More and more employers are demonstrating preference for firefighters and fire inspectors with at least a two-year degree. Such credentials also allow practicing fire professionals to advance in their careers. In this ranking, we explore the top 20 online associate’s in fire science degree programs.
The top 20 online fire science associate’s degree programs are:
- Albany Technical College
- Black River Technical College
- Casper College
- Southern Arkansas University Tech
- Hillsborough Community College
- West Georgia Technical College
- Central New Mexico Community College
- Lanier Technical College
- Eastern Gateway Community College
- St. Petersburg College
- Kilgore College
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Thomas Nelson Community College
- Volunteer State Community College
- Tidewater Community College
- American Public University
- Louisiana State University – Eunice
- Pikes Peak Community College
- Columbia Southern University
- Purdue University Global
Ranking the Top 20 Online Fire Science Degree Associate’s Programs
To develop the following ranking of the top 20 online fire science degree programs, our editors used tuition data from College Navigator, as well as program information from each school’s website, to apply the ranking methodology above. In the case of two programs being ranked equally, the more affordable online fire science associate’s degree program was awarded the higher ranking.
Ranking Methodology
All programs were first filtered by affordability, based on the tuition rate listed on College Navigator. All of the programs in our ranking cost less than $12,000. Programs were then ranked according to the quality of the program, based on graduation rate and student-to-teacher ratio.
20. Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Online
Purdue University Global offers a 90-credit online associate’s degree program in fire science. The program offers four start dates each year, and it requires 15-18 hours of work per week. The curriculum explores the technical and legal aspects of arson, the application of technology and firefighting, and the psychological effects of fire dynamics. The program is recognized as a FESHE institution, and it closely follows the FESHE curriculum model.
Tuition: unreported
19. Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, Alabama
Associate of Science in Fire Science Online
At Columbia Southern University, students can earn an online associate’s degree in fire science. The 60-credit program incorporates a comprehensive, relevant curriculum of fire prevention and fire protection that provides graduates with the knowledge needed to become a firefighter. The program also provides current firefighters with the education needed to broaden their career paths. The program is recognized as one of the most reputable fire professional development programs in the nation. Additionally, the program is recognized through the FESHE initiative.
Tuition: $11,241
18. Pikes Peak Community College
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Fire Science Technology Associate of Applied Science Online
The fire science program at Pikes Peak Community College is recognized as one of the best programs of its kind in the region. Additionally, this 60-credit AAS degree is recognized by the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy as a member of the FESHE network. The mission of the program is to provide students with the essential knowledge and skills required to succeed in the fields of fire protection, emergency management, firefighting, and wildland firefighting. Credits from prior learning can be applied towards the degree.
Tuition: $9,994
17. Louisiana State University – Eunice
Eunice, Louisiana
Associate of Applied Science in Fire and Emergency Services Online
Louisiana State University at Eunice offers an associate’s degree in fire science that students can complete either online or in a hybrid format. The program offers college preparation at the professional level that is consistent with national standards. The fire service technology curriculum presents a broad scope of courses, including principles and techniques of preventing, controlling, and extinguishing fires; firefighter operations; maintenance of firefighting equipment; and public safety technology. The program requires 60 credits to graduate.
Tuition: $9,496
16. American Public University
Charles Town, West Virginia
Online Associate of Science in Fire Science
At American Public University, students can earn an online degree in fire science while studying from home. This 60-credit, online program offers courses that start monthly and vary in length from eight to 16 weeks. The program teaches the fundamentals of fire science, fire safety, leadership, and crisis management. The curriculum follows the FESHE model curriculum. Students will learn the history and philosophy of fire prevention bureaus, the use of fire codes, and the identification and correction of fire hazards.
Tuition: $11,503
15. Tidewater Community College
Chesapeake, Virginia
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Technology
Tidewater Community College offers a two-year associate’s degree in fire science technology, with the option of completing it online. The 64-credit program includes general fire science principles as well as building construction, fire investigation, hazardous materials, occupational safety and health, and fire dynamics. Earning this degree makes a student seeking to enter a fire academy an attractive candidate. The program is good for firefighters who are seeking advancement and wish to broaden their knowledge.
