One of the most admirable and respected lines of work in the world, becoming a firefighter immerses individuals in a dedicated career in public safety, saving lives, and building a better community. An online Bachelor of Fire Science degree gives students a leg-up into the field, which can be somewhat competitive and very challenging, and also allows one more room to expand their career paths.
Firefighters provide unparalleled service to areas across the globe and are heavily involved in community support and education. Most firefighters are also trained as EMTs and can maneuver in and out of the emergency response fields with more ease and adaptability with an online bachelor’s degree in fire science.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the job outlook for firefighters at an increase of around 6% over the next 10 years, which is as fast as average, with a salary of about $50,850 per year.
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- Top 15 Online Schools for Bachelor of Fire Science Degree Programs
- EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
- COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
- EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY
- COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
- FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
- IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
- UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE
- NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
- SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-OSHKOSH
- PARK UNIVERSITY
- PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL
- Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Schools
To begin your journey, see: Best Online Schools for Associate in Fire Science Degrees or our choices for the Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Fire & Emergency Administration
Top 15 Online Schools for Bachelor of Fire Science Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: These schools were chosen as the Top 15 Online Schools for Bachelor of Fire Science Degree Programs for several factors that put them ahead of other online programs according to their:
- Nature of the coursework, focusing on the fundamentals of Fire Science,
- Degree of thoroughness and complexity of the curriculum,
- 100% Online or Hybrid Availability,
- Provides Financial Aid Options,
- Positive reviews by students and other prestigious academic resources,
- Offering an education that gives students more than just classroom experience, with Learning Management Systems to assist each student in personal one-on-one attention with faculty and communication with fellow students,
- Supports online distance learning programs designed to offer the many aspects of Fire Science concentrations, such as academic coursework needed to be an EMT, or within Firefighting and/or Emergency Preparedness.
- Prepares students for graduate degree programs in Fire Science.
OnlineSchoolsCenter.com chose not to list the schools in a specific way but instead has made a sincere effort to highlight the very best programs in the field of Fire Science. Each online program offers its own unique strengths and advantages to online distance learning in the field.
To learn more, see our Methodology page.
EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S. OF FIRE SCIENCE
Program Standouts:
This school has been educating students in Fire Science since 1973, and today offers some of the most prestigious online undergraduate degrees in this discipline in the nation. Students learn from a strong team of faculty members, all of whom bring worlds of experience to the online classroom, from firefighting to fire protection to engineering and design.
Campus Location: Richmond, KY
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
Tuition and Fees:
- $398 per credit hour—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and alternative loans; federal, state, and institutional grants; institutional and outside scholarship opportunities; student employment programs; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 87.4%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts and those from any undergraduate academic institutions attended, and ACT/SAT scores.
Program Options:
- Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology
- Fire Protection Administration
- Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation
Degree Outcomes:
Earning a degree from Eastern Kentucky University allows online students to focus their coursework in one of three unique areas, which then gives them the skill and knowledge to enter into diverse employment areas. Whether students want to work in planning and design, or directly in the field, this school gives them the understanding necessary for success.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY’S VARIOUS FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection Administration
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation
- Certificate in Industrial Fire Protection
COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S./A.S OF FIRE SCIENCE – FIRE ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
Columbia Southern University’s online undergraduate degrees in fires science are designed by some of the most distinguished names in the United States fire industry. Expert professors help to ensure success while providing a challenging learning experience that exposes students to all of the most relevant techniques and strategies.
Campus Location: Orange Beach, AL
Accreditation: Distance Education Accreditation Commission; Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education
Tuition and Fees:
- $210 per credit hour—regular tuition
- $189 per credit hour—learning partners tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional, external, and departmental scholarship opportunities; corporate billing; tuition discounts; various payment plans; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application and official high school/GED transcripts.
Program Options:
- Fire Administration
- Fire Investigation
Degree Outcomes:
Depending on a student’s area of focus, there are two main career paths that can be followed, however, both programs give students extensive training in the discipline as a whole, allowing them to freely maneuver within positions in the field. Graduates maintain a multi-faceted approach to fire science and become invaluable assets in the industry.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY’S FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE OPTIONS:
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
ONLINE B.S. OF SCIENCE IN FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
Program Standouts:
The University of Florida is yet another highly celebrated and well-recognized online school. The Bachelor in Fire and Emergency Services prepares students for management positions in various departments of emergency services, offering a combination of courses in Fire Science, EMS, and Emergency Preparedness.
Campus Location: Gainesville, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $129.18 per credit hour—in-state tuition and fees
- $552.62 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition and fees
Types of Aid: Federal and alternative loans; federal and state grants; institutional and outside scholarship opportunities; student employment programs.
