Online Fire Science Degree

By Brandon Mario D`Souza

Updated February 10, 2023
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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.

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Fire service personnel and individuals interested in the field of fire science have the chance to advance their careers by obtaining an online fire science degree. In-depth fire prevention and protection teaching will be provided to students who enroll in online bachelor’s in fire science degree programs. Students learn how to perform their jobs as a part of the delivery system for public services, which depends on cooperation. They will gain knowledge of the essential elements of their employment, including the integration of policies and the legislative frameworks that impact the fire service. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of fire inspectors is projected to grow by 11% from 2020 to 2030, with about 2,100 openings for fire inspectors to be added each year, on average. This guide will help potential students comprehend the fire science degree and provide information on possible career paths, funding options, certifications, etc.

Best Online Fire Science
Degree Programs

The best colleges for fire science programs would feature all the essential elements of a top-notch curriculum that would satisfy students’ demands and be respected by employers. Before applying to the best colleges for firefighting, prospective students should consider the infrastructure of the institution as well as the caliber and expertise of the professors, the variety of courses provided, the accessibility to student support services, accreditation, etc. The following ranking of the best fire science colleges was created by Find Best Degrees (FBD) after evaluating many programs across the country: *

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
Degree Programs

Degree Types for Fire Science
Degree Programs

Areas of Specialization for Fire Science
Degree Programs

Why should I get into an Online
Fire Science Degree?

Free Courses for Online Fire Science
Degree Students

Free courses can introduce new concepts or deepen one’s understanding of a particular area of fire science. To help get ready for exams or help with assignments, students pursuing a fire science degree can take free courses. Here are a few platforms and free courses to explore:

CourseDescriptionProvided by
Various Topics Related to Fire ScienceThe National Fire Academy (NFA) provides fire and emergency services personnel and students with self-study, online instructor-led, and online instructor-led live courses, the majority of which are free and offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Upon successful completion, a candidate’s NFA transcript is updated, and they are awarded an NFA certificate.National Fire Academy (NFA)
Various Topics Related to Fire ScienceAlison offers students free, in-depth courses that are broken down into manageable chunks and provide a list of realistic learning objectives. Courses are offered in three learning levels and cover topics like Fire Safety – Essential Concepts, Prevention & Control, Chemical Safety: Fires & Explosions, Firefighting Prevention and Equipment on Board Ships, etc.Alison
Fire SafetyThis free course provides in-depth knowledge of the dangers and causes of fire, as well as management and prevention techniques. Students are taught how to identify the type of fire, the type of fuel used, the conditions that lead to combustion, and how to extinguish a fire at work. Emergency preparedness and evacuation planning are also covered.Workhub

How to get into the Online Fire Science
Degree Programs?

How long does it take to complete the Online
Fire Science Degrees

Accelerated Online
Fire Science Degree Programs

Many universities provide expedited classes, practical transfer programs, and other alternatives to shorten the duration of a fire science degree because they recognize the needs of working fire service employees. For working firefighters, colleges and universities have created a variety of handy alternatives to complete an online fire science bachelor’s degree quicker than the usually required 4 years. Programs in fire science provide extensive credit transfers in addition to expedited schedules (courses that last only 6 to 8 weeks rather than the typical 16). Many firefighters are halfway to a bachelor’s degree because they already hold associate degrees; they can complete it in as little as 18 months! Furthermore, a fire science bachelor’s degree can be completed in as little as 1 year when credits for prior learning and certifications are added in.

In some universities, students may be eligible to gain credit toward their bachelor’s degree if they obtained their credentials from a body recognized by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress IFSAC or the U.S. Department of Defense Firefighter Certification System. Credit for courses taken and completed at the National Fire Academy may also be granted.

Accreditations for Online Fire Science
Degree Programs

In addition to allowing the school or college to participate in federal student financial aid programs like scholarships, grants, and loans, accreditation can support the long-term value of a college degree. When a college or fire science program is accredited, it has undergone evaluation by a third party who compares the institution to local or national academic and training criteria. Degree programs in fire and emergency services are frequently accredited by one of six regional authorities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or both. These regional authorities are:

  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education(MSCHE)
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) or other online education organizations may also accredit online colleges and programs. Bachelor’s in fire science students can look up the accreditation status of their college on the official USDE or CHEA websites. It is also possible for the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and/or Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) to accredit the fire science program rather than the entire college.

It is critical for students considering a college education to know about accreditation; they must read the Guide to College Accreditation.

How to Pay for Online Fire Science
Degree Programs?

Scholarships for Fire Science
Degrees

Scholarships are an excellent option for students looking for outside funding to help with some of their educational expenses. Given the high cost of obtaining a bachelor’s degree, this is an important factor for students to consider. Here are a few that cater to students pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in fire science:

Scholarship Description Award/AmountApplication Deadline
International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFCF) ScholarshipsThe International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFCF) offers scholarships to students to support the educational needs of its firefighting men and women, ensuring they are ready to face real-world challenges. In all, the IAFCF has 10 different scholarship programs targeted at all types of students, across gender, community, and ethnicity.VariesVaries
Edward “Ned” Carter Memorial ScholarshipThe Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York (AFDSNY) offers the Ned Carter Memorial Scholarship Award for graduating high school seniors who will be pursuing a career in a community service-related discipline. These scholarships are named in honor of Past President Ed ‘Ned’ Carter’, and all deceased past presidents of the association.$1,500 x 4 scholarshipsTBA
Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship ProgramThe Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program encourages participants to pursue credit-bearing courses leading to degrees in fire service management, fire service technology, emergency medical technology, or public safety administration with a minor or specialization in fire service management or fire service technology.VariesMay 01, annually

FAQs Related to the Online Fire Science
Degree Programs

What is the best degree for a firefighter?

Can you get a fire science degree online?

What can I do with a fire science degree?

How long does it take to get a fire science degree?

How to become a fire protection engineer?

Is a fire science degree worth it?

Who is the first level supervisor in the fire department?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online
Fire Science Degree Programs

Certifications and Licensing for
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science

Additional Resources for Online
Fire Science Degree Students

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.