Doctorate Degree in Fire Science

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Brandon Mario D’Souza

Brandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.

Degrees

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

Last Updated: February 10, 2023

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A doctorate degree in fire science is a terminal degree that provides students more freedom to create products, effect change, and inspire colleagues and students. This degree opens the doors to independent, research-based work and high-level academic positions. In general, employees with doctorates make more money and have lower unemployment rates than those with less advanced degrees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of firefighters is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, while employment of fire inspectors is projected to grow 11% during the same period. Specific growth and salary projections are hard to come by because of the diverse roles Ph.D. holders can take. Furthermore, the fire science doctoral program has many variants, making it a broad-based study. Read on to discover more about the online Ph.D. in fire science and its many avatars.

Best Doctorate Degree in Fire
Science Programs

The best colleges offering doctorates in fire science would have all the elements of a first-rate curriculum that meet a student’s needs and is recognized and respected by employers. Before applying to the top firefighting colleges for a Ph.D., prospective students should consider the infrastructure of the institution as well as the standard and subject-matter expertise of the professors, the variety of courses offered, accessibility to student support services, availability of research facilities, accreditation, etc. The Find Best Degrees (FBD) teams compared many doctoral programs against these and other criteria before ranking the top fire science colleges. Here is the list of the best online Ph.D. in fire science programs: *

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Oklahoma State University

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.

What to expect from Doctorate Degree
in Fire Science Programs

A doctorate in fire science builds on and improves prior education, credentials, and work history. The degree typically requires 3 to 4 years of independent study and research in a chosen area of interest. While students can expect to take a variety of fire science courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, covering both general and specialized areas, doctoral programs in fire science are more specialized. Depending on the faculty’s areas of expertise and the university of choice, students in a Ph.D. program may choose to focus on specific topics and courses that align with their professional goals. Although coursework is required at the doctoral level, a student’s time is primarily spent on independent research and their dissertation, which they will plan and complete on their own with some assistance from a professor guide.

Online doctoral programs in fire science are available, as are brick-and-mortar ones. With online programs, one frequently has the advantage of working at their own pace. Because every student has a unique research and dissertation writing process, this structure works exceptionally well for doctoral-level work.

Here are some typical requirements that students can anticipate in a Ph.D. in fire science program, even though each college may have different ones:

Specialization Courses

The course selection for doctoral students is broad. Most of the time, students can alter their course plans to fit their needs and professional objectives.

Teaching

Although not always a requirement, at some colleges, teaching experience is strongly recommended for students who are not Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) but want to become professors.

Residency

In some cases, unless they have an assistantship, students are required to complete a certain number of prescribed credit hours of graduate-level coursework. The student is required to study full-time during this period. Residency is required before taking the comprehensive exams.

Comprehensive Exams

Students are eligible to take comprehensive examinations when they have completed all coursework. Most students choose to write a manuscript on a topic of their choice and defend it orally before a committee of departmental, school, and/or university faculty members.

Dissertation

The Ph.D. candidate will collaborate with their advisor to choose a topic that will advance the field after passing the comprehensive exam.

Field Experience

Doctoral students are encouraged to participate in independent study research courses to combine and relate classroom theory with field activities. They can engage with scientific communities through research and collate data from technology companies and organizations for this purpose.

Candidates for a Ph.D. degree program must have a master’s degree in fire science or a closely related discipline. The Ph.D. in fire science degree classifies fires and fuels into categories and groups while clearly outlining their definitions. The program’s objective is to understand fires and how to prevent them. Students learn to develop and use accurate methods to predict when and where fires are most likely to occur and how to react to them in each case.

Students can anticipate taking courses in their chosen minor, seminars on research theory and methodology, and research electives, depending on the college and program. The following courses might be required for a fire science Ph.D.:

Fire & Arson Investigation
Fire Prevention
Fire Protection Systems
Fire Hydraulics
Fire Science
Fire Fighting Strategy
Firefighters & Fire Departments

As the fundamental coursework comes to a close, students will also be required to enroll in some doctoral research courses as well. They will be able to select a potential research topic through these courses and conduct preliminary research that will lead to their formal candidacy with the assistance of faculty advisors.

