Fire Science Associates Degree

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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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The study of fire, including its behavior and inquiry, is known as fire science. A fire science associates degree is the finest option for anyone who wants to join the fire service or pursue a career in fire prevention, protection, or safety. The field of fire science offers demanding careers that may entail working in hazardous but rewarding conditions. Professionals today respond to incidents involving hazardous waste, medical emergencies, confined space rescues, high-angle rescues, and other emergency scenarios, in addition to fighting flames. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of firefighters is projected to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This guide will lead prospective students to understand what the online fire science associate’s degree is all about, what careers one can pursue, how to fund this degree, and more.

Best Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs

The best associate of fire science degree should ideally have all the critical components that make for an excellent program, one that would fulfill a student’s needs and be recognized in the job market. Along with the school’s infrastructure, the quality and experience of faculty, diversity in courses offered, availability of student support services, accreditation, etc., should be considered before applying to the program. Find Best Degrees (FBD) has researched several colleges against these and other factors and drawn up the following list of the best online associates of fire science degree: *

American Military University

Casper College

Columbia Southern University

Glendale Community College

Hutchinson Community College

Johnson County Community College

Keiser University

Lanier Technical College

Purdue University Global

Rio Hondo College

University of Cincinnati

Volunteer State Community College

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 Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs

Associate degree programs are designed for people looking for entry-level work before continuing their education or moving on in their careers. This is better explained in the Guide to Associate Programs.

To graduate with an associate degree fire science technology program, a minimum of 60 semester hours must be completed over the course of two years, typically divided into four semesters. Through classes held on campuses, in fire academies, and via online formats, junior colleges, community colleges, online universities, and accredited fire schools provide students with a specialized, career-focused curriculum. Associate degree programs typically consist of one-third general education classes, one-third main field courses, and one-third elective studies. However, curricula and degree requirements can vary significantly by the educational institution. In many instances, certification and licensure are part of the program as well. A well-rounded introduction to studies in fire engineering, fire prevention, fire suppression, arson investigation, code inspection, and departmental leadership is provided through an associate degree program in fire science. Here is a quick look at some of the courses students may come across in their programs:

Fire Prevention

This course covers the fundamentals of fire prevention, including its history and philosophical underpinnings, how a fire prevention bureau is structured and run, how to use fire codes, how to identify and eliminate fire hazards, and how fire prevention interacts with built-in fire protection systems. Students should expect to understand the importance of fire prevention as a component of overall fire protection, understand the need for fire prevention organizations, and review the minimum professional requirements for fire inspectors, investigators, and public educators at the state and national levels. They will define the components of a plan review program and recognize the laws, rules, codes, and other regulations on fire prevention.

Fundamentals of Fire Protection

This course provides an overview of fire protection and associated aspects. Students will learn about the laws and regulations that affect the fire service. The course will also cover the philosophy and history of fire protection/service, fire loss analysis, the organization and operation of public and private fire protection services, the nomenclature used in the fire service, specific functions of fire protection, fire protection systems, fire chemistry and physics, and fire strategy and tactics. Students are also expected to evaluate the fundamental elements of fire as a chemical process, look at the main fire phases, and examine the key elements that affect how fire behaves and spreads.

Fire Protection in Building Construction

This course examines the elements of building construction that relates to fire and life safety, with a particular emphasis on firefighter safety. Students will gain an understanding of building construction, enumerate the main categories of building construction, assess the risks and tactical issues related to the various building construction types, describe the various loads and strains put on a building and how they interact, determine the essential building structural elements, and exhibit an understanding of each function related to firefighter safety, building regulations, code inspection, fire prevention, and firefighting strategy and tactics.

Fire Behavior and Combustion

The ideas and principles underlying how and why flames begin, spread, and are contained are examined in this course. The student should be able to recognize the physical characteristics of the three states of matter, classify the elements of fire, recall the physical and chemical characteristics of fire, describe and use the burning process, define and apply fundamental terms and concepts related to the chemistry and dynamics of fire, and more. The course also studies the various materials and how they relate to fires as fuel, shows the properties of water as a fire suppression agent, lists other suppression agents and tactics, and contrasts different fire extinguishing procedures.

