Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

Related Areas of Study

What is Fire Science?

Fire science is the area of study concerned with all aspects of fire including protection, prevention, investigation, and behavior.  The field of fire science blends science with engineering principles to analyze and understand the causes of fire, progression of fires, fire prevention methodologies, and effects of fire on the natural & built environment.  The primary areas of specialization within fire science include:

  • Fire Safety
  • Firefighting
  • Fire Prevention
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Fire Behavior
  • Fire Investigation

Fire science is often associated with the area of study firefighters pursue prior to entering a fire department.  Though many regions require only a high school education, higher levels of education in this field allow for diversification in job opportunities within a given department. Firefighters are responsible for putting out fires and rescuing individuals that may be contained in buildings or locations that are dangerous and possibly deadly at great personal risk.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$50,520

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

26.64%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

315,910

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Fire Science Degree

The Fire Science Online Degree at the University of Florida lets you start your own action plan and strengthens your potential. This can grow your ranks and build you for a career advancement. They will provide you a higher level of education which is demanded by the emergency services industry. You will receive the opportunity to be trained by the nation’s leaders in first response and disaster management. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Rolla Technical Institute offers qualified students access to a fire science degree program.  Along with the myriad technical skills offered at RTITC, students will build confidence and knowledge to enter the workforce in a variety of capacities.  The fire science degree can be parlayed into another degree at a large university or leveraged into a job after completion.  Learn more about the Rolla difference by requesting admissions information from the school today.

Acceptance Rate

64

Tuition

$10,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Fire Science Degree can be taken at Providence College. This program helps to address the complexity of fire protection systems and prepares the students for the challenges that they will face in this career. They will also be equipped and prepared for administration and management in fire service. This program guarantees that their students meet the demands of the fire science field.

Acceptance Rate

47.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

College of the Ozarks offers a BS program in Fire Science. They educate students on how to demonstrate a working knowledge of the science of fire protection. They want the students to successfully complete state certifications in fire science. They aim to develop a Christian worldview to their students so that that kind of worldview will influence their actions as fire protection servants. 

Acceptance Rate

10.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Cincinnati offers a BS in Fire Science that has a stellar reputation.   In addition, UC has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Fire Service Technology.  Both programs are offered as online courses to help meet the needs of busy students everywhere.   Students here can also receive advanced standing for Paramedic and other state certifications. The Fire Service program provides a high degree of flexibility to students and convenience to professional development. They ensure a high quality and consistent traditional approach. 

Acceptance Rate

76.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

You can earn a degree in Fire Science at Madonna University. They facilitate small classes that aim for one-on-one instruction. Students gain hands-on experience through their senior projects and internships. Their experienced faculty gives advice and eagerly mentors their students to prepare them in pursuing a career in fire science or continuing to a graduate school.

Acceptance Rate

74.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

AS in Fire Science at the University of New Haven is one of the most innovative programs in their country. It is a two-year degree that is exceptional to other institutions. They provide a unique mix of courses designed to prepare their students for professional work. While completing the coursework, their students eventually appreciated the hazards as their interest in saving human lives deepens. 

Acceptance Rate

82.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

A major in Fire Science is offered at CUNY John Jay College Criminal Justice. This major effectively prepares students for a career in fire protection and at the same time for a graduate-level protection study. Students will learn how to use math’s and physics’ foundation in exploring problems in fire protection. They will also be familiar with laws that ensure fire safety.

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Columbia College – South Carolina offers an online program for Bachelor of Science in Fire Science. This online program doesn’t have a specified logon time which allows you to access their fire science courses anytime, anywhere. Aside from keeping your tuition low, they also covered textbook fees. In addition to that, nine start dates are available throughout the year.

Acceptance Rate

96.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Fire Science degree at Lake Superior State University provides strong academics and hands-on emergency training. BS in Fire Science, Generalist prepares graduates for careers in the field of fire protection and prevention, investigation and education, fire equipment service and emergency planning. Individuals who desire to pursue a career in fire department, they recommend to get a minor in Paramedic Technology.  This minor subject will build an existing associate degree in Fire Science.

Acceptance Rate

57.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Bachelor of Applied Science can be earned at Siena Heights University as long as students can present a qualifying Associate of Applied Science. The BAS is appropriate for majors in Fire Technology, Hazardous Material Technology, Paramedic Technology and Public Safety Studies. BAS Degree is specialized with self-designing nature which allows for maximum flexibility that results in meeting the learning needs of the candidate. It is also tailored to broaden the student’s intellectual horizon. 

