Do you have experience as a firefighter or in the Fire Science profession? Are you just starting out as an aspiring or volunteer firefighter? An online Associate in Fire Science, Fire Science Technology, or Fire Science Administration is an excellent choice to either enhance or begin your career.
An associate in fire science teaches students subjects such as how and why fires start, how they spread and how to control them. The degree program also looks into fire behavior, equipment, suppression as well as prevention of fires. Other subjects studied may include the history and philosophy of bureaus of fire prevention, the identification and correction of fire hazards as well as the use of fire codes. Many of these programs will follow the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Model Curriculum which is outlined by the U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Academy.
Firefighters are essential workers, making the job secure. The future job security of fighting fires is also solid with a projected average growth rate. Choosing an online associate in fire science degree makes the degree program much more convenient as well. These ten online associate in fire science degree programs will give you all of the necessary skills to perform well in any role in a fire department. Find a perfect match with OnlineSchoolsCenter.com!
QUICK LINKS
To earn a Bachelor’s degree: Top 15 Online Schools for Bachelor of Fire Science Degree Programs
Related program options: Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Fire & Emergency Administration
or Online Trade Schools for Wildlife and Forestry Conservation
Best Online Schools for Associate in Fire Science Degrees
Methodology:
The researcher/writers of OnlineSchoolsCenter.com use only the best and most credible academic and statistics sources when selecting online schools for their lists. The criteria set forth of the Best Online Schools for Associate in Fire Science Degrees included:
- An Associate Degree in Fire Science, Fire Science Technology, Fire Science Administration, or an equivalent program,
- 100% availability of coursework and academic resources, including advisors, faculty, and staff,
- Coursework that explores the fundamentals of fire prevention, suppression, and investigation,
- Excellent professors who provide one-on-one instruction and counseling with online students,
- And an online program that includes experiential learning projects and contact with professionals.
For more information, please visit the OnlineSchoolsCenter.com Methodology Page.
AMERICAN MILITARY UNIVERSITY
ONLINE FIRE SCIENCE AS DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
This online school provides an online Fire Science Associate of Science that provides a comprehensive education in the fundamentals of the discipline. Graduates have the skill and knowledge to become fire inspectors, firefighters, and arson investigators, as well as other emergency and public safety professionals. The curriculum is designed according to all of the most relevant and modern trends in the discipline today. American Military University (an affiliate of the American Public University System) is a well-known purveyor of distance education that supplies outstanding online programs.
Campus Location: Charles Town, WV
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
Sampling of Coursework:
- Fire Behavior and Combustion
- Fundamentals of Fire Protection
- Principles of Fire and Emergency services Safety and Survival
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 16.3%
LEARN MORE ABOUT AMERICAN MILITARY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE FIRE SCIENCE ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM
VOLUNTEER STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ONLINE FIRE SCIENCE A.A.S.
Program Standouts:
The Volunteer State Community College online Fire Science Associate of Applied Science Degree is designed for students who have already a Fire Science Technology Certificate, or its equivalent. The online program is housed within the Health Sciences Department at Vol State and draws knowledge and experiences from many disciplines and professors. The Fire Science elective courses are highly focused on safety and awareness and fire prevention, giving graduates the tools to educate their communities on how to protect themselves from a fire.
Campus Location: Gallatin, TN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Rescue Awareness
- Leadership Development
- Public Fire and Life Safety Education
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 51%
Graduation Rate: 20%
LEARN MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEER STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE FIRE SCIENCE A.A.S.
WALDORF COLLEGE
ONLINE AA IN FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Waldorf College’s online Fire Science Associate Degree explores key principles, as well as broad topics, and is one of very few that is accredited by the U.S. Fire Administration as a FESHE-recognized program. The curriculum is flexible enough to find specific areas of interest, such as risk reduction, investigation, or fire dynamics. Waldorf College also offers an online Fire Science Administration Bachelor’s Degree for those who are interested in pursuing further education and credentialing in the profession.
Campus Location: Forest City, IA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - U.S. Fire Administration
Sampling of Coursework:
- Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services
- Fire Dynamics
- Fire Investigation and Analysis
Acceptance Rate: 71.9%
Retention Rate: 46%
Graduation Rate: 31.1%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WALDORF COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM
SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY TECH
AA IN FIRE SCIENCE PROGRAMS ONLINE
Program Standouts:
The Southern Arkansas University Tech offers two online Associate’s Degrees in Fire Science Management and Fire and Emergency Response. Each provides training in hazardous materials, firefighting, and emergency medical services. Both degrees are available entirely online, and the program is designed to transfer credits to a Bachelor’s Degree. SAUT provides Fire Science advisors who work with this program specifically and who can guide online students to success through the various coursework offerings that apply to their personal goals.
Campus Location: Camden, AR
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Program Options:
- Fire Science Management
- Fire and Emergency Response
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 41.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY TECH’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN FIRE SCIENCE PROGRAMS
PIKES PEAK COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ONLINE (FST) FIRE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Pikes Peak Community College’s online Associate Degree in Fire Science Technology teaches students to formulate strategies, investigate incidences, and analyze causes of fires in urban and wildland environments. The coursework in this online program follows principles set for by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Fire Protection Association, and the National Wildland Coordinating Group. The PPCC Firefighter 1 Academy certification allows students to work with experienced firefighters and use modern equipment.