Some of the common core courses in an associates degree in fire science include but are not limited to:

analyze a range of educationFire Protection Systems
Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival
Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply
Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services
Protection and Suppression Systems
Firefighting Strategy and Tactical Procedures
Introduction to Emergency Services
First Responder Emergency Aid
Fire Prevention Organization and Management
Wildland Firefighting

Some general education courses students can be expected to take up as part of their programs include but are not limited to:

Elements of Mathematics
The College Experience
Fundamentals of Speech Communication
Technical Communication
Introduction to Human Biology
Humanities and the Fine Arts
Social Behavioral Science
Contemporary Ethics
War in Literature
American History
Cultural Geography

Degree Types for Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs

Areas of Specialization in Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs

A specialization is an excellent way to narrow one’s focus area within a discipline or subject. In doing so, students can gain the knowledge and skills required for a specific component that can lead to niche careers in the industry. Although concentrations in fire science are uncommon at the associate’s level, some colleges offer them or allow students to opt for specialized courses and electives. Here are some examples of concentrations in fire science associate’s degrees:

Area of Specialization	Description	Career Options
Fire Administration	This concentration highlights the pertinent coursework and training required in administration, fire safety, and investigation for students to take up leadership roles within the fire service profession.	This specialization can lead to entry-level administrative roles in firefighting departments or industries with in-house fire prevention services.
Fire Executive Leadership	This concentration emphasized leadership and management in firefighting services and prevention. Through this concentration, students gain a competitive advantage in the fire service and allied sectors and learn how to become innovative leaders and grow as one.	This specialization can lead to entry-level leadership and managerial roles in firefighting departments or industries with in-house fire prevention services.
Fire/Arson Investigation	Students in this emphasis are prepared for positions in both the public and private sectors in code enforcement, arson/fraud detection, and fire investigation. The educational background necessary to ascertain the start and cause of fires is provided through this specialization. It also thoroughly analyzes the regulations governing fire investigations and evidence gathering.	This specialization can lead to entry-level roles as fraud detectors, insurance investigators, fire investigators, fire code enforcers, etc.
Fire Technology	The technological components of fire science are the focus of this concentration. Stress is placed on fire control through design, construction, and fixed fire suppression systems. Students are prepared to apply fundamental engineering concepts to the fire problem through a combination of fire science and engineering courses. Emphasis is placed on fire prevention and code compliance as well.	This specialization can lead to entry-level roles, primarily in the private sector. However, as the fire service prepares to meet future technical challenges, jobs are increasingly becoming available in other areas.

Why should I get into Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs?

Local fire departments in the United States responded to an estimated 1.4 million fires in 2020. These fires claimed the lives of 3,500 civilians and injured 15,200. The estimated property damage was $21.9 billion. To lower these figures and safeguard communities, more fire science specialists are required. A degree in fire science can prepare students for a range of jobs that lessen fire threats, prevent fires, and ultimately save lives. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of firefighters is projected to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030, with about 27,000 openings for firefighters to be added each year, on average.

Despite the online associates in fire science degree sounding extremely specialized, fire science schools can equip individuals for careers other than firefighter responsibilities. One can work in a wide range of businesses in managerial and supervisory positions. Additionally, the degree enables people interested in fire management and public safety to specialize in fields like fire and arson investigation, emergency medical services, paramedic care, or fire engineering. Essentially, the fire science associates meet the educational needs of both those who want to become firefighters and those who are already in the field and want to expand their knowledge in this or other related disciplines. To summarize, the fire science associate’s degree is a suitable fit for:

Students pursuing a career in fire suppression to learn the skills and knowledge required for an entry-level position.
Career and volunteer firefighters to broaden their knowledge, improve their job skills, and expand their personal development.
Students and professionals in related fields, such as fire service instruction/training, fire protection engineering, inspection services, and insurance investigations, to broaden their knowledge base.

Upon graduating with an associate’s in fire science degree online, individuals would have the ability to:

demonstrate knowledge of proper tool selection and operating procedures in accordance with the standards of the profession;
reduce health and safety risks by assessing, planning for, and responding to emergencies;
apply effective fire protection practices and strategies in varying circumstances and scenarios;
display the critical thinking, mental, and emotional abilities required to perform firefighting tasks and services;
collaborate effectively with team members to achieve goals;
communicate efficiently and effectively with members of diverse populations while remaining culturally sensitive;
exhibit knowledge of professional and organizational structures, processes, and policies that guide fire departments;
exhibit knowledge on the proper and safe use of personal firefighting equipment and fire apparatus;
use industry-accepted professional and ethical fire service behavior;
analyze the most effective fire prevention methods used in fire science organizations and the community; and
apply the fundamental theories of fire behavior and fire control and prevention methods in a wide range of fire operations.

