Best Online Fire Science Degrees in Florida for 2024

Firefighters, fire inspectors, and other fire science professionals save lives and make communities safer. If you want to be a part of that mission, we have good news: the fire science field is growing faster in Florida than the national average. Plus, there are outstanding fire science colleges in Florida that make it easy to enter the field.

This guide can help you navigate fire science training and better understand career options after your education. We’ll walk you through the basics of applying for a fire science degree in Florida, detail state-specific scholarships, and spotlight some of the best fire science associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in the state.

Top Colleges to Earn an Online Fire Science Degree in Florida: Associate

If you want to enter the field of fire science, an associate degree may be a good fit. In these two-year programs, students learn the technical skills required to prevent or suppress fires. They also learn how fire departments operate and the critical thinking skills necessary for a career in fire services.

Look for a program that provides a leading curriculum, affordable tuition, and professional development resources. To help you spot those top-tier fire science schools in Florida, we ranked the best associate degrees in the state.

Bachelor Degree Details

If you’re looking to enter the fire science field at a higher level or are seeking a promotion in your current role, a bachelor’s degree may be a good fit. Many fire science schools in Florida offer bachelor’s degrees that can be completed in four years, or two to three years if you already have work experience in the field.

The best fire science degree in Florida is one that fits your interests through specialized electives and provides a robust curriculum that covers managerial and technical foundations. It should also provide professional development opportunities and student support resources as well as financial aid and a low tuition rate. The two schools below fit these criteria and are great quality gauges for your search.

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is one of the best fire science colleges in Florida. Their bachelor’s in fire science is perfect for those who want an overarching look at how fire science interacts with other emergency services, as well as a managerial perspective. The program includes general emergency service courses, fostering collaboration with law enforcement and other departments and coursework in fire science administration. Since the program is open to applicants who already work in fire science, the curriculum doesn’t cover the basics of fire prevention and suppression and instead focuses on managerial and administrative workflows and skills. Many alums work in leadership positions or as liaisons with other emergency services. For flexibility, the school offers the course in three formats: fully online, hybrid, and in-person.

Undergraduate Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management, Fire Science

Program Options:

• Part-Time
• Full-Time
• Fully-Online
• Partially-Online
• Hybrid

Specializations Offered:

• Fire Science

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers an excellent bachelor’s in fire science with three concentrations: one devoted to fire sciences and two others on how fire science can collaborate with emergency medical services and other public safety departments. In all concentrations, students complete coursework on the administrative and managerial side of fire science, ideal for those who seek leadership roles within a fire department or as a coordinator between emergency services agencies. Courses cover topics like strategic planning, management of fire prevention programs, and fire services administration. Students also learn how to communicate with the public about fire prevention and suppression, along with big picture thinking to prevent and respond to disasters. Most successful applicants already have experience as a fire service professional, and many students work full-time in the industry while completing this fully online degree.

Undergraduate Programs:

• Bachelor’s in Fire Science and Emergency Management

Program Options:

• Online
• Part-Time
• Full-Time

Specializations Offered:

• Fire management
• Emergency medical services management
• Emergency management

Master’s Degrees

Those who aspire to be fire chiefs or work in a similar leadership role should consider getting their master’s degree in fire science. A master’s places you at the top of your field and allows you the opportunity to take specialized coursework in specific areas of fire science. Often, students also complete a practicum or research project which hones and demonstrates their expertise.

When exploring master’s programs, try to find one that balances a great curriculum, affordable tuition, and ample student support resources. The two schools spotlighted below fit the bill.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Anyone interested in managing emergency services should consider the robust master’s offerings at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The 33-credit master’s with an emphasis on fire science features high-level coursework on the theory and real-world applications behind different fire prevention and suppression strategies. The school offers a comprehensive education, meaning students take courses on other emergency services, such as medical services and law enforcement, which can lead to more beneficial multi-departmental collaborations. Once students complete all coursework, they are eligible to sit for the certification exams to become Certified Emergency Managers (CEM) and Associate Emergency Managers (AEM). Since most students work while completing the degree, the entire master’s can be completed online, with many courses offered either asynchronously or at class times for working professionals.