Acceptance Rate: 42%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official high school transcripts and transcripts from an accredited undergraduate academic institution representing an Associate’s degree with a 2.5 GPA or higher.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Applications of Fire Research
- Legal, Political, and Regulatory in EMS
- Natural Disaster Phenomena for Emergency Services
Degree Outcomes:
This online undergraduate degree prepares UF alumni for leadership positions in fire and EMS departments, as well as in insurance companies, federal and state government agencies, and private industries. Graduates are well-prepared to sit for any and all certification examinations in emergency services.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S OF SCIENCE IN FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES DEGREE PROGRAM
BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S. IN FIRE ADMINISTRATION (FIAD)
Program Standouts:
This online school has been preparing students for a huge array of future career scenarios in their outstandingly designed Bachelor in Fire Administration since 1974. Bowling Green State University offers one-on-one, personalized advising, and intimate online classes that encourage peer support from a group of students with diverse backgrounds and experience.
Campus Location: Bowling Green, OH
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $10,606 per academic year—in-state tuition and fees
- $17,914 per academic year—out-of-state tuition and fees
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional, departmental, and outside scholarship opportunities; veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 73.2%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online BGSU application and the Fire Administration Program application, as well as official high school transcripts.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Psychology of Disaster
- Political and Legal Foundations
- Principles of Emergency Management
Degree Outcomes:
This degree program is specifically designed to place graduates into positions of leadership and authority within fire and emergency services departments. BGSU alumni are keenly skilled in communication, public administration, data analysis, employment law, finance, and technology.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FIRE ADMINISTRATION (FIAD)
EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S. IN EMERGENCY SERVICES
Program Standouts:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is well-known for supplying impressive online degree programs in many professional areas. The online Bachelor in Emergency Services: Fire & Emergency Services strictly follows the guidelines set forth by the FESHE, giving students the most up-to-date techniques and strategies available.
Campus Location: Daytona Beach, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education
Tuition and Fees:
- $365 per credit hour—civilian tuition
- $250 per credit hour—military tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal and state grants and awards; institutional and private scholarship opportunities; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 63.3%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official high school transcripts as well as those from any undergraduate academic institutions attended, and must also apply for funding through FAFSA prior to being accepted.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Political and Legal Foundations of Fire Protection
- Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services
- Managerial issues in Hazardous Materials
Degree Outcomes:
This program prepares students for a wide range of emergency preparedness skills. Once a student at ERAU, individuals are a part of a massive network of colleagues and alumni who work together to foster an incredibly helpful team upon which to rely, inside and outside of academic programs and employment.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS) IN EMERGENCY SERVICES
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S. IN FIRE EMERGENCY SERVICES
Program Standouts:
Colorado State University’s online Bachelor in Fire and Emergency Services Administration educates students in key administrative areas such as financial management, emergency management, program evaluation, and personnel administration. Individuals are immersed in real-world training scenarios that teach teamwork and the application of learned knowledge and skills.
Campus Location: Fort Collins, CO
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $444 per credit hour—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and alternative loans; federal and state grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; tuition assistance plans; various payment plans; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 82.6%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official high school transcripts as well as those from any undergraduate academic institutions attended representing a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and the CSU mathematics requirements.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Industrial Processes and Fire Protection
- Incident Command Systems
- Integrated Management Simulation
Degree Outcomes:
Coursework in this online program prepares students for leadership and management positions in numerous areas of the discipline. Alumni have gone on to become fire chiefs, company officers, public administrators, fire marshals, and educators. A degree from CSU drastically increases one’s hire-ability and standing in the job market.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FIRE EMERGENCY SERVICES
FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S. IN FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
Fayetteville State University offers an online bachelor’s degree completion program in Fire and Emergency Services Administration with two unique concentration options. This allows students to focus their coursework in areas that more closely align with individual academic and career goals.
Campus Location: Fayetteville, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $98.75 per credit hour—in-state tuition
- $246.88 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition
- $15 per credit hour—technology fee
Types of Aid: Federal loans; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; various payment plans; student employment programs.
Acceptance Rate: 67.6%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application and official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution representing transferable credit hours.
Program Options:
- Fire Services Management
- Fire Investigations
Degree Outcomes:
Depending on the particular concentration area within which individual students choose to focus, it will lead them to stimulate positions of employment that require significant amounts of knowledge, skill, and responsibility. Alumni have gone on to lead extremely successful lives within fire and emergency services departments.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE B.S. IN FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE BS IN FIRE SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
Idaho State University offers a Bachelor in Fire Services Administration that is well-accredited and strives to enhance a student’s knowledge base, as well as to prepare them or organizational leadership positions. The curriculum closely conforms to industry standards and best practices.
Campus Location: Pocatello, ID
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; Fire and Emergency Service Higher Education
Tuition and Fees:
- $50 one time—application fee
- $348 per credit hour—in-state tuition
- $576 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and alternative loans; federal and state grants; institutional, departmental, and outside scholarship opportunities; student employment programs.
