The Best Master of Fire Science Degrees Online
Discover the top online fire science master’s degrees, each one designed to advance your career in fire science and emergency management. We’ve chosen three stand-out programs and answered all your questions about the process. Learn what courses you’ll take, how much it costs, and if you can earn your degree fully online.
If you’re pursuing your master’s degree in fire science online, you’re likely in the middle of your career. You’ve experienced a role as a firefighter or fire scientist first-hand and are ready to be a leader.
One job you might be considering, emergency management director, earns $84k per year on average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To succeed at such a job, you’ll need the skills like in-depth fire behavior knowledge and emergency services administration that a master’s degree program can teach you.
When it’s time to learn advanced abilities and push your career even higher, you’ll want to earn your fire science master’s degree. To help prospective students, we’ve collected three of the best fully-online fire science programs. We’ll also give you a glimpse into what you’ll learn and answer your most burning questions.
Discover how these programs can enhance your expertise and open doors to advanced career opportunities.
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Oklahoma State University provides one of the oldest Master of Fire and Emergency Management Administration degrees in the country, and they also offer a fully-online version alongside their traditional on-campus offering. Care has been taken to provide the same level of quality as the on-campus option, so you’re not missing out on the best education.
Alongside specialization in emergency management or fire administration, you can also choose to pursue the thesis or non-thesis (practicum) versions of the program.
Either way, this is a 33-credit program that emphasizes leadership and management skills and is designed to thoroughly teach theoretical, analytical, and research topics.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, or relevant work experience in fire services or emergency management.
Anna Maria College offers a distinctive Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Fire and Emergency Services, tailored for people who want to elevate their careers in public safety and emergency management.
The 36-credit fire science master’s program integrates foundational public administration courses with specialized fire and emergency services coursework, including community relationships and labor management relations, and allows you to choose between a capstone and a thesis/applied research project.
The program is available fully online with asynchronous classes, though you’ll need to turn in projects on time and log in several times per week. If you need assistance, faculty provide academic advising, and you can also receive guidance from your student services coordinator.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Master’s Degree in Fire Science
Compared to undergraduate programs, an online master’s degree in fire science dives into advanced topics essential to earning a leadership or research-focused role in the industry. Fire science master’s programs are designed to enhance your understanding of how fire works, emergency response strategies, and how to effectively organize a team of first responders.
Below are five common courses you might encounter in a fire science master’s degree program, each contributing to a comprehensive and specialized education.
Common Courses in Associate in Fire Science Programs
Fire Dynamics
This course explores the behavior and properties of fire, focusing on the chemical and physical processes that occur during combustion. This will provide you with a scientific foundation for understanding and managing fire incidents. The course will be essential for ecologists and people venturing into scientific and research fields.
Emergency Services Administration
Managing a team of emergency responders, especially in the midst of a major fire or other incident, is something that requires a lot of training. This course will teach you how to properly manage resources and people while keeping operations flowing smoothly even during a major emergency.
Disaster Response and Recovery
There are plenty of disasters fire service personnel must face, and this course teaches you how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from both natural and man-made disasters while minimizing loss of life and resources.
Risk Analysis and Management
A risk analysis course focuses on identifying and mitigating hazards associated with fire and emergency situations. You’ll learn how to assess risks and develop risk management plans to help keep fire service personnel and civilians safe.
Fire Investigation and Analysis
This course provides an in-depth look at the techniques used in fire investigation, how they are used to determine the cause of fires, and how these are handled legally. This analysis is how fire investigators determine the cause of fires or whether arson was involved, so similar situations can be prevented.
Accreditation for your Online Fire Science Program
Like any higher educational degree, it’s crucial to choose an accredited online fire science master’s program. Accreditation ensures that the program meets high academic standards. Employers also may not accept an educational background from a non-accredited school, stunting your career opportunities.
The reason for this is simple: Non-accredited programs and schools likely do not offer the same quality of education as accredited ones. Their material may be outdated, incorrect, or sometimes actively harmful.
Proper accreditation is also required in order to receive federal and state financial aid. Most aid programs require you to enroll in an accredited school. Federal loans, grants, and scholarships may be out of reach if you attend a non-accredited school.
Finally, accreditation is often a prerequisite for admission to advanced degree programs. If you plan to pursue further education, such as a doctorate, attending an accredited master’s program is almost certainly necessary.
You should attend a school that is institutionally accredited by a body such as the Higher Learning Commission or Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Also consider looking for program-based accreditation, such as those accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.
FAQs About an Online Master’s Degree in Fire Science
If you’re considering earning an online master’s degree in fire science, you’re probably full of questions about the process. How long will it take? How much will you make? Let’s address some of the most common questions from fire science students.
