Best Online Fire Science Degrees in Texas (TX)
With numerous degree options and high-quality programs to choose from, students who earn their fire science degree can access rewarding careers that include and go beyond firefighting. Read our guide to discover top online fire science degrees in Texas, then explore financial aid insights, career projections, and student resources.
Texas is a state characterized by abundant land and extreme weather. So, if you’re considering a career in public service and have an interest in emergency services, earning an online fire science degree in Texas can be a steppingstone to a rewarding, lucrative career. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that Texas is the top state in the nation for employment of firefighters, due in part to the state’s propensity for wildfires.
Graduates with a fire science degree — in Texas or anywhere in the country — can pursue roles directly related to fighting fires, or other related fields such as fire inspectors, public safety officers, and more.
Whether you’re a prospective student exploring programs or a current student looking for helpful resources, this guide is for you. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about earning your Texas online fire science degree.
Weatherford College
Weatherford, Texas
Public
Navarro College
Corsicana, Texas
Public
Houston Community College
Houston, Texas
Public
Amarillo College
Amarillo, Texas
Public
Kilgore College
Kilgore, Texas
Public
Earn an Associates Online in Fire Science
If you’re looking to kickstart your fire science career, earning an associate degree is an important first step. Most students can complete an online fire science associate degree program in two years or less, making it a swift and cost-effective way to get started in a future public safety career. To help get you started on your school search, we’ve outlined two of the best associate-level fire science degree programs in Texas for you to consider.
The fire science associate degree at San Antonio College provides students with the foundational skills and knowledge required to excel in entry-level fire science careers. The college offers two fire-related associate options: an AAS in Fire Science and an AAS in Fire Service Leadership. Both of these fully online programs focus on broad fire service concepts while also diving into specialized skills and knowledge that will be necessary in emergency services careers.
The AAS in Fire Science centers on community safety, homeland security, and disaster preparedness, while the AAS in Fire Service Leadership emphasizes managerial training in fire service. Whichever program students choose, graduates will be well-prepared to enter the workforce as a firefighter, fire inspector, fire investigator, first-line supervisor, and more.
In addition to specialized courses within each program, the curriculum also covers basic concepts that will be pertinent across different fire science careers such as firefighter safety, building codes, fire prevention, code inspection, and disaster preparedness.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Specialization Options:
- Fire Science
- Fire Service Leadership
The AAS in Fire and Arson Investigation at Houston Community Colleges introduces students to key concepts and advanced training from a criminal justice perspective. In this two-year Texas online fire science degree program, students will explore fire and arson investigation topics and techniques and criminal justice concepts specific to both the state and the nation.
Courses will prepare students with insights and training in topics including fire protection and safety technology, hazardous materials, court systems, and introductory chemistry.
In addition to high-quality courses and instructors, Houston Community College provides numerous student resources to help their students excel in their studies and complete their degrees on time. With a robust offering of career planning services, students can receive personalized guidance in pursuing fire science employment opportunities during their studies and after graduation.
The school also offers extensive financial aid opportunities and support, including financial health workshops for students, one-on-one in-person and online meetings, and work study programs, to name a few.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Online Fire Science Bachelor’s Degrees in Texas
Students who have graduated high school or already received their associate degree can pursue a bachelor’s degree in fire science to take the next step in their academic journey and career. Texas offers several high-quality, bachelor’s-level fire science programs that walk students through the next phase of fire science concepts and training in a variety of specialties. With a bachelor’s program, students can begin to explore more specialized areas of fire science they may want to apply to a career or future graduate program. Graduates can also use their more advanced training and skills to leverage higher-paying jobs and pursue more competitive roles in their fire science careers.
The nationally ranked Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) in Emergency Management Administration prepares firefighters and other fire science professionals to respond to real-life crises with advanced administration and management skills. The fully online program makes it easy for students to complete their coursework in the schedule that works best for them — an ideal option for those with part-time jobs or other daytime responsibilities.
Courses focus on a wide range of fire-related administrative skills including emergency prevention and planning, as well as strategies for recovering from community catastrophes or public health threats.
The program is first-responder/military friendly, accepting Texas firefighter tuition waivers and GI Bill/Hazelwood benefits. Additionally, West Texas A&M University offers the “Buff Promise,” covering fall and spring in-state tuition for undergraduate Texas residents who have an annual family income of $80,000 or less.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Emergency Management Administration
Program Options:
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
While earning a BS in Fire Science at Anna Maria College, students will learn many of the day-to-day skills involved in firefighting, fire investigation, and emergency prevention. Skills like writing press releases for media relations, managing human resources, and disaster planning are some of the many tasks fire science professionals should have in their skillset.
In addition to comprehensive courses, students can learn from experienced faculty who have served on the front lines in their fire science careers. With personal insights into important fire science protocols and skills, faculty at Anna Maria College provide students with an extra level of real-world instruction.
