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Online fire science degrees furnish a broad skill set applicable to leadership roles in fire services, public safety, and emergency management. These programs help students build technical and administrative competencies while deepening field knowledge.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), firefighters earn a median salary of $50,850 per year. Graduates with a fire science degree may also work as fire inspectors and investigators and earn a median annual salary of $60,230. Additional careers for graduates in this field include fire protection engineer and fire marshal.
Fire science professionals benefit from strong job growth potential. For example, the BLS projects demand for firefighters to increase by 6% between 2019-2029 and demand for fire inspectors and investigators to increase by 8% in the same period.
Our guide ranks the top online fire science programs in the country. It also covers the benefits of earning an online fire science degree, as well as scholarship opportunities for fire science students.
FAQ on Fire Science Degrees
Is a fire science degree worth it?
Yes, a degree in fire science can help aspiring firefighters stand out in the job market. It may also qualify current professionals for promotion to senior positions.
What degree is best for firefighting?
Associate and bachelor's degrees benefit early- and mid-career firefighters. Promotion beyond battalion chief, and positions like fire marshal, typically require a bachelor's degree or higher.
Do firefighters with degrees get paid more?
Earning a fire science degree can help firefighters advance to higher-paid positions. Some fire departments offer supplemental compensation for employees with an associate or bachelor's degree.
How long do firefighters go to school?
Online fire science degrees at the associate level typically require two years of full-time study. Bachelor's degrees typically require four years, or about two years for transfer students with an associate degree.
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What Are the Goals of a Fire Science Degree?
Online fire science degrees often cater to students with professional or volunteer firefighting experience. These programs develop advanced understanding of fire protection, safety, prevention, and suppression. Distance learning programs offer a flexible and convenient path to earning a fire science degree.
Students build administrative competencies through coursework exploring field-specific practices in human resource management, budgeting, and strategic planning. Learners also study topics like fire research application, fire-related human behavior, and political and legal issues affecting the field. Some programs offer concentrations in areas such as fire safety, fire protection, and occupational safety.
Why Get a Fire Science Degree?
A fire science degree allows students to enhance their professional skills, rise within the profession, and make a positive impact on their communities.
A bachelor's degree in fire science fulfills the educational requirements for the National Fire Academy's executive fire officer certification program. Managing officer certification candidates need an associate degree.
Early-career firefighters typically earn under $43,000 annually. Earning a degree can lead to advancement and higher pay. Fire captains, for example, earn about $71,000 per year, on average.
An online fire science degree can position graduates for promotions. The degree also prepares current firefighters for a career shift to areas such as fire inspection.
A recent survey found that firefighting holds the highest job satisfaction rate among U.S. industries. Firefighters cited camaraderie and dedication to their mission as positive aspects of the job.
Fire departments play an important public safety education role. They often partner with community organizations, schools, and media to raise fire safety and risk reduction awareness.
What Are the Requirements for a Fire Science Degree?
Admission requirements for online fire science programs vary by institution. Associate programs may only require a high school or GED diploma. Many bachelor's-level programs require applicants to submit standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and transcripts.
Colleges may also require applicants to hold fire science experience, professional certifications, and/or a minimum GPA. Many master's programs require a bachelor's degree in fire science or a related field.
Best Online Fire Science Degrees
#1 Best Online Fire Science Degrees 2022
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Gainesville-based University of Florida provides flexible education opportunities for all kinds of degree-seekers interested in the public institution. Distance learners can choose from 19 online bachelor's programs. Of these, the top-ranking bachelor of science in fire and emergency services attracts learners interested in a fire science-related career.
Degree candidates connect with premier faculty members and a supportive student body. The remote classroom environment lets degree-seekers complete coursework and projects relevant to their personal and professional goals. Some learners participate in internships, externships, or faculty-led research projects. Enrollees customize their academic experience by working with an advisor to choose electives and an individualized plan of study.
Since education can be costly, the college offers a variety of internal and external funding opportunities. Different kinds of financial aid, such as scholarships and fellowships, benefit eligible students. Lowering educational expenses is easier for the 92% of enrollees who receive some kind of financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Fire Science Degrees 2022
Anna Maria College
- Paxton, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Trying to find a flexible education to prepare you for a fire science career? Look at Anna Maria College's bachelor of science in fire science. The private college in Paxton, Massachusetts, offers two virtual bachelor's programs for its 352 remote learners.
Students prepare for a successful fire science career with the tools they gain in the program. Enrollees complete a variety of coursework and participate in classes that provide foundational and advanced knowledge of the fire science field. Hands-on learning experiences let degree-seekers deepen their industry knowledge. Students may complete internships, externships, and applied research projects. Academic advising and career services provide guidance to enrollees throughout the course of their studies.
To lower degree expenses, qualified applicants can pursue funding opportunities like scholarships and fellowships from internal and external sources. As a leader in remote education, the college supports the academic endeavors of its enrollees, awarding aid to 100% of degree-seekers.
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
Professional Organizations for Fire Science Students
Professional organizations allow online fire science degree candidates to expand their knowledge and skills, connect with established professionals, and shape their profession through volunteerism and advocacy. Members can often attend national and local events, participate in online communities, and access cutting-edge research and trends in their field.
NFPA develops fire and electrical safety codes and standards, spearheads public outreach programs, and administers certifications for fire inspectors and related professions. Members can attend networking events, submit papers to NFPA's publications, and participate in its mentorship program.
IAFF represents over 324,000 firefighters and paramedics across the United States and Canada. An active trade union and lobbying organization, the association promotes innovation in fire and emergency services, convenes at an annual conference, and provides continuing education resources. Members must hold full-time employment in fire, emergency medical, or rescue services.
Dedicated to supporting and advocating for women firefighters, Women in Fire provides resources, tools, and education focused on achieving gender equality in fire services. Its programs include fire camps for young women and a mentorship program for members.
Scholarships for Fire Science Students
Learners pursuing online fire science degrees can take advantage of scholarships to help offset the cost of their education. Many scholarships award students in particular geographic areas, while others accept applications nationwide. The following list outlines several scholarship opportunities for fire science students.
Who Can Apply: Future Fighters awards the scholarship to learners preparing for careers as firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs. Applicants must submit an essay, interview a local firefighter, and submit transcripts.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Established in memory of police officer Collin Rose, the scholarship provides financial assistance to students planning careers in mediation, dispute resolution, criminal justice, law enforcement, paramedic services, and firefighting. Applicants must live in Michigan and hold a 2.5 GPA or higher.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: The Pearl Mae Foundation sponsors scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students pursuing careers in healthcare and first responder fields. Applicants must submit transcripts, an essay, recommendations, and financial information. Applicants from South Florida receive priority consideration.
Amount: Varies
