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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
PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE
TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT
315,910Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Fire Science Degree
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 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
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
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
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
The O C Collins Career Center is located in Chesapeake, Ohio and is regarded as a great place to get industrial based training, with career courses available that can be completed in only a year’s time. A wide range of programs offered also suit the needs of many people both in Chesapeake and in the surrounding areas. Among the programs offered include: Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Practical Nursing, Massage Therapy, Cosmetology and Industrial Repair and Maintenance.
The institution also has options for financial aid, and it encourages eligible students to fill out FAFSA forms and make an application in time.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$10,500 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
5:1
Metro Technology Centers (Metro Tech) is spread out over five campuses serving the greater Oklahoma City, OK metropolitan area. Metro Tech offers over 80 fulltime programs and hundreds of short term courses that can be taken online or on campus. Programs are available to high school students, adults, business, and industry personnel. Metro Tech caters to skills that demand specialized technical training. Cooperative agreements through local colleges allow Metro Tech students to take courses for college credit. Some of the benefits to attending Metro Tech include:
- Cutting edge technology
- Outstanding teaching staff and student resources
- High job placement
- Low tuition
- Convenient campuses and safe environment.
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Art
- Business
- Education
- Finances
- Health Services
- Hospitality
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Law and Public Safety
- Manufacturing
- Science
- Transportation
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$6,679 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
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
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
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
McFatter Technical Center, located in Davie, Fl, provides vocational and transfer programs for students. MTC is part of the Broward County Public School District, and operates a magnet high school on its campus. The McFatter Technical Center offers technical programs that prepare students for careers in technically demanding fields, and provides a quality education on order to ensure their success.
Academics
McFatter Technical Center offers many programs in a number of fields and has a teaching staff dedicated to ensuring that students have the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen career.
Some of the programs offered include:
- Culinary Arts
- Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Automotive Technology
- Architecture & Engineering
Admissions and Financial Aid
All applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have a high school diploma or GED, and must meet the basic education requirement (which can be fulfilled prior to program completion). Financial aid is available to students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and it is recommended that students meet with a financial aid counselor once their FAFSA is processed.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,455 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
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
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
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
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
George Stone Career Center is located in Pensacola, Florida. The centers location is just south of Interstate 1-10. Accessibility is achieved through several connections to Longleaf Drive. Accessibility has been improved with the use of Longleaf Drive. Construction of the center was started in 1968 with significant updates in 2003. The schools sits on 37 pristine acres of land. The cost of tuition varies depending on the course of study. The center is known for outstanding IT and business programs. Programs are available in Accounting Operations, Network Support Services, Medical Administrative Specialist, Network Systems Administration, and Applied Cyber Security. The school also offers outstanding industrial programs that will get you started on a new career. Programs are offered in Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing, Refrigeration & Heating Technology, Cosmetology, Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts, Automotive Services Technology, Electricity, Marine Service Technology, and Welding Technology. George Stone Career Center has an outstanding GED program. Instructors will work with you one on one. Students can begin studying any Monday as long as there is space available. The George Stone Center has helped many individuals obtain their GED. The online resource for George Stone Technical Center is eLearning Escambia. Online learning can help you prepare for the GED or improve other skills. New courses are developed according to the needs of students. George Stone Career Center was founded to help local residents obtain the skills they needed to succeed. Over the last 45 years, the center has helped individuals just like you succeed. Don’t wait any longer to register for classes that will help you achieve your dreams.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$2,966 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
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
Pinellas Technical Education Center, also referred to as pTEC, operates two locations in the state of Florida, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, with some programs being only available at one of the two campuses. The school was established to provide career training opportunities in order to create a qualified workforce. Established in 1962, the school remains true to its mission for providing quality education through its campuses as well as extension and clinical locations. The school serves nearly 12,000 students annually.
Academics
Pinellas Technical Education Center offers a large variety of programs in over forty areas of study. Students will choose a program of study, typically taking up to a year to complete, developing the skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce as a qualified professional. Students will take courses that provide theory and practical education, allowing students to utilize skills learned in the classroom in a simulated setting in order to refine them. Upon completion students will be able to pursue work in that area, generally in positions at the entry level and may utilize school resources to help procure employment.
Programs offered at St. Petersburg campus include:
- Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology
- Dental Assisting
- Early Childhood Education
- Pharmacy Technician
- Plumbing
Admissions and Financial Aid
Pinellas Technical Education Center is a public institution that allows for the enrollment of any individual 16 years of age or older as long as they are not currently enrolled at another institution. Interested persons should complete the application for admission and take a placement exam, the need for which may be waived if the student has already earned an associate level degree or higher. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships and must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year through the completion and submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used to determine aid program eligibility and financial need.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$2,190 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
6:1
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
The Sarasota County Technical Institute is located in Florida and offers an affordable education. The school first opened in 1967 with about 500 students. At that time, the school offered 13 programs. Now, the school has 75 acres and offers 39 programs in Automotive & Marine Technologies, Business Technologies, Child Care Careers, Drafting, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice Academy, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Science Academy, Health Science, HVAC, Veterinary Assisting, Precision Machining, and Restaurant & Food Services. The cost of full-time technical programs runs from $3,000 to $5,600.
The institute offers outstanding services. On campus, you will find a cafeteria, media center, test center, and student organizations. Child care is available as well.
At Sarasota County Technical Institute financial aid is available. Last year alone, over $613,500 in scholarships and grants were awarded to SCTI students. Not to mention that the institute has been accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Florida residents can take the GED course offered for just $45. This course helps individuals prepare for the GED examination. Anyone who completes the examination will be given a State of Florida High School Diploma. The course will cover Mathematics, Language Arts/Reading, Language Arts/Writing, Social Studies, and Science.
English for Speakers of other Languages classes are offered at an affordable price. The course covers conversation, grammar, workforce readiness, computer operations, citizenship preparation.
Most programs will allow students to earn college credits at universities in Florida.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$6,272 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
4:1
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
List of Fire Science Associations
- Association for Fire Ecology
- Fire Management Today
- Tall Timbers Research Station
- Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center
- Fire Learning Network
- International Association of Wildland Fire
- Fire Research and Management Exchange System (FRAMES)
- International Association For Fire Safety Science
- Fire Research Institute
- Fire Science Resource Guide