored to students and young professionals in California. Professional associations and other helpful organizations can help your career development.
- 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. - 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 statewide fire departments to contact and hire you. - 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 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 who are interested in the latest research on fires in California. - 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.