Online Fire Science Degrees: Inside Top Programs

Basics of Fire Science Degree Programs

A range of fire science degree programs are available, from associate degrees (which take approximately two years to complete) to advanced doctoral degrees (which can take up to a decade to complete).

The amount of time required to complete a program isn’t the only thing that differentiates fire science degree programs. Their focus can range from engineering to disaster prevention and emergency management. There are also wide-ranging programs with multiple areas of focus that you can choose from or pursue simultaneously.

Which degree program is right for you depends on your educational background, your career plans, and other personal circumstances that you’ll need to consider.

Still interested? Let’s take a deeper look at career paths in fire science and see which one might be the right fit for you.

Career Options for Fire Science Graduates

A fire science degree qualifies graduates for different career opportunities, and these jobs can be extremely varied. Before you choose a degree program, you should think about which of these fields and associated careers appeals to you; this is important to take into account.

Discover More STEPS Resources

Need more than what we cover on this page? Dive into our guides for a more complete picture of the top programs in your state, what to expect from different degree levels, and what your future could look like after graduation. These resources will give you the information you need to thrive in your studies and beyond.

Fire Science Programs in Your State

• California (CA)
• Florida (FL)
• Texas (TX)

More Fire Science Resources

• Associate Degrees in Fire Science
• Bachelor’s Degrees in Fire Science
• Certificates in Fire Science
• Master’s Degrees in Fire Science
• Scholarships for Fire Science Students
• What Can You Do with a Fire Science Degree?

Salary and Career Details

Content not available.

Fire Science Degree Programs by Level: Which One Do You Need?

Fire science degree programs are available for different types of students, from high school students wondering what to study after graduation to experts in the field looking for a terminal degree. Which program is right for you largely depends on your education level and prior career experience, but there are other considerations. Be sure to check whether the program in question has a particular area of specialization.

Learn more about different degree types below.

Undergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate certificate programs in fire science provide students with foundational knowledge of the field. They cover topics such as fire combustion and behavior, fire safety and prevention, and emergency services. These programs prepare students for entry-level jobs as firefighters and (in some cases) EMTs. Additional training and education (such as a firefighter academy or an EMT licensing course) is required to advance further in the field.

Fire science undergraduate certificate programs are commonly offered by community colleges and technical/vocational schools; they can be found both online and on-campus. Requirements for earning a certificate vary, but most require completion of 10 to 30 credit hours of coursework. Program lengths vary from a few weeks to one year.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Undergraduate Certificate Program

University of Florida – Fire Ecology and Management Undergraduate Certificate

This program is primarily intended for students who are enrolled in a relevant bachelor’s program at the university, such as environmental science. The program builds on the undergraduate curriculum to help students earn an additional qualification.

Associate Degrees

Associate degree programs in fire science prepare graduates for entry-level employment as firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, fire instructors, and (in some cases) EMTs. Additional training is required to advance in these jobs. Both Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs in fire science can be found online.

These programs typically require two years of full-time study, including general education classes and major-specific coursework. They are offered online most often by community and technical colleges, but are also available from some four-year colleges and universities. Coursework is usually presented in an asynchronous format, and most programs can be completed entirely online without any in-person requirements.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Associate Degree Program

University of Cincinnati – Associate of Applied Science in Fire Service Technology

This degree program is offered in an accelerated format. Most courses take seven weeks to complete. Some courses are presented by the National Fire Academy ‘s Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Program.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor’s degree programs in fire science allow graduates to seek entry-level jobs as firefighters, fire inspectors, and EMTs (which all require additional training). But, they are mainly designed for current fire services professionals who want to advance into management and/or supervisory positions. Online degree programs are available in specialized areas of study such as investigation, administration, fire technology, and emergency services.

These programs are offered by public and private colleges and universities. They typically require four years of full-time study that includes general education, major-specific, and elective coursework. Most programs feature fully online coursework, but some include a few classes in a hybrid (online and in-person) format.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program

Western Illinois University – Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Services

This degree program prepares graduates for advancement to senior leadership positions in fire service. They can also purse careers in related fields such as arson investigation, fire inspection, and industrial safety.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Online graduate certificate programs in fire science are non-degree programs that are designed for students who already earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. These programs are typically aimed at students with a degree in a relevant career, such as mechanical engineering. They have not yet taken coursework in fire science or fire protection but want to pursue a career in the field.

These programs typically take one year or less to complete (often, as little as a few months). Many offer flexible classes to make enrollment easier for working professionals.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Graduate Certificate Program

University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Graduate Certificate in Fire Protection Engineering

This program is offered through the university’s School of Engineering. The non-degree program can be completed in approximately one year. Standardized test scores are not required for admittance.

Master’s Degrees

Online master’s degree programs in fire science are designed for working professionals who have several years of experience in firefighting, fire protection, fire investigation, or a similar field. These professionals want to advance into top-tier leadership positions – often, in administration or investigation.

Advanced and specialized education and training are the hallmarks of master’s-level fire science degree programs. Students can pursue Master of Science (MS) degrees such as:

• MS in Emergency Management
• MS in Fire Protection Engineering
• MS in Public Administration (specializing in Fire and Emergency Services)
• MS in Public Safety Leadership and Administration (specializing in Executive Fire Administration)

STEPS Pick: Best Online Master’s Degree Program

Oklahoma State University – Master of Science in Fire and Emergency Management Administration

This degree program is fully online and can be completed during two years of full-time study. The program is designed for students who already earned a bachelor’s degree and want a career in emergency services management.

