Online Associate Degrees in Fire Science: Reviewing Schools

The U.S. is in the midst of a critical shortage of firefighters, which means now may be the best time to consider a career in fire services. And there’s perhaps no better way to enter the field than by earning your associate in fire science.

Depending on the specific program, a fire science associate degree will position you to take the first steps toward any number of roles in fire services — including firefighter, wildland firefighter, EMT, fire training officer, and more. Best of all, you can take advantage of convenient online learning through one of today’s many fully or partially online programs.

That’s what this guide is all about. Along with an introduction to standout programs, you’ll find useful information on coursework, explore what to look for when choosing your program, get answers to frequently asked questions about earning your fire science associate degree online, and more.

If a career in fire or emergency services is in your future, let us show you how you can make it happen through a one of the best online fire science associate degree programs.

What You’ll Learn in an Online Associate Degree in Fire Science

The purpose of an associate degree is to provide students with an introduction to the degree’s major subject along with a solid foundational education in the broader liberal arts. In fire science associate degree programs, this is accomplished through a curriculum that combines general education coursework in English, mathematics, the humanities, and the natural and social sciences with courses in a wide range of major-related topics (see example course descriptions below). Students successfully completing their associate in fire science programs are prepared for entry-level positions in the fire services field as well as to continue on with their studies at a four-year college or university to earn their bachelor’s degree in fire science or related major.

Common Courses in Associate in Fire Science Programs

Accreditation for your Online Fire Science Program

Accreditation is the method through which colleges and the programs they offer are determined to meet certain standards of academic quality. As a fire science student, you’ll want to research accreditation to ensure you’re receiving a quality education and so you can continue your studies to earn an advanced degree if you decide to do so.

There are two forms of accreditation you’ll want to look for during your associate degree search. The first is institutional accreditation, which concerns the overall academic quality of the college. Institutional accreditation in the United States is administered by a number of regional and national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You can check the current institutional accreditation status of any U.S. college or university by using this U.S. Department of Education database.

Programmatic accreditation, the second form of accreditation, focuses on the quality of degree programs in specific disciplines. Many fire science degree programs are programmatically accredited by the IFSAC. A small number of fire science associate degree programs are also recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration’s Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Initiative (FESHE). IFSAC accreditation and FESHE recognition are both strong indicators of program quality.

FAQs About an Online Associate Degree in Fire Science

Still not sure that pursuing your fire science studies online is the best way to go? To help you decide, here are the answers to six questions frequently asked by prospective students about earning a fire science associate degree online.

Can I earn my associate in fire science 100% online?

As the three programs spotlighted above demonstrate, the answer is an absolute yes. But how programs deliver their online content will vary from program to program. For example, Albany Technical College’s Fire Science Technology Associate Degree program combines synchronous and asynchronous coursework, which means that some courses include class sessions that require attending via live stream at specifically scheduled times, while others can be accessed at any time.

How long does it take to earn an associate in fire science degree online?

Like other associate degrees, most online fire science associate degree programs consist of approximately 60 total credits that are earned over the course of two years of full-time study. However, online formats, particularly those that include asynchronous coursework, often allow a good deal of flexibility when it comes to program completion times.

How much does an online fire science associate degree cost?

Affordability is a major benefit to most associate degree programs, including those in the fire science field. This is due primarily to factors such as a smaller number of required credits (compared to bachelor’s programs in the same discipline) and that most associate degree programs are offered through public community colleges where tuition is typically lower than four-year public and private universities. For a good idea of what you might expect to pay for your online fire science associate degree program, take a look at the tuition rates listed in the chart below and in the program spotlights above.

It’s also important to note here that you have scholarship and other financial aid opportunities available to help you lower the total cost of your fire science education.

What are the admissions requirements for online fire science degrees?

For the most part, admission requirements for associate in fire science degree programs are typically the same as those for all other associate degrees. You’ll usually need a high school diploma or equivalent such as a General Education Development (GED) certificate. A minimum high school GPA is rarely a requirement. You may, however, need to meet with an admissions officer or attend an orientation meeting prior to admittance. Additionally, international students or other applicants for whom English is not their native language may be required to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency (often in the form of scores on an English proficiency test like the TOEFL).