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts representing a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and SAT/ACT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Fire-Related Human Behavior
- Analytic Approaches to Public Fire Protection
- Emergency Medical Services Administration
Degree Outcomes:
Coursework at Idaho State University is specifically designed for students to enter into positions of leadership upon graduation. The varied curriculum allows students to focus their degree in areas that most interest them and conform to their personal career goals.
LEARN MORE ABOUT IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FIRE SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
ONLINE B.S. IN FIRE AND SAFETY ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Program Standouts:
The College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Cincinnati offers a prestigious online Bachelor in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology that approaches the education of this challenging discipline from a well-establish and flexible point. Students in this program have the opportunity to receive Advanced Standing credit for Paramedic, Fire Inspector, and other state certifications.
Campus Location: Cincinnati, OH
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $50 one time—application fee
- $222-$451 per credit hour—in-state tuition
- $523-$1,098 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional, departmental, and outside scholarship opportunities; various payment plans; student employment programs.
Acceptance Rate: 76.5%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts representing an exemplary GPA, SAT/ACT scores, at least one letter of recommendation (optional, yet highly encouraged), and must display quality life experience.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Hazardous Materials
- Analytical Approaches to EMS
- Fire Prevention Organization and Management
Degree Outcomes:
Upon exiting this program, graduates have an incredibly precise understanding of the field and can enter into major positions of employment straight away. Having undergone a series of complex courses that are instructed by extremely experienced and highly professional faculty members, students have a dense repertoire of skills and techniques with which to achieve fulfilling careers.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS) IN FIRE AND SAFETY ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE
ONLINE BS IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY FIRE AND SAFETY
Program Standouts:
UNC Charlotte’s online Bachelor in Engineering Technology: Fire Safety focuses on both the technical and non-technical aspects of fire sciences. The curriculum is intended for those with aspirations in fire service and other fire protection related fields. Coursework covers aspects such as fire behavior, active and passive protection systems, and more.
Campus Location: Charlotte, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $149.90 per credit hour—in-state tuition
- $594.90 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and alternative loans; federal, state, and institutional grants; institutional, departmental, and outside scholarship opportunities; student employment programs.
Acceptance Rate: 65.8%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application and official high school transcripts and transcripts from any and all undergraduate academic institutions attended.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Industrial Hazards and Electricity
- Risk Management for the Emergency Services
- Principles of Fire Behavior
Degree Outcomes:
Upon exiting this program, UNC Charlotte alumni demonstrate outstanding management and leadership capabilities. A diverse curriculum secures foundational knowledge and understanding about all of the most crucial aspects of the discipline, making them strong assets in any department.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE’S ONLINE BS IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY FIRE AND SAFETY
NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
ONLINE B.S. IN UNIFIED PUBLIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
This online school’s Bachelor in Unified Public Safety Administration: Fire and Emergency Medical Service Administration includes crucial coursework concerning homeland security and public safety, and students are trained in specialized interpersonal and analytical skills.
Campus Location: Natchitoches, LA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $20 one time—application fee
- $375 per credit hour up to 12 hours, then $100 per credit hour thereafter—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and alternative loans; federal and state grants; institutional, state, and outside scholarship opportunities; departmental and alternative fee exemptions; veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 80.3%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts representing a cumulative GPA of 2.35 or higher, and SAT/ACT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Concepts of Emergency Medical Service
- Emergency Medical Response Planning
- Social Dimensions of Disaster
Degree Outcomes:
The focus of this degree program allows graduates to maneuver throughout many areas of emergency services departments. Students leave this program with state-of-the-art perspectives on the scientific, social, and informational concentrations involved in fire services and emergency management.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN UNIFIED PUBLIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION DEGREE PROGRAM
SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE BS IN FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE
Program Standouts:
The online curriculum of Salem State University’s Bachelor in Fire Science Administration is designed to meet the professional and educational needs and objectives of fire protection personnel across the United States. Coursework exceeds standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association.
Campus Location: Salem, MA
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Tuition and Fees:
- $405.67 per credit hour (day classes); $365.33 per credit hour (evening classes)—in-state tuition
- $672.83 per credit hour (day classes); $500.33 per credit hour (evening classes)—out-of-state tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and state loans; federal, state, and institutional grants; institutional and outside scholarship opportunities; student employment programs; various payment plans; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 81.9%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts, and SAT/ACT scores.
Program Options:
- Fire Service Law
- Managing Community Based Fire Prevention Programs
- Advanced Arson Detection and Prevention
Degree Outcomes:
Students are well-trained in fire technology skills, as well as in the research and administration aspects of fire protection as a component of the public delivery system. SSU classes provide unique techniques and strategies for future careers in a high-risk profession.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-OSHKOSH
ONLINE BS IN FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE MANAGEMENT
Program Standouts:
At the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is intended to enhance the knowledge of students with an associate’s degree in fire protection, fire science, paramedic technician, or emergency management. The curriculum is designed in a way that takes previously learned skills and sharpens them to a fine edge of excellence.
