Firefighters members work to protect citizens in emergency situations but they also play an important role in educating people to be responsible and to practice fire safety.
Fire crews need courage, physical fitness, the ability to remain calm in stressful situations and solid knowledge of fire science.
A degree in Fire Science and Emergency Services teaches students the technical aspects of fire science and how to manage and prevent disasters.
Although a high school diploma is sometimes enough for entry-level employment at a fire department, a degree in Fire Science can be beneficial in many ways.
If you want to build a career in fire and emergency services, there are several top schools that offer online Bachelor’s Degree programs in Fire Science, designed mostly for busy adults who want to complete a degree at their own pace, while keeping a full-time job.
University of Cincinnati
The online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Fire Science provided by the University of Cincinnati offers accelerated classes and other learning opportunities designed to help students expand their knowledge, such as the Open Learning Fire Service Program.
The degree is designed to prepare students with the skills needed to respond to disasters and emergency situations by providing them with practical skills and an understanding of the behaviors of fire.
The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The program includes coursework such as Analytical Approaches to Fire and EMS, UAVs (Drones) for Emergency Responders, and Terrorism in the USA.
Official WebsiteEmbry Riddle Aeronautical University
The online Bachelor in Emergency Services-Fire and Emergency Services Specialization offered by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University includes a Certificate of Recognition from Fire Emergency Services Higher Education.
The curriculum covers all the critical tasks modern fire departments have to perform, such as community risk reduction, operational issues in fire and emergency services, emergency response administration, management, and leadership.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Students enrolled in this program take classes such as Fire Dynamics, Fire Protection Structure and Systems, and Fire-Related Human Behavior.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Florida
The University of Florida provides an online Bachelor in Fire and Emergency Services for students who want to improve their management and leadership skills.
Students enrolled in this program can choose between three specializations, namely Fire Specialization, Emergency Medical Services Management Specialization, and Emergency Management Specialization.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Graduates are qualified for positions in fire department management, emergency medical service management, emergency management, insurance companies, federal or state government or in the private sector.
Official WebsiteColorado State University
Colorado State University offers a variety of online programs, including a Bachelor in Fire and Emergency Services Administration.
The program is designed to provide students with technical training and the skills they need to take on leadership positions in a variety of fields.
Prospective students can apply online to this program.
The coursework covers topics on tactics and strategy, fire and emergency services administration, and fire service leadership.
Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Graduates can take on positions as a lieutenant, captain, district officer, battalion chief, deputy chief, company officer or department chief officer.
Official WebsiteUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte
The Bachelor in Engineering Technology: Fire Safety offered by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte emphasizes the technical and non-technical aspects of fire safety.
The degree program is designed for students who want to start a career in fire protection and fire services.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The curriculum includes coursework in Building Fire Safety, Industrial Hazards and Electricity, and Risk Management for the Emergency Services.
Tuition fees are $157.65 per credit hour for resident students and $611.65 per credit hour for non-resident students.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Wisconsin Oshkosh
The online Bachelor’s Degree in Fire and Emergency Response offered by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is designed to prepare students who want to start a career in managing complex public health and safety organizations.
Students can choose between two specializations, namely Fire Services Leadership and Emergency Management.
The curriculum is also focused on developing leadership and communication skills.
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Graduates are ready to take on administrative and leadership duties in the fire service field or work in different positions related to fire service management.
Official WebsiteFayetteville State University
The online Bachelor in Fire and Emergency Services Administration offered by Fayetteville State University offers students the chance of getting an education from a top university at an affordable price.
Fayetteville State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The program includes classes such as Fire Service Organizational Dynamics, Application of Fire Research, and Fire Prevention Organization and Management.
The curriculum focuses on helping students develop skills and knowledge in fire prevention organization and management, investigation/analysis, wellness, fire-related human behavior, political and legal foundations, administration and more.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Nebraska Omaha
The online Bachelor in Emergency Management: Fire Service Management offered by the University of Nebraska Omaha allows students to combine a fire science concentration with a compatible specialization, like Criminology and Criminal Justice, Planning and Preparing for Urban Hazards, or Private Sector Management.
The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Students enrolled in this program take classes on Fire Strategy and Tactics, Codes and Inspections, Advanced Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival, and more.
Official WebsiteEastern Kentucky University
Located in Richmond, Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University offers several reputable online programs, including a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Fire Science.
Applicants have to submit an application online.
Students can choose between several program options, namely Fire Protection Administration, Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology, Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation, and Certificate in Industrial Fire Protection.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The programs focus on familiarizing students with the latest science and technology in emergency services and fire science.
The curriculum covers topics on fire behavior, prevention, investigation, and response.
Students are required to complete 120 credit hours.
Tuition is $409 per credit hour.
Official WebsitePurdue University Global
Purdue University Global offers an online Bachelor in Fire Science, designed to provide students with training in building codes, firefighter safety, fire prevention, code inspection, and firefighter strategy and tactics.