Areas of Specializations in Doctorate Degree
in Fire Science Programs

Specializations boost the worth of a Ph.D. by offering greater knowledge and experience in a certain field. They can broaden and increase one’s career prospects and employability. The unique specializations and concentrations offered by the online Ph.D. in fire science program complement current trends, meet market demands and let students customize their education to fit their interests and long-term goals. The following options are available to students for their doctoral work:

Area of Specialization	Description	Career Options
Fire and Arson Investigation	The focus on fire and arson investigation looks into finding the fire’s origin at the fire scene. Students are taught how to collect and analyze the evidence found at a fire scene to ascertain whether any criminal activity was involved. This specialty also includes thoroughly examining the laws governing fire investigations and evidence gathering.	Students pursuing this concentration are prepared for careers as investigators in local, state, or federal law enforcement and fraud detection and fire investigation in both the public and commercial sectors. They can also work as independent consultants.
Fire Technology (Fire Protection Administration and Technology)	This concentration emphasizes the technological aspects of fire science. Design, construction, and fixed fire suppression systems used to control fires are examined. By combining fire science and engineering courses, students are better prepared to apply fundamental engineering principles to the fire problem. There is also a focus on code compliance and fire prevention.	Students pursuing this concentration are prepared for careers that meet future technical challenges in the public and commercial sectors.
Fire and Emergency Management (PhD in Fire and Emergency Management)	In addition to preparing emergency management professionals and first responders for current issues in fields like human resources, technology, and financial responsibility, this specialization aims to provide them with a broad knowledge base on fire and emergencies. Additionally, students are taught how to respond to non-fire emergencies like those brought on by terrorism or natural disasters.	Students pursuing this concentration are prepared for careers in fire protection and emergency services in both the public and commercial sectors. They can also become first responders.
Fire Leadership	This concentration highlights the management and leadership aspects of fire prevention and suppression. Students who opt for this concentration gain an advantage in the fire service and related fields while developing their leadership skills and teamwork.	Students pursuing this concentration are prepared for careers in responsible and senior roles within local, state, or federal law enforcement and the public and commercial sectors.
Fire Protection Engineering (Masters in Fire Engineering)	This specialization emphasizes the ‘science’ component of the fire science degree. It discusses the physics and chemistry of fires, as well as how they start, spread, and can be put out. Students examine engineering and construction plans, assess sprinkler systems in homes and other buildings, and make recommendations to factories and other businesses on how to enhance their fire safety procedures.	Students pursuing this concentration are prepared for careers in fire protection, fire prevention engineering, and fire investigation in both the public and commercial sectors.
Fire Science Administration (Fire Administration Degree)	This concentration teaches teamwork and gives students the tools they need to supervise the efficient and safe completion of team members’ tasks. Although keeping people safe is the main focus, it also highlights how important it is to keep those who put out fires safe.	Students pursuing this concentration are prepared for careers as administrators and managers in local, state, or federal law enforcement and the public and commercial sectors.

Types of Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Programs

Why should I enroll into a Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Program?

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in fire science is particularly well suited for people who work in the government, public, or private sectors and are interested in one of the many branches of fire science. This program gives research-oriented professionals the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to find novel solutions to critical real-world problems. With its unique approach, working professionals can continue their doctoral studies while keeping their current jobs by combining traditional and online learning.

In contrast to those who want to work in the fire sector, the majority of students who pursue doctoral degrees in fire science do so for academic reasons. They frequently focus on specialized fields like the physics and chemistry of fires, emergency fire services, fire prevention and control, etc., which may result in employment in institutions of higher learning or research facilities funded by the government.

Most high-paying jobs in educational institutions, the government, and research organizations are reserved for those holding a Ph.D. degree. The doctorate leads to greater earning potential and responsible roles in some top-management positions than a bachelor’s and master’s degree.

