Online Fire Science Degree Programs
If you are looking for a fire science degree online and are unable to attend a regular campus program due to geographical distance, financial reasons or professional commitments, you need not worry because these programs are now offered online. Online courses are not only flexible but also affordable than the traditional degree programs. Schools upload the course tutorial, assignment and other relevant details on their website, which can be accessed anytime, anywhere at your convenience.
Also, the students can revisit the uploaded material to revise the concept over and over again. For doubt clarifications, there are separate sessions arranged by the discretion of the university offering the course. In order to get yourself certified or, avail online degree from any professional university, one has to fulfill three necessary conditions, i.e., one has to register for the course, should have a laptop or computer to access the content and high-speed internet for better browsing experience.
Moreover, one has to be well informed about the type of degree and specialization offered by different universities. So, keep reading to learn more about online fire science degree programs offered by various renowned colleges/schools in the United States and types of degree and specializations offered.
Online Fire Science – Associate’s Degree
An Associate’s Fire Science online degree program is a two-year course which generally works as a stepping stone towards earning a Bachelor’s degree. It provides you with the basic foundational knowledge related to fire, causes of fire, how to contain the fire in various conditions, etc. You must have a High School Diploma or equivalent to enroll in an associate degree program.
The curriculum for online fire science classes varies with school and colleges. Generally, it requires 60 to 90 credit hours with fire science as a major subject and other elective courses offered. The students can select their electives related to their interest. Suppose, students aspiring for leadership roles in the future may opt for courses in leadership, communication, psychology, ethics, etc. The time duration in acquiring an associate’s degree is 60 hours completed over two years, but students sometimes opt to study part-time which makes them earn the degree in a shorter duration.
An associate online fire science degree program includes classroom lectures, case studies, on the field training and even internships. On the field training is designed to provide practical exposure of how to use the skills and knowledge acquired on the actual situation and to improve the field performance of aspiring firefighters. They learn the practical aspects of fire suppression, basic life-sustaining medical procedures, teamwork alongside firefighting professionals and community service. The typical associate fire science degree course includes:
- Fire Behavior Course
- Fire Fighting Principle Course
- Fire Protection System Course
- Fire Code and Laws
- EMT Basics
- Fire Extinguishment Basics
Fire Science – Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in fire science is an added advantage on having successfully completed the associate degree. Many firms may even require the candidate to hold a bachelor’s degree for the position higher than the battalion chief. A candidate with higher education level, without a doubt, secures a good chance of reaching upper management levels in the industry.
Though an associate degree or few certification courses are enough to become a firefighter, some may choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree to move up the career ladder. A four-year degree program prepares the student for a successful career in firefighting, paramedic, fire investigating, fire administration or emergency management personnel. Professionals not only receive big wage payoff and job security but also earn credentials recognized by the industry.
Bachelors in Fire Science Online
Same as an associate degree, various schools and community colleges offer a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science online through distance learning. For an entry-level candidate, it is a great start to build their technical knowledge and get a deeper understanding of the chosen field. It will further enhance your credentials and make you stand out from the rest. Also, to qualify for obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, you must be an associate degree program holder.
| Program Options | Fully online and hybrid programs, some schools/colleges offer degree completion programs |
| Class Structure | Typically asynchronous, online course management system includes recorded lectures, assignments, and communication methods |
| Median Annual Wage (as of May 2017 ) | $49,080 for firefighters and $56,670 for fire inspectors |
Information Source: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Online schools/colleges will deliver courses through recorded lectures, quizzes to practice, e-mail or on the web, which allows the student to study at their convenience. A bachelor’s degree program in Fire Science typically provides students with advanced expertise in a variety of fields such as:
⦁ BS in Fire Prevention
⦁ BS in Fire Safety
⦁ BS in Fire Suppression
⦁ BS in Arson and Incident Inspection
⦁ BS in Emergency Response Management
⦁ BS in Paramedic Care
⦁ BS in Fire Engineering
Online Fire Science Master’s Degree
An online master’s degree provides distance learning to candidates who are unable to attend on-campus programs due to professional obligations or any other personal reason. The online format offers the students with web discussion rooms, recorded lectures, tests, presentations etc. readily available to them at all times. A master’s degree generally requires the student to complete 36-64 credits with the submission of a project or thesis at the end of the program.