Campus Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Fire Prevention
- Fire Hydraulics and Water Supply
- Job Placement and Assessment
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 53%
Graduation Rate: 12%
LEARN MORE ABOUT PIKES PEAK COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE FIRE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM
CASPER COLLEGE
ONLINE ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE IN FIRE SCIENCE
Program Standouts:
Casper College is an excellent online school that has both an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology, and, for those who are interested, a Fire Science Technology Certificate. The coursework is designed to prepare students for future certification examinations, and graduates enter the workforce with well-developed skills in fire prevention, fire fighting, and emergency services. Experiential learning projects are built into the curriculum so that those students can get experience who don’t know what it’s like to be in a Fire Department.
Campus Location: Casper, WY
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Fire Fighting Strategy and Tactics I and II
- Wildland Leadership
- Rescue Practices for the Fire Service
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 59%
Graduation Rate: 35.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT CASPER COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE IN FIRE SCIENCE
COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
A.S. FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE ONLINE
Program Standouts:
According to the program website, Columbia Southern University is a leader in fire science education, making the Associate Degree in Fire Sciences one of the best in the country. The curriculum is well-suited for current firefighters and those with little or no experience and who are just entering their field of interest. CSU is an incredibly affordable online university with a tuition rate of $230 per credit hour. Students develop and enhance fundamental principles of fire science, fire prevention, and fire protection. The program provides a “multi-professional approach” by incorporating principles of policy and academic preparation for a bachelor’s degree.
Campus Location: Orange Beach, AL
Accreditation:
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Sampling of Coursework:
- Principles of Fire and Emergency Services
- Fire Behavior and Combustion
- Building Construction for Fire Protection
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 43%
Graduation Rate: 47%
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE A.S. FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE
HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ONLINE FIRE SCIENCE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS) DEGREE
Program Standouts:
This online school’s Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science trains students in all of the most crucial aspects of the fire and emergency services, including putting out fires and treating injuries. Students learn how to perform such duties in any environment: suburban, urban, rural, and industrial. As an online AAS degree, this curriculum is designed to prepare students for the workforce upon graduation. Hutchinson Community College also provides an online Fire Science Certification, as well as an online Fire Officer Program.
Campus Location: Hutchinson, KS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Wildland Firefighter Internship
- Portable Pumps and Water Use
- Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%
Graduation Rate: 36.9%
LEARN MORE ABOUT HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE FIRE SCIENCE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
ONLINE AAS IN FST
Program Standouts:
At the University of Cincinnati, the online Associate of Applied Science in Fire Service Technology is a part of a larger, and quite fabulous, Fire Science and Emergency Management Department. The A.A.S. degree has 7-week accelerated courses, mostly, as well as some 14-week courses that are more extensive and in-depth. The Open Learning Fire Service Program provides more experience, networking opportunities, and professional development in courses delivered by the National Fire Academy.
Campus Location: Cincinnati, OH
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Fire Related Human Behavior
- Fire Determination Strategies
- Building Construction in Fire Service
Acceptance Rate: 76.5%
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 62.1%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN FIRE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
LANIER TECHNICAL COLLEGE
ONLINE FIRE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY DEGREE
Program Standouts:
Lanier Technical College provides numerous online Fire Science programs, which include the online Associate in Fire Science Technology Degree as well as some certificate options. The curriculum of the Associate’s Degree, in particular, reinforces previously learned knowledge and skills in Fire Science, while developing new ones. The general education core requirements allow graduates to pursue bachelor’s degrees upon leaving the program, while the certificate and diploma programs provide specialized coursework only.
Campus Location: Oakwood, GA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Program Options:
- Fire Science Technology Degree
- Fire Science Technology Diploma
- Fire Officer I Certificate
- Fire Officer II Certificate
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 61%
Graduation Rate: 33.5%
LEARN MORE ABOUT LANIER TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S ONLINE FIRE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY DEGREE
Each one of these outstanding online schools will provide you with all of the education, training, and networking connections to climb the ladder as a Fire Science professional. There is no better way to bolster your career as a firefighter than to earn an online degree. It will put you ahead of your competitors and coworkers, and give you the credentials to take on leadership positions in your fire department. One of the many great things about a degree of this nature is that it allows you to explore different areas of the profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to earn a Fire Science Associate’s Degree to work as a firefighter?
No. To become a Firefighter, you will need some long-term on-site training, and there are rigorous tests, certifications, and other requirements involved. The Associate’s Degree in Fire Science will elaborate upon experiences and knowledge, as well as provide further training in fire protection, fire prevention, and fire investigation. What you will need as a firefighter is an experience. If you have not gained any relevant professional experience or training, that might be a good place to start. However, there are some schools on this list that are perfect for beginners!
Why would it be better for me to get a degree thaN to remain a firefighter?
An Associate’s Degree will introduce you to the intricacies of your profession. You will learn more in-depth methods and practices, as well as more effective communication techniques. Most of these programs include courses in leadership that can then be applied toward positions such as Director or Chief of your fire department. You can work at a state and federal level after you earn even more education. With the Associate’s Degree, you will take care of all of your general education credits to then move on to only major coursework. The focus of many of the degrees above is toward prevention, safety, and emergency services, and students often work at a community level during their education. All of these facets of your future degree in Fire Science will broaden your career significantly.
Will this degree increase my job security?
It will make you more of an asset in the workforce, absolutely. Your résumé will shine brighter than ever with more education, especially when your degree is specific to your field. There is no statistical evidence, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, that your career will be more secure. However, evidence can be found in the success of graduates from these online schools. Navigate to the program website and find the job placement statistics to see how much it will increase your value in the market and your station.