Upon earning their Ph.D., graduates would have developed several skills, including the ability to:

critically and reflectively approach social and cultural diversity, including race, indigeneity, gender, class, sexual orientation, language, and disability, in community and emergency services;
carry out independent and excellent research, present work in public forums, and for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
demonstrate comprehensive and in-depth expertise, knowledge, and skills in all areas of fire science;
use knowledge and abilities to encourage inquiry, find answers, come up with fresh concepts, and conduct research and present studies;
demonstrate excellent research, critical thinking, problem-solving, and written and spoken communication skills in stressful situations and emergencies;
participate in, organize, and carry out multidisciplinary research in fire science and related fields;
show understanding of how governmental and organizational policy is formed as it applies to the fire and emergency services sector;
address information-centric civic and social concerns at the local, national, and international levels and have a positive impact on students and communities;
share expertise with others through outreach and service initiatives, teaching or conducting classes, seminars, workshops, etc.;
describe the moral and legal guidelines that govern the management of emergency services organizations;
apply knowledge and exhibit autonomy in decision-making to offer a variety of solutions to issues with public safety;
establish and maintain fruitful partnerships with various stakeholders in fire and emergency services; and
effectively manage an emergency services organization’s financial resources.

Free Fire Science
Courses

How to get into a Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Program?

Doctorate Degree in Fire Science
No GRE Programs

How Long does it take to complete a Doctorate
Degree in Fire Science Program

How long is a fire science Ph.D.? The Ph.D. student in fire science will have a maximum of 8 years to complete their degrees, including meeting dissertation requirements, in line with other terminal degree programs at most universities. Coursework can usually be finished by a full-time student in 1 to 1.5 years, but a dissertation can take up to 2 years. As a result, students may be able to complete their Ph.D. in fire science in as little as 3 years. The timeline for the online Ph.D. in fire science can be quickly summarized as follows:

Time required for an online Ph.D. in fire science taken full-time: about 3 years.
Time required for an online Ph.D. in fire science taken part-time: over 4 years.
Maximum time allowed to complete an online Ph.D. in fire science: 8 years.

Accelerated Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Programs

Accreditation for Doctorate Degree in Fire
Science Programs

How to Pay for Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Programs

Colleges typically charge residents of the same state a different tuition rate than residents of other states. Students must pay for their lodging (especially if they are from another state), transportation, meals, books, stationery, and other expenses, in addition to the various tuition rates. Studying online without worrying about being in-state or out-of-state or considering these other educational costs is its biggest benefit. Despite this, since the cost of a Ph.D. program can reach tens of thousands of dollars, students frequently inquire about how to pay for college. The following financial aid options are available to students who wish to pursue an online Ph.D. in fire science:

Scholarships

Scholarships are frequently merit-based, which means that the student’s academic record is the most crucial factor in determining whether or not they are awarded. Typically, academic performance is considered along with other accomplishments and financial requirements. Individuals, community groups, for-profit companies, non-profit organizations, and even educational institutions may award scholarships.

Fellowship

Fellowships are financial aid packages provided to doctoral candidates. Ph.D. fellowship recipients typically must fulfill a future assignment or use the funds for a specific purpose in exchange for the money they are awarded. There are numerous fellowships to keep or entice the top students, as well as awards for exceptional achievement. A wide range of people and organizations offer fellowships, including private businesses, academic institutions, and even governmental bodies.

Grants

While scholarships are typically based on merit, grants consider the student’s financial needs and other achievements. Grants can be used to pay for living expenses, books, transportation, library fees, and other educational costs in addition to tuition. Grants are “free money” that does not have to be repaid, like scholarships.

Assistantships

Many universities offer stipends or tuition fee breaks to students who help professors with particular academic assignments or class activities. Graduate Teaching Assistants are part-time students who assist with educational and teaching activities. Graduate Research Assistants assist with research activities. Students receive a fee waiver or stipend for assistantships, which can pay for some educational expenses.