Doctoral Degrees

Doctoral degrees – including online doctoral degrees in fire science – are terminal degrees; they’re the highest level of education you can attain. These programs require some mandatory, highly advanced coursework in fire science. But, a large portion of the program will be spent completing a doctoral dissertation or thesis.

Students must design, complete, and present an original research project with the help of an academic advisor. Graduates of online doctoral degree programs in fire science are eligible to apply for upper-level fire science positions in research and academia.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Doctoral Degree Program

Oklahoma State University – PhD in Fire and Emergency Management Administration

This program leads to an advanced degree that can be completed fully online. Students must complete 60 credits of coursework plus write and present an original research dissertation. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in fire and rescue, emergency management, emergency medical services, law enforcement, homeland security, and related fields in both the public and private sectors.

Choosing the Right Online Fire Science Degree Program

Pursuing a degree in fire science – whether it’s online, on-campus, or hybrid – can be a substantial commitment in terms of both time and money. So, it’s crucial to know if the field of study and the specific degree you’re considering are the right choices for you before you commit to a program.

To help you in that process, ask yourself the questions below and see if they make choosing a program easier.

Do I feel comfortable working in dangerous situations?

Many fire science roles – particularly those in emergency services – deal with life-threatening danger. Though some fire science roles do not involve dangerous situations, you should consider this when applying for programs that prepare you for roles in emergency services.

Do I want to work outdoors?

Some fire science roles, including work in emergency services, require you to work outdoors. This is especially true for firefighting roles and conservation roles that deal with wildfire. Consider whether an outdoor job appeals to you as you explore program options.

Am I comfortable around people in distress?

This question is similar to the one about danger. Ask yourself if you are comfortable encountering people in distress as you work. Fire science roles in disaster relief and law enforcement often involve working with people who are going through trauma, and this can be challenging for many people.

What kind of hours do I want to work?

Some roles in the broader fire science field involve working unconventional hours, while other roles involve working a traditional nine-to-five schedule. You’ll need to consider which type of schedule appeals to you; it’s one of many factors that will determine the best type of fire science degree program for you.

Do I want to work with my hands?

Physicality (or lack of) required by a job is a major factor that differentiates fire science roles. Some roles are highly physical, while others (like office roles) are more sedentary. You need to determine which type of role appeals most to you in the long term.

How Much Does a Degree in Fire Science Cost?

The cost of online fire science degree programs varies substantially. Generally, certificate programs and associate degree programs are most affordable, while graduate degree programs are most expensive. Typically, online programs are less costly than on-campus/in-person programs, mainly because you won’t need to pay to relocate.

Beyond that, whether a program is public or private and (for public programs) whether you’re eligible for in-state tuition can majorly impact costs. The official cost of a degree program is not always reflective of what you’ll need to pay in total.

Be sure to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form early in the process of choosing a school and program. You should also apply for any financial aid opportunities that your school offers. Finally, check out private scholarship opportunities and apply for any that you’re eligible for. Note the deadline for each type of financial aid and apply before it passes.

Answering Common Questions from Fire Science Students

How do I know if an online fire science degree program is high-quality?

A variety of factors can help you determine whether an online fire science degree program is high-quality. You can look at academic rankings, but you should also consider whether support services are available for students and how accessible they are.

You should look at options for specialization in a specific program, especially if you have a highly specific academic goal in mind.

How long does it take to complete an online fire science degree program?

As noted above, the amount of time needed to complete an online fire science degree program varies substantially. Non-degree programs, like the undergraduate and graduate certificates mentioned above, are can generally be completed faster.

Associate degrees and master’s degrees generally take two years to complete, but bachelor’s degrees and doctoral degrees can take four years. Remember that choosing to study part-time (if that option is available) will increase the total time that’s required before you can graduate.

Can I work while studying for an online fire science degree?

Whether or not you work while studying for an online fire science degree depends on both the program and the job you currently have. Online classes are often flexible, but whether or not that aligns with the job you want to work will depend on the job itself.

It’s important to make sure that you can keep up with your studies if you’re also juggling work responsibilities.

Is financial aid available for online fire science degree programs?

You can apply for state and federal financial aid for an accredited fire science degree program, as long as you submit a FAFSA form before the deadline. Your school likely offers financial aid for its students; this aid can be based on both need and merit.

Finally, check which private scholarships you are eligible for, and be sure to keep track of application deadlines so you can maximize your chances of receiving a scholarship or grant.

Is it important that an online fire science degree program is accredited?

It is vital that your online fire science degree program is accredited or is offered by an accredited institution. This proves that your school met relevant standards and confers legitimacy on a degree to future employers and schools you might attend in the future. Programmatic accreditation from a fire science organization can also confer a mark of prestige on a specific fire science program.

Making Your Decision

After taking in all of the information above, it’s time for a final question: should you enroll in an online fire science degree program? Ultimately, the only person who can answer that question is you, and only you can answer the many questions that you should consider.

This STEPS guide is designed to help you get started on the application journey. You should conduct more research on specific programs and on fire science in general.

Good luck in your research, and know that whatever decision you come to, it will be the right one for you.

STEPS’ Best Online Fire Science Degree Programs

You should consider various factors – such as your personal goals and experiences – when deciding which online fire science degree program is best for you. Beyond personal factors, you should also consider some objective factors, such as rankings.

To determine the rankings below, we considered student services, ease of online learning, financial aid, and more. Check out our list of the best online fire science degree programs.