Graduate Programs:

• Master of Science in Emergency Services, Fire Science

Program Options:

• Part-Time
• Full-Time
• Fully-Online

Specializations Offered:

• Fire Science
• Crisis Communication
• Resilience Planning and Administration

University of Florida

The Master of Fire and Emergency Sciences at the University of Florida is perfect for anyone looking to become a fire chief or fire/emergency services director. To apply, students must submit their undergraduate GPA and transcripts along with work experience. While not required to enroll, priority admission is given to candidates with relevant work experience. Courses include emergency planning, fire mitigation, hazard mitigation, and disaster response and recovery. Along with these technical courses, the master’s also fosters leadership skills and provides professional networking opportunities and resources to help students advance their careers. Since most students work full-time while completing this online degree, most courses are offered via a learning platform as prerecorded videos.

Graduate Programs:

• Master of Fire and Emergency Sciences

Program Options:

• Part-Time
• Full-Time
• Fully-Online

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Fire Science Students in Florida

The average bachelor’s degree costs $27,800, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Associate degrees are often less, and master’s typically cost more. Paying anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 for a degree is a big expense, and you may need assistance to fund your education.

Fortunately, help is available. There are plenty of financial aid options, including general scholarships, loans, and grants available to all majors, as well as scholarships and resources specifically for fire science students. You can also apply for state-specific fire science scholarships in Florida:

• Bay County fire science scholarship
• Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association education grants
• Fire Chiefs’ Association of Broward County scholarships
• Florida Firefighter/EMT scholarship

Many Florida colleges also offer scholarships specifically for fire science students. Florida State College at Jacksonville, for example, provides scholarships for their fire science certificate, and the University of Florida provides scholarships to veterans and active military personnel.

Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Fire Science Graduates in Florida

Fire science students are entering an in-demand field in Florida. While the demand for firefighters nationwide is as fast as average for all fields (4%), four of the five roles highlighted below are growing at a rate faster than 4% in Florida, meaning the state needs firefighters.

Yet while the job growth rate is faster than the national average for firefighters, pay in Florida is lagging. Nationwide, firefighters make about $27.46 per hour, but in Florida, the average hourly wage is almost $3 less. More advanced roles, such as fire inspectors, earn more in Florida ($40.67 per hour) than the national average ($34.34 per hour).

This data suggests that to make a healthy salary and experience job security as a firefighter, students may want to specialize and invest in advanced degrees, like bachelor’s and master’s.

Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023; Florida Department of Commerce

Florida Fire Science Professional and Student Resources

Getting a fire science degree can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to complete your degree alone. The following five organizations can provide a supportive community and access to fire jobs across the state after graduating.

• Florida Fire Prevention Association
  Those interested in working as fire marshals or in related roles that help prevent fires may find this association useful. Along with organizing networking events and educational programs for members, they also have a resource bank available to the public.
• The Florida Firefighters Association
  This organization serves as a networking and educational group for professional and volunteer firefighters. Members enjoy training seminars, fire safety programming, and opportunities to connect with firefighters working throughout the state. The group also has free resources on how firefighters can better respond to specific natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tropical storms.
• City of Miami/Become a Miami Firefighter
  Typically, big cities in Florida have strict guidelines to join their force, and Miami Fire-Rescue does a good job of detailing what they expect from recruits. Because some of the requirements are statewide, this can be helpful to those outside of Miami.
• Florida Wildland Fire Management
  This organization is committed to preventing and quickly extinguishing wildland fires in Florida. To achieve this goal, they offer free resources and education related to wildland fires. They also regularly post employment and volunteer opportunities and guidelines to navigate conversations about wildland fires with Tribes in Florida.
• Orlando Fire Department
  The Orlando Fire Department provides valuable information on the training and education required to join their squad, as well as events and opportunities to connect with fire professionals. Even if you’re not located in Orlando, their website has valuable resources on Florida’s training guidelines.