Free Courses for Fire Science Associates
Degree Students

Free courses can expand one’s understanding of a particular field of fire science or teach something new. Students pursuing an associate’s degree in fire science may use free courses to prepare for examinations or assignments. Here are a few examples of platforms and free courses for associate’s degree in fire science online students:

Course	Description	Provided by
Various Topics Related to Fire Science	The National Fire Academy (NFA) offers self-study, online instructor-led, and online instructor-led live courses to fire and emergency services personnel and students, most of which are free, and offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). A candidate’s NFA transcript is updated upon successful completion, and they receive an NFA certificate.	National Fire Academy (NFA)
Various Topics Related to Fire Science	Alison provides free, comprehensive courses, broken down into manageable chunks, and gives students a series of achievable learning outcomes. Courses are available in 3 learning levels in topics that include Fire Safety – Essential Concepts, Prevention & Control, Chemical Safety: Fires & Explosions, Fire Fighting Prevention and Equipment on Board Ships, etc.	Alison
Fire Safety	This free course imparts a thorough understanding of the risks and causes of fire, as well as methods for management and prevention. Learners are taught how to recognize the sort of fire, what fuel is involved, what combustion conditions exist, and how to properly put out a fire at work. Planning for evacuations and emergency readiness are also covered.	Workhub

How to get into Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs?

The basic requirement for entry into a fire science associate’s degree online requires an applicant to have a high school diploma or Graduate Educational Development (GED) certificate. Apart from this basic requirement, some of the other associates in fire science requirements are:

Admission or Application Form with its prescribed fee.
Official Academic Transcripts.
Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or more (higher grades in English and Math preferred).
SAT or ACT Score (required by some schools)
Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose (required by some schools)
Proof of English Proficiency (if the native tongue is or education was not in English)

Note: Admission requirements vary by school and program. It is always best for students to check with the admissions office at the school of their choice for exact requirements.

How long does it take to complete Fire Science
Associates Degree Programs

Accelerated Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs

Accreditations for Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs

How to Pay for Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs?

The cost of an online associate’s in fire science degree program can range from $235 a credit to about $400 or more per credit. Although online programs are cheaper than traditional programs by not having components such as accommodation, commutes, meals, etc., some students may still find the costs difficult to bear by themselves. For such students, many funding options are available to reduce their financial burden. Students should read about What is Financial Aid? to understand how funding works and what their options are. Meanwhile, here are a few ways from which one can seek financial assistance when enrolling in an associate degree in fire science online:

Scholarships

Scholarships are money awarded to deserving students, which they do not have to pay back. They are usually given for something the student has achieved, whether academic or extra-curricular. Individuals, groups, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, and educational institutions give out scholarships to applicants based on their achievement, performance, or other criteria.

Grants

Unlike scholarships that are usually merit-based, grants can be given for an achievement, a personal circumstance, or financial need. Grants can be used not only to pay for tuition but also to pay for other educational expenses such as books, transport, library fees, and so on. Like scholarships, grants too are “free money” and do not need to be paid back.

Student Loans

Another option for paying for college is through student loans. Banks or the federal government frequently distribute them. It is important to keep in mind that loans often have interest attached to them, which must be repaid along with the principal amount either all at once or over time with equal installments. Read about Donors for Student Loans and Grants for Student Loans to understand how one can apply for loan forgiveness to avoid repaying student loans.

Military Discounts

Some universities offering fire science associate degrees offer current servicemen and veterans discounts and rebates. Discounts can often range from 35% to over 55%.

FAFSA

The Free Application For Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is an application for federal financial aid that all prospective and current college students must complete to check if they are eligible for aid and receive the best financial aid package possible. The FAFSA Student Aid guide explains more.

Find out everything there is to know about college funding in the How to Pay for College guide.

FAQs Related to the Fire Science
Associates DegreePrograms

Can you do a fire science associates online?

What can I do with a fire science associate’s degree?

Is an associate in fire science worth it?

What will I learn in an online fire science associate’s degree?

How long is an associate’s in fire science?

Why should I do a fire science associates?

Who is the first-level supervisor in the fire department?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after Fire Science
Associates Degrees

Job applicants who only have a high school diploma and practical experience may be easily overcome by those with an associate degree in fire science. Holding this degree may also lead to more advanced job prospects, apart from paving the way for further education in the discipline. Fire science associate graduates can find jobs in a variety of settings, including:

Insurance
Firefighting
Fire Inspection
Fire Safety and Stop-Loss
Fire Investigation
Private Fire Protection
Local Government
Public Safety
Fire Prevention

Fire science graduates can also take up several roles in the field, including leadership and management. Regardless of the role, the overall outlook for fire science-related jobs looks positive; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that about 27,000 jobs in firefighting and prevention are expected to be added between 2020 and 2030. Here are a few careers related to fire science, their median annual salary, estimated job growth, and skills required (the figures mentioned are typically for those who hold at least a bachelor’s degree or have a fair amount of experience in the field):