The program is accredited by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education and the Fire Services Accreditation Congress.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The curriculum includes coursework in Analytical Approaches to Fire Prevention and Investigation, The Psychological Effects to Fire Dynamics, and Technical, Legal, and Social Aspects of Arson.
The degree is offered in partnership with specific organizations, such as the International Association of Fire Fighters.
Official WebsiteBowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University offers an online Bachelor of Fire Administration through its Department of Political Science.
The program aims to equip students with leadership and organizational skills.
The program includes coursework in Psychology of Disaster, Fire and Emergency Services Administration, and Political and Legal Foundations for Fire Protection.
Students also learn about public finance, strategic planning, leadership, technology and project management.
Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteWestern Illinois University
Western Illinois University offers an online Bachelor’s of Science in Fire Protection Services degree program designed to prepare students for the challenges firefighters and fire service administrators have to face.
Students enrolled in this program can choose between two specializations: Fire Administration and Fire Science.
Faculty members are retired firefighters who teach students through a virtual classroom.
Western Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteIdaho State University
The online Fire Service Administration Bachelor of Science Degree Program offered by Idaho State University includes classes taught by experienced fire officers.
The program covers a variety of topics, such as Political and Legal Foundations of Fire Protection, Managerial Issues of Hazardous Materials, and Fire Prevention Organization and Management.
The degree aims to prepare students to become fire professionals and to equip them with the management and administrative knowledge and skills necessary for leadership positions in the fire department.
Idaho State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteColumbia Southern University
Columbia Southern University is providing an online Bachelor of Science in Fire Service-Fire Administration, program recognized by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education, a network of the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy.
Students can choose between three tracks, namely Fire Administration, Fire Administration-Fire Investigation and Fire Science Certificate.
The program is designed to equip its students with the ability to evaluate industry-standard administrative techniques, understand and apply community risk reduction methods related to fire services, and analyze and understand cultural human behaviors that may affect fire science organizations.
Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteNorthwestern State University of Louisiana
The Bachelor in Unified Public Safety Administration offered by the Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers multiple concentration options and is designed to provide students with the skills needed to occupy positions that involve a high level of responsibility.
Students can choose between several program options, namely Law Enforcement Administration, Fire and Emergency Medical Service Administration, Fire Management Administration, and Public Facilities Management.
The Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteWaldorf University
The online Bachelor of Fire Science Administration degree program presented by Waldorf University includes classes identified by the U.S. Fire Administration, the National Fire Protection Association, and the National Fire Academy.
The program is accredited by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Recognition Program.
Students take classes such as Political and Legal Foundations of Fire Protection, Fire Prevention Organization and Management, and Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services.
Waldorf University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteSalem State University
The online Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Administration Degree Program offered by Salem State University is designed to prepare fire protection professionals.
The curriculum follows the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association and provides students with best practices and the most relevant information in the field.
The program includes coursework in Fire Science Administration, Managing Community Based Fire Prevention Programs, and Advanced Arson Detection and Prevention.
Graduates are equipped with the skills needed for management and leadership positions in the field of fire science and emergency services.
Salem State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteSt. Thomas University
St. Thomas University provides an online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Fire and Emergency Services, designed to prepare future leaders in the field of fire and emergency services.
Students learn about public policy and integration, operations management, and personnel management.
The program includes classes in Fire and Emergency Services Technology, Fire and Emergency Services Personnel Management, and Managing Fire Suppression and Rescue Operations and Training.
Graduates are prepared for a variety of career opportunities, such as managing and leading a fire and rescue department, managing emergency medical operations, and other positions in a fire prevention division or in the state and local governments.
St. Thomas University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsitePark University
The online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Public Administration: Fire Services Management offered by Park University is designed to prepare students for a career in public administration at municipal, state, or federal level, providing them with a strong foundation in both public administration and fire services.
Students enrolled in this program take classes on a variety of topics, including Fire Service Technology, Public Service Values, and Fire Service Management.
Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteEastern Oregon University
The online Bachelor’s Degree program in Fire Service Administration offered by Eastern Oregon University is designed for fire and emergency service professionals who are looking to earn a bachelor’s degree at their own pace, from the comfort of their homes.
Students have the option of customizing their program by choosing from a variety of elective courses.
The program is accredited by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education.
The curriculum includes classes on topics such as Fire Investigation and Analysts, Fiscal Management and Fire Protection, and Building Construction for Fire Prevention.
Graduates are qualified for positions such as operations manager, supervisor, administrative or executive director of emergency services, dispatcher or instructor.
Eastern Oregon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteFinal Thoughts
If you’re a fire or emergency service professional or another busy adult who’s looking to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science while maintaining a full-time job, you should know that there are many institutions that provide online programs designed specifically for students like you.
Our list included information about some of the best programs in this field, programs provided by schools accredited by government institutes.
Now that you have read our selection, we invite you to continue your research and apply to the program that best meets your educational needs and professional aspirations.