Online Degrees and Programs

FIRE SCIENCE: ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Online degree programs are ideal for students looking for a convenient, flexible way to gain new knowledge and earn a degree in fire science. Both two and four-year programs are available for firefighters and fire investigators in-the-making.

OVERVIEW: ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN FIRE SCIENCE

If you’re looking to learn the fundamentals of fire science including emergency services, first-response medical care, and fire personnel, an associate’s degree is a fantastic start. It is the most popular degree program in the field because it offers a basic overview and more progressive classes such as fire behavior, fire prevention techniques and strategies, and protection systems, to name a few. By the end of the program, students have a working foundation of the field. While the coursework associated with an A.S. degree is usually pretty general, some programs do challenge students to delve into a specialization within the field. For example, one may be able to pick chemistry as a specialization, and learn about fire science from that perspective. Prospective firefighters hoping to eventually take on a leadership position may consider coursework in leadership and communication studies.

THE A.S. DEGREE IN FIRE SCIENCE ONLINE

Aside from the fact that fire science is a field requiring hands-on training and experience that can’t be provided in an online learning environment, many other aspects of learning can be easily done from home on your own time. For example, many firefighters have to pass three exams before they can join a firehouse. These exams test students on their familiarity in generic areas such as math, problem solving, reasoning, and memory, to name a few. The knowledge required to pass these exams can all be acquired online via video lectures, e-mail correspondences with professors, discussion boards with other students, and other techniques. It’s important to keep in mind that some online classes may require students to spend some time at a campus to finish certain projects or tasks. For example, someone who is studying fire science with a chemistry specialization may be expected to occasionally visit a campus and complete lab work in-person in order to finish a class.

DIVE IN DEEPER: BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN FIRE SCIENCE

While most aspiring firefighters will save lives just fine with an associate degree, bachelor’s degree programs are available for those who want to further their education and increase their chances of getting hired. Depending on the specialization, some graduates are well-prepared for supervisory roles such as fire marshal or fire chief. The curriculum associated with a bachelor’s degree involves general classes as well as coursework in higher-level topics such as engineering, OSHA regulations, and environmental science. Keep in mind that every college offers different programs and classes, so it is important for the student to conduct research on specific course requirements at various colleges before making a final decision.

THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN FIRE SCIENCE ONLINE

Similar to online associate degree programs, the bachelor’s degrees in fire science operate mostly online with the occasional requirement to visit campus for up to two weeks at the start of each quarter. The reason for this is because in addition to online learning of the facts, students are also required to complete hands-on training, activities, and projects in the classroom setting. The online platform gives students the flexibility to work at a schedule that is most flexible and convenient for them, while providing them the opportunity to also meet and work with other peers in the field.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCREDITATION

Regardless of what fire science degree program you’re looking to pursue, it’s important to keep accreditation in mind before enrolling in a college or university. Accreditation ensures quality education and the commitment to continue providing it at an institution. To be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, a college must:

Accreditation is important because it:

TOP FIRE SCIENCE COLLEGES

With every institution offering different classes, specialties, and degree programs, it’s impossible to conclude which is the “best” college. However, some colleges may be a better fit for one student than they are for another.

Which online fire science degree program is right for you? See our list of top fire science colleges, offering excellent preparatory coursework for to-be-firefighters and fire investigators!

IS ONLINE SCHOOL FOR YOU?

Before deciding on a program, it’s important to consider the following to determine whether online education is fit for you.

If you answered “yes” to most of these, online learning may be a viable option for you!

ONLINE LEARNING: TIPS FOR SUCCESS