Can I earn my master of fire science 100% online?
While not quite as common as on-campus or hybrid programs, there are plenty of institutions in the United States that let you earn your fire science master’s degree 100% online.
A master’s degree is often more about research and theoretical applications than the hands-on fire science undergraduate degrees usually tailored to people looking to become firefighters. For that reason, it’s not uncommon to find programs that let you study fire science from home.
These programs offer the flexibility needed to accommodate your current fire service career while giving you the knowledge to advance into leadership roles.
How long does it take to earn a master of fire science degree online?
The duration of fire science master’s degree programs varies by institution, but most can be completed in about two years of full-time study.
Some programs offer accelerated options that can be completed in as little as 18 months. Part-time options are also available, allowing you to earn your degree at a more flexible pace, often within three to four years.
What are the admissions requirements for online master of fire science degrees?
Admissions requirements for fire science master’s programs will vary, and some colleges are more rigorous than others. Generally, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA (usually around 3.0), and sometimes relevant professional experience in fire services or emergency management.
You may also need letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores like the GRE.
How much does an online fire science master’s degree cost?
The cost of your fire science master’s degree will depend on the institution you choose, and there’s quite a range of figures. Most master’s programs are around 30-40 credits, and tuition can range from under $500 per credit to over $1,000 per credit. Additionally, many schools charge more for out-of-state students, which can heavily impact online students in particular.
For detailed information on funding your education, refer to our financial aid guide.
How much can you make with a master’s degree in fire science?
Graduates with a master’s degree in fire science can expect to earn competitive salaries, depending on the field in which you enter.
For example, emergency management directors earn a median annual wage of $84,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As a fire inspector, you can expect to earn at least $71,000 a year. And finally, as a first-line supervisor, you’ll earn $86,000 a year.
Many of these jobs don’t require a master’s degree in entry-level fields, so getting hired with one may mean a better salary.
Are there any certifications or licenses that you need to work in fire science?
Not all fire science jobs require certification, and this will depend on the state where you live. In many states, firefighters and related jobs require EMT certification, and some states also mandate general state firefighter certification. If you’re not working as a first-line responder, your job may not require certification at all.
Additional Resources for Fire Science Students and Professionals
It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in fire science, and the best way to do so is through professional organizations, publications, informative websites, podcasts, and other media that will keep you connected with the community.
Below we’ve listed some of these valuable resources for fire science students and professionals in the field. See what interests you and which you can use to meet up with other people who work in the fire science industry.
- American Fire Sprinkler Association
AFSA offers resources on fire sprinkler systems, including training programs, industry news, and technical support, aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of fire protection professionals in the fire sprinkler industry. - Fire Engineering
A leading source for fire service training, education, and news. Fire Engineering is a website used to train firefighters and includes articles and other resources all about fire science and fire news. There are even podcasts from firefighters. - Fire Science Scholarships and Support Services
If you’re searching for fire science master’s programs, you should also be on the lookout for scholarships to help fund your graduate degree. Our resource on fire science scholarships is the place to go to find financial support and student resources before you start your studies. - Firehouse Magazine
Firehouse Magazine is designed for firefighters, fire officers, and fire chiefs. Besides a constant feed of country-wide news, there are also training videos and resources to help you advance your career. - International Association of Fire Chiefs
IAFC offers leadership, education, and advocacy resources for worldwide leaders in firefighting and emergency service professionals. Joining the non-profit network includes benefits like discounted courses at select universities and access to training resources. - Society of Fire Protection Engineers
If you’re interested in fire protection engineering, this is an organization with which you’ll definitely want to ally yourself. SFPE advances the science and practice of fire protection engineering, offering professional development resources and networking opportunities for engineers and students. - The National Fire Protection Association
NFPA is an organization dedicated to eliminating loss of life and property due to fire. It’s responsible for developing various fire codes and standards and also provides training to fire service professionals. - U.S. Fire Administration
USFA provides national leadership in fire safety and emergency management. They’re involved in running the National Fire Academy, a top-tier school operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that serves as the core of the nation’s fire service education. Its website is full of information and training resources. - What Can You Do with a Fire Science Degree?
If you’re not sure where to take your career after you earn your master’s degree, you’re not alone. A graduate degree is a good time to pivot and seek out better-paying, leadership-focused jobs. This resource will help you pick the best job for you. - Women in Fire
If you’re a woman interested in fire service, you’re likely well aware that only 9% of firefighters are women. This group supports and advocates for women in the fire service industry, especially in leadership roles.