How much can you make with an associate degree in fire science?

Salaries for fire services professionals vary substantially depending on factors such as job title, specific employer and geographic location, education level, and number of years of professional experience. For an idea of what you might expect to earn as a professional in the fire services field, here are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics national annual mean wage estimates for five common occupations held by graduates with a fire science associate degree:

• Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics: $48,430
• Firefighters: $60,390
• Firefighting and Prevention Workers: $61,340
• Fire Inspectors and Investigators: $82,510
• Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists: $61,090

Are there any certifications or licenses that you need to work in fire science?

Licensure and certification requirements for fire services professionals vary from state to state, so be sure to check with your state’s licensing agency, local fire department, or associate degree program for location-specific information on these requirements. However, in addition to completing fire academy training, most fire departments require firefighters to obtain EMT certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Many employers do require or prefer to hire fire service professionals in certain positions who possess one or more professional certifications. For example, government agencies often require applicants to hold professional certification for employment as a fire investigator — which might include the Certified Fire Inspector (CFI) from the National Fire Protection Association or the Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI) from the International Association of Arson Investigators.

Additional Resources for Fire Science Students and Professionals

Many resources have been created to help you succeed in your academic and career pursuit. Below are 10 examples of agencies, associations, and guides you can access online that are designed to support you throughout your fire science academic studies and beyond.

• Association for Fire Ecology
  This international organization is dedicated to “improving the knowledge and use of fire in land management.” The Student Association for Fire Ecology (SAFE) provides members with a forum to network and share information on research, funding opportunities, and other fire ecology student-related resources. SAFE chapters currently operate on over 20 U.S. college and university campuses.
• How and Where to Earn Your Fire Science Degree Online
  This guide from Student Training & Education in Public Service (STEPS) offers a look at the best two-year and four-year online fire science undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs available today. You’ll also find information on delivery formats, concentration tracks, tuition costs, program accreditation, and career options for graduates.
• International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF)
  A fraternal organization representing Black professional firefighters and students throughout the United States and the Caribbean, IABPFF’s website features chapter information, event announcements, and job postings.
• International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
  The IAFF is a labor union representing nearly 350,000 professional firefighters, rescue workers, and emergency medical workers employed in 85% of the communities in the United States and Canada. Site visitors have access to a wide range of education, advocacy, health and safety, and training resources, association related news, and more.
• National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)
  This professional organization of fire investigators and students worldwide sponsors fire investigation/analysis training programs and administers three professional certifications related to fire investigator education and practice.
• National Association of Hispanic Firefighters (NAHFF)
  The NAHFF is a professional association created to provide professional development support to its members through events, mentorships, and more. Visitors to the NAHFF site can access current news and information on upcoming association activities and job opportunities, the association’s blog, and other useful resources.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  The NFPA is an international nonprofit focused on a range of subjects related to fire protection such as public safety, community risk reduction, hazardous materials, and wildlife protection. Member benefits include access to association events (like the annual NPFA Conference & Expo) and other networking opportunities, journal and news articles, a job board, and a global community platform.
• U.S. Fire Administration
  A part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Fire Administration supports fire and emergency medical services as they prepare for, prevent, mitigate and respond to hazards. Among services provided is the National Fire Academy, which offers specialized training to emergency services professionals. Site visitors can access news and information on fire and emergency services, fire prevention, and job opportunities.
• What Can You Do with a Fire Science Degree?
  This STEPS resource describes the range of careers open to fire science degree holders. You’ll also find information on the skills gained in fire science degree programs, as well as descriptions and links to a number of resources supporting fire science students and professionals.
• Women in Fire
  As part of this professional organization committed to “championing female leadership and participation within the fire and emergency services,” student memberships are available to both men and women. Membership benefits include access to networking and training events, mentorships, job listings, and more.

Today’s Standout Fire Science Programs