While the program emphasizes a hands-on approach to fire science training, courses will also cover important theoretical concepts surrounding legal issues, ethics, and the psychological impacts of public emergencies. With this instruction, students will have a thorough understanding of how fire science and emergency services operate within federal, state and local levels.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Fire Science
Program Options:
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
Top Online Fire Science Master’s Degrees in Texas
For students interested in pursuing specialized roles, earning an online master’s degree in fire science can help them get there. A master’s in fire science is ideal for professionals who are currently active in their careers, or for bachelor’s graduates looking to progress to the next academic level. In addition to gaining specialized training and theoretical insights, graduates of a fire science master’s program will have the expertise to leverage higher-paying roles and advanced positions in their careers. Within firefighting careers, master’s students can pursue higher leadership roles as a lieutenant, captain, or fire chief. They’ll also be able to explore other community-related fire science careers as an emergency management director, fire management officer, or safety consultant.
The fully online Master of Public Administration in Fire and Emergency Services at Anna Maria College is geared towards mid-career fire science professionals. The curriculum provides high-level training in specialized courses to help graduates achieve competitive leadership roles in their fire science careers — whether it’s as a fire captain, chief or emergency manager.
Courses will cover current and emerging fire science trends, fire service leadership concepts, labor management relations, and fire department customer service. In addition to these practical topics, the program also empowers students with theoretical insights to handle complex fire science and emergency challenges as they arise in real time.
You’ll take 12 courses in the MPA curriculum, which is usually completed in two years if you take one course per term (the school offers six terms in a year). However, if you meet eligibility of the mid-career track, you can graduate in less time after completing just 10 courses.
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Administration
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
Specializations Offered:
- Fire and Emergency Services
- Homeland Security
- Emergency Management
- Criminal Justice
- General MPA
An MA in Disaster Studies can open up exciting opportunities in fire service and public safety leadership roles — from emergency management specialists to public health planners and homeland security officers.
This program focuses on preparing graduates to respond to a wide range of public health risks including the natural and technological hazards caused by fires. The fully online program is geared toward working fire service professionals with daytime responsibilities, or to those who simply wish to complete their MA in a flexible format and schedule.
Participants of the MA program can also choose to pursue an optional certificate in Disaster Management and Sustainability. The 12-hour online certificate program provides additional training and professional development to working professionals in the fire and public safety industries, which can elevate a resume and help graduates achieve more advanced, specialized positions.
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Disaster Studies
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
- On Campus
Specializations Offered:
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Fire Science Students in Texas
Students earning their fire science degree in Texas can help fund their programs with financial aid services through federal, state, and school resources. To get started with the financial aid process, investigate which services you’re eligible for, including scholarships, loans, work study programs, grants, and other options. Make sure to fill out your FAFSA, and visit your school’s financial aid office to see which financial aid programs they offer.
Many schools provide both need-based and merit-based scholarships you can apply for based on financial need and academic or athletic achievements. In addition to these general scholarships, some schools offer extra financial support to active firefighters, veterans, or other public safety professionals. West Texas A&M University, for example, accepts Texas firefighter tuition waivers.
For more tips on earning financial aid for your fire science degree, check out our comprehensive guide to financial aid, as well as our scholarships guide for a full list of public service scholarship options. For more options directly applicable to your fire science degree and career, take a look at our fire science support services page.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Fire Science Graduates in Texas
Wondering what you can do with a fire science degree? Public service careers opportunities are consistently on the rise, as emergency prevention remains a top priority for citizens and community leaders. Students who are currently enrolled or interested in pursuing a degree in fire science will have numerous employment opportunities post-graduation. Although firefighting is one of the most common career choices for fire science students, the job market looks positive for other fire-related careers in public safety including fire inspectors, conservation scientists, public safety telecommunicators, and emergency management directors.
Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Texas Fire Science Professional and Student Resources
Whether you’re just beginning your fire science journey as you consider an associate degree or you’re a seasoned veteran leveling up your experience with a master’s degree, Texas provides numerous student resources to help you along the way. Take a look at our list of national and Texas-specific resources for fire science students that can help you stay informed of industry news and expand your perspectives on public safety topics.
- Texas A&M Forest Service | Fire Danger: Current Situation
If you’re curious about the current state of active wildfires in Texas, burn bans, or the up-to-date wildland fire threat level, this resource has your data. You can also find local and national links to other fire and emergency preparedness resources. - Texas Commission on Fire Protection
For students interested in becoming a certified fire protection professional, the Texas Commission on Fire Protection offers certification resources to guide you through the process. Its website offers comprehensive details on the requirements to become a firefighter, as well as updates on regional meetings and training seminars. - Texas Fire Protection Association
The Texas Fire Protection Association is a guide for hundreds of fire service professionals including fire marshals, building officials, inspectors, engineers, architects, and others. Operating as a chapter of the International Code Council, the association holds frequent meetings to discuss important issues in fire protection and building safety. - USDA Forest Service | Fire Research
Using this USDA Forest Service resource, fire science students can stay updated on emerging fire research and public health news. Visitors to this site can learn about innovations in firefighting, like how forest service experts work with NASA to develop satellite imagery. - U.S. Fire Administration
Students who are interested in a career as a firefighter or other public safety professional can benefit from the U.S. Fire Administration’s up-to-date insights on fire safety. Stay informed on recent fire and safety statistics, news, and professional development opportunities.