Acceptance Rate

73.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Fire Science major at Southwestern Adventist University is a change of pace from the typical college courses. This program contains challenges that will push you to your limits. Students under this program will improve immensely through physical training and mental training. You will be trained to be team-oriented and never leave anyone behind.

Acceptance Rate

57.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The Fire Science Department at New Jersey City University provides courses, programs, resources, pedagogy and faculty that are assessed continually to make sure that they can provide applicable, enjoyable, and valid learnings. They give emphasis to student centered learning approaches. They strongly encourage a high degree of student-teacher and student-student interaction. Students will be engaged in collaborative work; as a team, they will analyze and solve anticipated fire and emergency events that are likely to happen in real-life situations.

Acceptance Rate

94.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Lewis – Clark State College offers an AAS degree in Fire Science Technology. This is designed for members of a paid or volunteer fire department. This degree program is like a home to the opportunity to translate both documented training and certification into a degree program. It is a 60-credit degree that gives credit for the in-service classes conducted at fire departments.

Acceptance Rate

99.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a program in Fire Science. This program currently emphasizes only municipal fire control. They provide classroom education and hands-on training. Students will also gain practical vocational experience through local fire and rescue organizations. 

Acceptance Rate

75.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

BS degree in Wildland Fire Management is available at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. This degree program provides hands-on training that is needed in managing controlled burns and in working with fire suppression tactics and more. Graduates of this program became skilled in implementing fuels planning. This is the only program in the region that gives emphasis on Park Management, Wildland Firefighting, and Wildlife Law Enforcement.

Acceptance Rate

91.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

New England College offers a program in Fire Science Administration. This program aims to develop critical thinking and leadership skills in the students. They also give emphasis on the importance of ethical decision making. As students complete this program, they acquire strong written, oral, and numeracy skills.

Acceptance Rate

100

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

A dual degree in Fire Science and EMT is a combined program that is offered at Charlotte Technical Center. The purpose of this program is to give the kind of training that is required for students who wish to become a certified Firefighters or a licensed Emergency Medical Technicians. This is not for individuals who are already licensed as either a Firefighter or EMTs. To know more about this program, you may visit the schools primary web portal today.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Manatee Technical College offers a program that combines the study of Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician. In the fire fighter option, some of the contents included are orientation on fire alarms and communication, apparatus and equipment, and portable extinguishers. They will also be oriented in fire service, fire behavior and fire streams. In the EMT portion, some of the contents included are patient assessment for illness or/and injuries, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, soft tissue injuries and spinal injuries. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,332 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Warren County Career Center offers an EMT program in Fire Science. It is a two-year program that will train you for a career in public safety. This will provide the education and skill development training needed to qualify an entry level emergency service position. In addition to the features of this program, you will be given certification training in first Aid, CPR AED and FEMA. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$1,475 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Courses in Firefighting at Marion Technical College have two categories, the firefighting and EMT. The combined Firefighting and EMT program gives the essential training required to qualify as a certified Firefighter and registered Emergency Medical Technician. The curriculum provided by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training is what the Firefighter portion of the program strictly follows. The EMT component trains students for certification as EMT.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,055 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

AS degree in Fire Science is available at Keiser University – Ft. Lauderdale. Through this program, they provide the students with a deeper understanding about crisis management, fire suppression, and extinguishment methods. Students learn how to conduct proper fire scene investigation. This is also an effective way to prepare students for an employment in the Fire Service and in other management positions.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Associate in Fire Science at the University of Antelope Valley prepares students in a career where they will be saving lives. This degree in Fire science allows the students to practice the fundamentals of the fire service profession. They will develop entry-level knowledge about fire behavior, fire prevention, fire appliances, and arson techniques. Aside from classroom and lab activities, students are encouraged to participate in “Fitness Fridays from 1:00-3:00 in the afternoon.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$1,300 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Fort Myers Technical College offers qualified students access to a top ranked fire science degree program.  The degree program is certified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission in addition to the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards.  The certification in fire science provides an excellent starting point for motivated fire fighters or those wanting to extend their academics in related fields at a major university.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,233 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Frontier Community College is part of the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges system and has earned a reputation for quality academic programs across the region.  The breadth of programs include degree and certificate programs for students seeking to build targeted skills and gain knowledge to take the next step in their respective careers.  Learn more about the programs offered at Frontier Community College by collecting admissions information about your programs of interest.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

Top Fire Science Degrees

There are a number of degree options for those considering a future in fire science.  In fact, there are online degree programs in fire science through a graduate degree in fire science to consider.