Work-Study

Students may work part-time in nonacademic positions for their school in exchange for benefits like free or reduced housing, tuition, or other costs. There are many places where work-study opportunities are available, including off-campus places like residence halls, gyms, libraries, and research labs. Even though work-study may not be an option for online students, those taking classes on-campus might want to think about it.

Student Loans

A student loan is an additional method of funding a Ph.D. It is important to remember that student loans come with interest, which, despite being lower than the interest on most other types of debt, goes toward the overall cost of attending school. The student must repay the loan plus interest in full or equalized installments over a specified period. To learn how to apply for loan forgiveness to stop repaying student loans, read about Donors for Student Loans and Grants for Student Loans.

FAFSA

All prospective and current college students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to determine their aid eligibility and secure the most advantageous financial aid package. Consult the FAFSA Student Aid guide for further information.

Learn about ways of funding college in the What is Financial Aid guide.

Scholarships for Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Programs

Scholarship	Description	Award/Amount	Application Deadline
W. H. “Howie” McClennan Scholarship	The W. H. “Howie” McClennan Scholarship offers financial support to the sons, daughters, or adopted children of firefighters who died in the line of duty and who intend to enroll in a university, accredited college, or other higher education institution.	$2,500 per year	February 01, annually
International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFCF) Scholarships	The International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFCF) awards scholarships to deserving fire science students to help them meet their educational obligations and ensure they are equipped to handle challenges in the real world. Students of any gender, community, or ethnicity are welcome to apply for one of the IAFCF’s ten different scholarship programs.	Varies	Varies
FireScience.gov Funding	The Joint Fire Science Program of FireScience.gov funds scholarly investigation and research into wildland fires and disseminates findings to assist decision-makers, fire managers, and practitioners. Funding is offered each year for various research programs students can apply for.	Varies	Closed for 2023 \| TBA for 2023

FAQs about Doctorate Degree in Fire
Science Programs

What is a Ph.D. in Fire Science?

Is a fire science Ph.D. online?

What background do I need to do a Ph.D. in fire science?

How long is a Ph.D. in fire science?

How much is a fire science Ph.D.?

Can I do a fire science Ph.D. without a master’s degree?

Is a fire science Ph.D. worth it?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after
Doctorate Degrees in Fire Science

Fire science is a dynamic field of study that is changing with the times as technology develops and societies evolve. A Ph.D. in fire science can give graduates the most advanced access to the field, allowing them to pursue either a high-level career in the government and commercial setups or a career in academia and research. Although a doctorate is not required to work in the fire sector, it has several benefits, such as the ability to secure funding for cutting-edge research and study. Graduates from doctoral fire science programs can find work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, higher education, government, and private enterprise. Following are some typical jobs that graduates with an online Ph.D. in fire science are qualified for:

Fire Science Professor
Arson Inspectors and Forensic Specialist
Insurance Company Consultant
Construction Trades Fire Consultant
Fire Insurance Director
Senior Building Inspector
Fire Investigator (public and private)
Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Specialist
Senior Fire Inspector
Executive Fire Officer and Chief
Fire and Arson Investigations Detective
Senior Fire Investigator
Fire Chief
Fire Marshal

Here are some typical fire science Ph.D. careers and their annual median salaries, as reported by Payscale:

Certifications and Licensing for Doctorate
Degree in Fire Science Students

Additional Resources for Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Students

Students and professionals can learn the most recent information on fire science, take advantage of networking opportunities, attend free training sessions and workshops, and increase their chances of finding better career opportunities by utilizing a variety of tools and resources. Doctoral students of fire science and working professionals can find tools and information using the resources listed below:

International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF)

The International Association of Black Professional Firefighters (IABPFF) was established to bring together black firefighters from around the globe, gather information about all unfavorable conditions in all communities where minorities reside, assess that data, and take action to address those conditions. Numerous advantages come with IABPFF membership, such as webinars, journals, events, etc.