Furthermore, a master’s degree program in Fire Science prepares the students for more advanced and higher roles in the field of firefighting, like the role of a Chief where you will supervise many other employees and take critical decisions at the time of an emergency. The course provides the candidate with in-depth knowledge regarding Fire Science, public protection and fire chemistry. A master’s degree program is more focused on management & strategic expertise in addition to the firefighting concept. Professionals with a master’s degree often benefit from job security, higher package and job responsibilities. Topics covered under an online fire science master’s degree program include:
⦁ MS in Fire Chemistry
⦁ MS in Organizational Behavior
⦁ MS in Public Safety Protection
⦁ MS in Victim Communication and Stress Management
⦁ MS in Fire Hazard Analysis and Prevention
⦁ MS in Arson Investigation
⦁ MS in Fire Management
⦁ MS in Emergency Services Administration
Top Online Fire Science Degree Programs in the US
Choosing a Program from a pool of online degree programs in Fire Science is an extremely tough and personal decision. You have to properly evaluate each online program offered to understand and make a decision on which target school’s academics match with your career goals and educational needs. Let us make this easy for you, following is the list of best online firefighter training programs to serve as a starting point in your research.
1. Odessa College
- Campus Location: Texas
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Odessa college of Texas offers an Associate degree in Applied Science in Fire Administration that prepares the students for various entry-level as well as supervisory roles in firefighting. It is a 60 credit hours’ program that can be completed in five terms. Students must clear all the term courses and score an aggregate of 2.0 GPA to graduate. In addition, to associate degree program, Odessa also offers a 17-week certification course for entry-level firefighters, which includes the primary subjects of fire control, prevention from hazardous materials and basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) approaches.
2. Macomb Community College
- Campus Location: Warren, MI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Macomb Community College (MCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science, to shape the students for future leadership positions as certified firefighters, fire inspectors, investigators, or fire alarm system installers. Here, students get to learn various subjects like fire chemistry, advanced fire suppression techniques, and related firefighting skills. It is a 62-credit program including 15 credits of general coursework and 47 credits of major subjects covering a variety of topics. To name a few:
- Introduction to Emergency Management
- Fire Department Administration
- Fundamentals of Fire Protection
- Philosophy of Fire Protection
- Fire Hydraulics and Water Supply
3. Lanier Technical College
- Campus Location: Oakwood, Georgia
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Lanier Technical College offers an associate degree program in Fire Science for fire service personnel at all levels. Through various fire and safety online course are offered, the degree intends to build the required management skills of the students and enhance their promotion possibilities. To graduate from the college, specifically for the distant learner, he/she has to score a minimum of 2.0 GPA.
4. Northern Virginia Community College
- Campus Location: Annandale, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- An Associate degree in Fire Science offered by Northern Virginia Community College prepares students for senior-level roles in the field of firefighting. Graduates from the college can secure successful job roles in private and public fire service sectors. The course offer opportunities for students to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program once they graduate.
5. Eastern Kentucky University
- Campus Location: Richmond, KY
- Accreditation: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
- Eastern Kentucky University offers master’s as well as bachelor’s degree programs in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology, Fire Protection Administration, Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation since 1973. Students learn from world-renowned faculties on various subjects from firefighting and fire protection to engineering and design. To apply for the college, the applicants must fill an online application form with a non-refundable application fee. They must also submit their high school certificates, and ACT/SAT scores.
6. Columbia Southern University
- Campus location: Orange Beach, AL
- Accreditation: Distance Education Accreditation Commission, Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education
- The Columbia Southern University provides a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, and Fire Investigation. The students are trained under expert faculties where they learn all the relevant strategies and techniques related to fire service. The applicants must fulfil the admission criteria by filling the online application form and high school/GED certifications.
7. University of Florida
- Campus location: Gainesville, Florida
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Another well-renowned online school, The University of Florida, offers a bachelor’s degree in Fire and Emergency Services since 1853. The students can learn from a wide range of topics including applications of Fire Research, Legal, Political, and Regulatory in EMS, Natural Disaster Phenomena for Emergency Services, etc. It prepares the students for future leadership roles in Fire and EMS departments, private and state government agencies. To get eligible for admission, the student must have secured an associate degree with a 2.5 GPA or higher.
8. Colorado State University
- Campus Location: Fort Collins, CO
- Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- An online fire administration degree program is provided by Colorado State University with the same faculty who teach on campus. Students are trained with advanced technical and necessary skills to secure positions as fire chiefs, public administrators, fire marshals, and educators. Further, students should meet the required admission criteria to obtain admission in the college.
9. University of Wisconsin
- Campus Location: Oshkosh, WI
- Accreditation: International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
- University of Wisconsin (UW) offers a bachelor’s degree of applied science in Fire and Emergency Response Management. It includes coursework like budgeting, emergency planning, leadership and management of emergency services. Online students also get the benefits of certain on-campus academic advisors, and resources such as the library, writing center, etc.
10. University of Cincinnati – Main Campus
- Campus Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools
- The University offers both, an associate and bachelor’s degree in Fire and Safety engineering technology consisting a flexible online program which lasts for 14 weeks. This coursework is designed for candidates seeking career progression and promotion opportunities within the fire service industry. To graduate from the college, a minimum of 40 credit hours is required from the student/applicant.
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