Campus Location: Oshkosh, WI
Accreditation: International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
Tuition and Fees:
- $360 per credit hour—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional and outside scholarship opportunities; tuition reimbursement; various payment plans; veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 63.1%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application, and official high school transcripts as well as those from an accredited undergraduate institution representing valid transfer credits.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Fire & Emergency Services Leadership
- Conflict Resolution for Emergency Management
- Fire Prevention and Risk Management
Degree Outcomes:
Oshkosh online graduates have an outstanding knowledge of personnel management, conflict resolution, writing and communication, data gathering and analysis, administrative law, management and budgeting, and leadership—all of the most important attributes of a successful leader.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-OSHKOSH’S ONLINE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM
PARK UNIVERSITY
ONLINE BS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
Park University offers an interesting and unique approach to the field of fire sciences, through their online Bachelor in Public Administration: Fire Service Management. This curriculum gives students a lens into a more politically and administratively driven side of the department so that students can enter into the career at a higher level of management.
Campus Location: Parkville, MO
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $391 per credit hour—civilian tuition
- $329 per credit hour—veteran tuition
- $250 per credit hour—military tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal grants; institutional and outside scholarship opportunities; numerous military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official high school transcripts representing a GPA of 2.0 or higher/GED transcripts.
Program Options:
- Senior Seminar in Fire Services Management
- Homeland Security
- Special Topics in Public Administration
Degree Outcomes:
Due to the nature of this coursework, students have an in-depth understanding of the administrative aspects of leadership positions within fire services. Therefore, they are more likely to be placed into positions of authority and responsibility in terms of managing an entire department.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PARK UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEGREE PROGRAM
PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL
ONLINE BS IN FIRE SCIENCE
Program Standouts:
Purdue University Global offers a Bachelor in Fire Science that is recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration as an official Fire Emergency Services Higher Education institution. The curriculum provides foundational skills in firefighter safety, building codes, fire prevention, code inspection, and firefighting strategy and tactics.
Campus Location: West Lafayette, IN
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; U.S. Fire Administration
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; military benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school or GED transcripts, letters of recommendation, and SAT and/or ACT scores. TOEFL scores are required from students who use English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Advanced Principles of Firefighter Safety and Survival
- Community Risk Reduction for Fire and EMS
- Fire Prevention Organization and Management
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this fine program demonstrate the ability to employ analytical approaches too ire protection and investigation, disaster and fire defense planning, and have an understanding of the role of the fire service within the community. Many individuals choose to continue their education in the Accelerated Master’s Degree option.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL’S ONLINE BACHELOR IN FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I earn a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science through an online format?
Due to the nature of the topic, blended or hybrid bachelor’s degree programs can be found online. Your hybrid program will allow you to complete most of your classwork through an online format; however, on-campus attendance will also be required.
If you have previously received your associate degree, you can expect to complete your bachelor’s degree program in about two years. If you desire a leadership or management position in the field of fire science, a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, most likely, will be a job requirement. In addition, please be sure that your online program is appropriately accredited.
What will you learn in your online Bachelor of Fire Science degree program? As a majority of your skills will be obtained through your associate degree program, your online bachelor’s degree program in fire science will concentrate on going a step further. Advanced topics may include fire behavior, hydraulics and water supplies, fire science and research, public safety, and how to conduct arson investigations, plus many more. You’ll also learn about how to handle hazardous materials, as well as, fire analysis, and the necessary leadership skills needed to advance in your career.
What training is required to be a Firefighter?
To become a firefighter, extensive training must take place, quite naturally. Firefighting training schools or academies are often available in your local community. They provide certification through training in fighting fires, as well as, provides training as an Emergency Medical Technician, (EMT), including CPR certification.
Your training will typically take you several months to complete; however, continued educational experiences are often required. Along with the proper certifications needed per your state, you will need to be able to pass random drug screenings, fitness tests, in addition to, a criminal background check to qualify for a firefighting position. To be eligible for a management position, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is recommended.
What other job options will I have with an online Bachelor of Fire Science degree besides becoming a firefighter?
With an undergraduate degree, such as an online Bachelor of Fires Science degree, you will qualify for leadership positions, such as a captain or battalion chief, if you have firefighting experience and have worked your way up through the ranks. Most management positions will require a bachelor’s or sometimes, a master’s degree.
Also, you may also use your degree to obtain a position as a fire inspector, arson investigator, a fire prevention specialist or an EMT. Other alternate careers may include police chief or forensic scientist. If you obtain your doctoral degree, you can teach fire science at the university level.
“Firemen never die, they just burn forever in the hearts of the people whose lives they saved.” -Susan Diane Murphree