International Association for Fire Safety Science (IAFSS)

The International Association for Fire Safety Science (IAFSS) was founded with the primary objective of fostering research in the area of fire prevention and mitigation science and offering a forum for disseminating such research findings. The IAFSS considers it to be its responsibility to advance knowledge of unresolved fire problems. Access to symposium papers, technical notes, events, news, journals, etc., is available to organization members.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

With over 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy programs, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a professional organization “devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards”.

The Federal Wildland Fire Service Association (FWFSA)

The Federal Wildland Fire Service Association (FWFSA) was founded in 1990 and serves as a political voice for all federal firefighters who operate in wilderness areas. Members represent every level of firefighter employment, from entry-level firefighters to command staff. The FWFSA gives members a platform to engage in active advocacy for educating and raising awareness among those in government who can bring about positive change.

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

More than 85% of the population is safeguarded by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and its members in towns and cities across the United States and Canada. The IAFF represents over 328,000 full-time professional firefighters and paramedics through more than 3,500 affiliates. A video library, an online learning center, training and education services, and more are available on the IAFF website.

Author Bio:

Brandon Mario D’Souza

Brandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.

Degrees

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	100 Institute Road, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609	$28,980	89%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Oklahoma State University	107 Whitehurst, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078	$5,611	64%

Doctorate Degree in Fire Science

By Brandon Mario D`Souza

Updated February 10, 2023

Degrees

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

On this page

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Best Doctorate Degree in FireScience Programs

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Oklahoma State University

What to expect from Doctorate Degreein Fire Science Programs

Specialization Courses

Teaching

Residency

Comprehensive Exams

Dissertation

Field Experience

Areas of Specializations in Doctorate Degreein Fire Science Programs

Types of Doctorate Degree inFire Science Programs

Why should I enroll into a Doctorate Degree inFire Science Program?

Free Fire ScienceCourses

How to get into a Doctorate Degree inFire Science Program?

Online Application & Application Fee

Academic Transcripts

Undergraduate/Graduate Degree + Grade Point Average

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Scores

Graduate Résumé or Curriculum Vitae

Personal Statement or Statement of purpose

Letters of Recommendation

Proof of English proficiency

Doctorate Degree in Fire ScienceNo GRE Programs

How Long does it take to complete a DoctorateDegree in Fire Science Program

Accelerated Doctorate Degree inFire Science Programs

Accreditation for Doctorate Degree in FireScience Programs

How to Pay for Doctorate Degree inFire Science Programs

Student Loans

Scholarships for Doctorate Degree inFire Science Programs

FAQs about Doctorate Degree in FireScience Programs

What is a Ph.D. in Fire Science?

Is a fire science Ph.D. online?

What background do I need to do a Ph.D. in fire science?

How long is a Ph.D. in fire science?

How much is a fire science Ph.D.?

Can I do a fire science Ph.D. without a master’s degree?

Is a fire science Ph.D. worth it?

Career Opportunities and Salaries afterDoctorate Degrees in Fire Science

Certifications and Licensing for DoctorateDegree in Fire Science Students

Additional Resources for Doctorate Degree inFire Science Students

International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF)

International Association for Fire Safety Science (IAFSS)

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

The Federal Wildland Fire Service Association (FWFSA)

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

Author Bio:

Degrees

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

Disclaimer:

Best Doctorate Degree in Fire
Science Programs

What to expect from Doctorate Degree
in Fire Science Programs

Areas of Specializations in Doctorate Degree
in Fire Science Programs

Types of Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Programs

Why should I enroll into a Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Program?

Free Fire Science
Courses

How to get into a Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Program?

Doctorate Degree in Fire Science
No GRE Programs

How Long does it take to complete a Doctorate
Degree in Fire Science Program

Accelerated Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Programs

Accreditation for Doctorate Degree in Fire
Science Programs

How to Pay for Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Programs

Scholarships for Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Programs

FAQs about Doctorate Degree in Fire
Science Programs

Career Opportunities and Salaries after
Doctorate Degrees in Fire Science

Certifications and Licensing for Doctorate
Degree in Fire Science Students

Additional Resources for Doctorate Degree in
Fire Science Students