Occupation	Job Description	Skills Required	Median Annual Salary	Job Growth (up to 2030)
Firefighters	Firefighters control and extinguish fires. They respond to emergencies involving people, property, or the environment, go inside burning structures to put out fires, rescue everyone inside, and provide any necessary medical care to those in need of it.	Physical stamina, physical strength, compassion, communication skills, decision-making skills, mental preparedness	$50,700	8% (as fast as average)
Fire Inspectors/Investigators	Fire inspectors examine and evaluate buildings to look for fire risks and ensure that local, state, and federal fire laws are followed. Another type of professional in this industry is a fire investigator, who works to identify the source and cause of fires and explosions.	Communication skills, physical strength, critical-thinking skills, detail-oriented	$63,080	11% (faster than average)
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians	Specialists and technicians in occupational health and safety gather information about and examine various work environments and processes. Specialists check workplaces for compliance with safety, health, and environmental standards. They conduct tests and measure dangers to prevent harm to employees, property, the environment, and the general public.	Problem-solving skills, communication skills, detail-oriented, physical stamina, ability to use technology	$74,870	7% (as fast as average)

Certifications and Licensing for Fire Science Associates
Degree Students

Additional Resources for Fire Science
Associates Degree Students

Tapping into various resources is an excellent way for students and professionals to obtain the latest news in fire science, use professional networking events, take advantage of free training and workshops, and locate new and better career opportunities. Here are a few resources that can help interested students and professionals find these and even more information about fire science:

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

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.” Through its more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy programs, NFPA disseminates information and knowledge.

U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It provides a wide range of tools and resources on fire-related topics such as training, prevention, operations, grants, professional development opportunities, etc.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a government-sponsored website that provides several resources related to fire research, firefighting technology, fire safety, fire computation, firefighting tactics, and fire retardants and protective equipment.

National Park Service (NPS)–Fire Response and Prevention

The Fire Response and Prevention division of the National Park Service (NPS) provides ample information on fire preparedness, wildfires, and the organization’s ongoing projects to battle fires within park boundaries across the country, for students and professionals to use.

Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) Library

The Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) Library has several valuable open educational resources, including textbooks, guides, and courses on fire science-related topics, including fire forensics, advanced fire weather forecast, improving understanding and collaboration among first responders, etc.

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
American Military University	111 W Congress St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414

Univ	Address
Casper College	125 College Drive, Casper, Wyoming 82601

Univ	Address
Columbia Southern University	21982 University Lane, Orange Beach, Alabama 36561

Univ	Address
Glendale Community College	6000 W Olive Ave, Glendale, Arizona 85302

Univ	Address
Hutchinson Community College	1300 N Plum St, Hutchinson, Kansas 67501

Univ	Address
Keiser University	1500 NW 49th St., Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309

Univ	Address
Purdue University Global	2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906

Univ	Address
Rio Hondo College	3600 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601

Univ	Address
University of Cincinnati	2624 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221

Fire Science Associates Degree

By Brandon Mario D`Souza

Updated February 10, 2023

Degrees

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

On this page

Back to top

Best Fire Science AssociatesDegree Programs

What to Expect from Fire Science AssociatesDegree Programs

Fire Prevention

Fundamentals of Fire Protection

Fire Protection in Building Construction

Fire Behavior and Combustion

Degree Types for Fire Science AssociatesDegree Programs

Associate of Arts in Fire Science

Associate of Science in Fire Science

Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science

Areas of Specialization in Fire Science AssociatesDegree Programs

Why should I get into Fire Science AssociatesDegree Programs?

Free Courses for Fire Science AssociatesDegree Students

How to get into Fire Science AssociatesDegree Programs?

How long does it take to complete Fire ScienceAssociates Degree Programs

Accelerated Fire Science AssociatesDegree Programs

Accreditations for Fire Science AssociatesDegree Programs

How to Pay for Fire Science AssociatesDegree Programs?

Student Loans

Military Discounts

FAQs Related to the Fire ScienceAssociates DegreePrograms

Can you do a fire science associates online?

What can I do with a fire science associate’s degree?

Is an associate in fire science worth it?

What will I learn in an online fire science associate’s degree?

How long is an associate’s in fire science?

Why should I do a fire science associates?

Who is the first-level supervisor in the fire department?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after Fire ScienceAssociates Degrees

Certifications and Licensing for Fire Science AssociatesDegree Students

Additional Resources for Fire ScienceAssociates Degree Students

National Park Service (NPS)–Fire Response and Prevention

Author Bio:

Degrees

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

Disclaimer:

Best Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs

What to Expect from Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs

Degree Types for Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs

Areas of Specialization in Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs

Why should I get into Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs?

Free Courses for Fire Science Associates
Degree Students

How to get into Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs?

How long does it take to complete Fire Science
Associates Degree Programs

Accelerated Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs

Accreditations for Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs

How to Pay for Fire Science Associates
Degree Programs?

FAQs Related to the Fire Science
Associates DegreePrograms

Career Opportunities and Salaries after Fire Science
Associates Degrees

Certifications and Licensing for Fire Science Associates
Degree Students

Additional Resources for Fire Science
Associates Degree Students