To help you better understand each degree program and its unique components, we have put together a summary of each below.  You can access school information simply by requesting information from the accredited colleges and universities listed on this resource page.

Online Degrees in Fire Science

Distance learning or online degree programs are the fastest growing segment in higher education with projections to continue in that direction.  Online degrees offer the same quality curricular design with unique benefits not found in a traditional classroom setting.

For example, online degrees offer students flexibility and access to log-on and study course materials at any given time plus quality curriculum provided by a regionally or nationally accredited school.

Online learning also offers students the ability to pace course work in a manner that allows for students to work school into an existing schedule versus the traditional classroom approach.  Learn more about online college degree programs by visiting the schools below or automated matching portal for online degrees.

Certificate Programs in Fire Science

An undergraduate certificate in fire science is a concentrated program designed to help students understand the fundamental elements of fire science from an accredited school.

Certificate programs are often niched down to focus on a particular aspect of fire science, while degree programs offer a greater breadth of curriculum.

Examples of undergraduate certificates include: fire investigation & analysis, principles of fire, emergency services, fire protection, code enforcement & fire prevention, fire incident command systems, and terrorist incident management.  Additional information about certificate programs can be found below from accredited colleges and universities.

Associate Degrees in Fire Science

An online associate degree in fire science can be conferred as an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS).  Associate degrees are 2-year programs for full-time students and include a number of general education courses like philosophy, English, and math along with core courses.

The core curriculum in a fire science degree will vary from school to school but will likely include classes such as principles of fire services, essentials of emergency services, principles of safety & survival, fire behavior & combustion, fire prevention & building construction, and fire prevention systems.

Bachelor Degrees in Fire Science

The on-site or online bachelor’s degree in fire science is a 4-year program for full-time students that is most frequently conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.  Liberal arts classes and core curriculum are more in-depth and provide students with additional knowledge and skills during the program.

Core classes may include such courses as advanced: combustion, fire prevention, applications in fire research, emergency services administration, legal foundations of fire protection, political aspects of fire protection, community risk mitigation, fire service personnel management, and fire protection systems.

Master’s Degrees in Fire Science

A master’s degree in fire science is conferred as a Master of Science (MS) as a stand-alone degree or a Master of Arts (MA) when coupled with a leadership or organizational development degree.

The master’s program will typically be a 2-3 year commitment for full-time students depending on the program and student course load.  A master’s degree in fire science deepens scientific knowledge in the field and helps to grow leadership skills.

Core curricular examples include: leadership development, thriving in a learning organization, leading complex change, strategic management, crisis communication, ethics, public policy, leadership development, fire executive’s role in risk reduction, emergency management, and executive leadership in fire science.

Fire Science Colleges and Required Classes

Individuals typically receive an education in fire science through schools that offer it as a postsecondary certificate or degree. Some schools offer bachelor level education, though this is comparatively rare.

Individuals enrolled in a fire science degree will: 1) learn about fire, 2) how fires are started, 3) various types of fires, 4) how to combat fires, 5) how to handle fires in different settings, and 6) other location-specific trade skills. Individuals armed with this education are able to apply to the fire department, and assuming physical standards are met, will begin their career. A curriculum in fire science may include:

  • Fire Prevention
  • Geography & GIS Mapping
  • Strategy and Tactics
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Cartography
  • Fire Protection Hydraulics
  • Safety

Individuals will generally seek out school or community colleges that offer a fire science program. Individuals should ensure that the education offered is current and relevant.

Connection to local fire departments is also a plus, as it ensures that it meets the standards set forth by the specific department or area. Schools may also have additional resources, that allow for practical experimentation, and if so should also factor into a final decision.

Employment for Fire Scientists

Individuals who complete their education in fire science will continue their physical training through the fire department. Fire departments require individuals to meet both physical and mental conditions in order to qualify.

Once accepted, firefighters go through a probationary period, followed by permanent assignment to a house, particularly in larger cities where many houses are required to provide coverage. Job growth should remain steady as the potential for fires to break out is a constant.

Top Fire Science Careers

For those thinking about earning a degree in fire science, it is important to think about the results of earning a degree.  The net results of earning a degree include skill development, knowledge transfer, and employability in your field of choice.  Below you will find a list of top fire science career options gathered from surveys and government sources from across the country.

  • Firefighters
  • Fire Investigators
  • Fire Chief
  • Criminal Justice
  • Fire Inspectors
  • Engineer
  • Detectives
  • Forensic Science Technicians
  • Criminology
  • Battalion Chief
  • Police Officers
  • Forensic Scientists
  • Emergency Management Directors
  • EMT
  • Private Investigators

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com