Accredited Online Associate Degree in Fire Science

An online associate degree in fire science prepares students for careers in fire prevention, safety, and investigation. Fire science programs provide current and future firefighting and emergency personnel valuable information on fire behavior and suppression in urban, rural, and wildland settings. Students also gain insight into departmental organizations as they explore policy and procedural aspects of firefighting as a profession.

With an associate degree in fire science, learners can also continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree in the field. Students may also pursue state fire school or academy training.

Fire science is the study of the many facets of fire. An associate degree in fire science explores the tactics and tools employed in firefighting and emergency services. Fire science programs also cover fire behavior, fire codes, construction policies, and arson investigation. Additionally, many programs include internships, during which students gain hands-on experience working alongside firefighting professionals.

With the core knowledge and skills gained during an associate program, learners can go on to pursue bachelor’s degrees in the field to advance into managerial and leadership roles. Classes in organizational leadership, emergency management, and arson investigation prepare students for future careers as code inspectors, fire chiefs, and fire engineers.

Graduates with degrees in fire science enjoy mostly positive job prospects. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects firefighting jobs to grow by 5% and fire inspection jobs to grow by 8% between 2018 and 2028.

An online associate degree in fire science prepares students for careers in firefighting and emergency services. Learners study the technical and legal aspects of firefighting, fire regulations and codes, and public fire safety education. During their studies, learners gain the following skills.

Fire science degrees prepare students for careers as firefighters and emergency service workers in diverse settings. For instance, graduates may work as fire educators, inspectors, or investigators in urban, rural, or wildland locations. The following list outlines a few potential careers for graduates.

Source: BLS

When choosing where to earn their online associate degree in fire science, students should consider factors like the application process, curriculum, and degree length, in addition to their career goals. Students with prior college coursework, as well as those who plan to continue to a bachelor’s track, should also research the transfer policies of prospective schools.

Students seeking to earn online associate degrees in fire science usually only need to hold a high school diploma or the equivalent. Application fees for associate programs typically range from $20-$100. Applicants usually need to provide official high school transcripts and they may also need to meet a minimum GPA requirement. Students with previous college coursework also need to provide college transcripts.

Associate programs in fire science may accept transfer credits from learners with relevant experience. For instance, students with past training in firefighting, hazardous material removal, medical services, or wildland firefighting may receive some credits toward their degree. Learners may also receive transfer credits for military training and service.

Students pursuing online associate degrees in fire science may take different coursework, depending on their program, although most curricula cover similar topics. Fire science programs typically include classes in fire prevention, firefighting tactics and equipment, and fire safety. Students also study fire policies, regulations, and laws.

Most online associate degrees in fire science include 60 credits. Full-time students can graduate in two years, while part-time learners may take three or four years to complete their program.

Students who earn an online fire science associate degree have the flexibility to balance school with work and family obligations. For instance, learners who work full time may take one or two classes each semester rather than a full course load. Students can also apply transfer credits and/or attend accelerated programs to expedite graduation, which may lessen the total cost of their degree.

Learners pursuing a fire science associate degree study what causes fires and how they spread, looking closely at materials and other factors that influence fire events. Fire science tracks also incorporate coursework on emergency medical treatment. First aid and lifesaving skills allow firefighters and other fire services professionals to provide medical attention at fire scenes and related emergencies.

Programs also introduce learners to building codes and safety regulations, preparing them to work as fire inspectors. Fire inspectors look for fire dangers and risks, make sure buildings and structures adhere to codes, and review evacuation protocols. Additionally, associate programs in fire science offer specialized training related to heavy equipment, resource procurement, and controlled burn tactics, preparing students to combat wildland fires.

Fire science degrees also build critical thinking and analytical skills applicable to careers as fire investigators. Fire investigators determine the cause of a fire by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, reconstructing the event, and performing simulations. Both fire inspectors and fire investigators keep detailed records and communicate with colleagues in verbal and written formats.

Fire science programs also teach learners how to educate individuals, families, and communities about fire safety. Firefighters may visit schools and community organizations to provide educational programs.

Accreditation ensures that a school meets certain academic standards. At the institutional level, schools may receive one of two types of accreditation: national or regional. Students who earn their degree from an accredited school expand their employment, education, and financial aid opportunities.

Regional accreditation typically applies to nonprofit, degree-granting institutions, while national accreditation applies to for-profit, vocational schools. Regional accreditation is generally considered the more prestigious of the two.

Programs within a school may also receive individual accreditation. Programmatic accreditation indicates that a specialized or professional program adheres to standards put forward by a third-party accrediting body, ensuring the quality and integrity of the degree. Fire science programs may hold accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress. The U.S. Fire Administration also recognizes schools with fire science degrees as Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education institutions.

Fire science students and graduates can benefit from joining professional organizations. These organizations may offer resources like online discussion forums, job boards, and interactive mentorship programs. They may also offer continuing education opportunities. State and local government agencies provide additional resources for fire science students and graduates, such as information on fire safety rules and regulations and public initiatives to ensure fire prevention and safety.

The knowledge and skills gained while pursuing an online associate degree in fire science serve as a solid foundation for students who want to continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree. Associate degrees incorporate general education courses with field-specific content, preparing learners to transfer into four-year programs in a variety of disciplines.

Earning an associate degree in fire science prepares students to transfer into a bachelor’s program in the field. Students also gain the foundational knowledge needed to study emergency management, public policy, human services, and other related fields.

Students with an associate degree in fire science may transfer into a four-year program through an articulation agreement. Many schools hold these agreements with other colleges and institutions to facilitate the seamless transfer of credits. Learners interested in transferring should meet with their academic advisor to discuss their options.

The curriculum of an online associate degree in fire science builds knowledge and skills applicable to bachelor’s degrees in fire engineering, emergency management, and public policy, among others.