Tuition: $7,141
14. Volunteer State Community College
Gallatin, Tennessee
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Online
The fire science degree at Volunteer State is a great option for those looking to earn an affordable associate’s degree online. The program works best as a career ladder for those who have completed the school’s technical certificate in fire science technology. The curriculum requires 60-61 credits to graduate. The school offers a large number of exciting fire science electives, allowing the students to enter the field fully prepared for challenges they may face.
Tuition: $5,839
13. Thomas Nelson Community College
Hampton, Virginia
Fire Science Technology Associate of Applied Science Online
At Thomas Nelson Community College, students can earn an online associate’s degree in fire science. The curriculum focuses on fire suppression, fire science management and prevention, arson investigation, and the mitigation of hazardous material accidents. The program teaches both theoretical and practical lessons that will prepare graduates for employment in the public or private areas of fire science. The 60-credit program is a good fit for those who are new to the field, those wishing to advance their current careers, or those desiring to transfer to a four-year program.
Tuition: $6,506
12. Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology Online
Chattanooga State Community College offers an AAS degree in fire science that can be earned entirely online. This affordable online program requires 60-61 credits to graduate. After completing general education and technical core courses, students can choose an area of concentration. Students can graduate with a concentration in fire suppression, emergency service supervision and administration, or emergency medical care.
Tuition: $6,749
11. Kilgore College
Kilgore, Texas
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Protection Online
Kilgore College’s online associate’s degree program in fire science is a good option for an affordable associate’s degree. The program is made up of a total of 60 hours, and it includes the school’s Basic Fire Academy Training. Firefighters who complete the program will have better promotional opportunities and will be more marketable in the field. This degree program also allows students to specialize in a certain area of fire protection.
Tuition: $6,014
10. St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, Florida
Fire Science Technology Associate of Science Online
St. Petersburg College offers an affordable online option for an associate’s degree in fire science. The school offers both self-paced online courses and live online courses with real-time participation. The program requires 60 credits and offers flexibility in scheduling. The curriculum aims to give scientific understanding of fire hazards and how to control and prevent them. Students have the option to go on to earn a four-year degree at SPC.
Tuition: $2,702
9. Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, Ohio
Fire Science Associate of Applied Science Online
At Eastern Gateway Community College, students can earn an affordable two-year degree in fire science with the flexibility provided by learning entirely online. The program is designed to provide entry-level and advanced education, both for students looking to enter the field and for current professionals looking to further their career. The online modality offers maximum flexibility and access. In addition to the necessary fire courses, the school offers many other areas of study to ensure that students can be prepared for contemporary fire and emergency services.
Tuition: $2,112
8. Lanier Technical College
Oakwood, Georgia
Fire Science Technology Associate Degree Online
Lanier Technical College’s fire science program is a 62-credit, six-semester program that can be completed online. The sequence of courses is designed to prepare fire service personnel at all levels to become better officers and leaders. The program provides learning opportunities which introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. New students are accepted in the program each semester.
Tuition: $7,024
7. Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Online
Central New Mexico Community College offers an affordable online associate’s degree in fire science. The 60-credit program can be completed either full-time or part-time, and multiple entry dates are available each year. The fire science curriculum has been validated by several subject-matter experts throughout the country. Graduates will have a sense of community service and what it takes to be successful in the fire service industry.
Tuition: $4,193
6. West Georgia Technical College
Carrollton, Georgia
Fire Science Technology Associate of Applied Science Online
The fire science technology program at West Georgia Technical College is a great option for those looking to earn an affordable online degree in fire science. This two-year program aims to provide the fire service communities with students prepared for employment and advancement opportunities in fire and emergency services. The sequence of courses is designed to prepare fire service personnel to become better officers and leaders. The 62-credit program also provides opportunities to ingrain and upgrade present knowledge and skills.
Tuition: $2,708
5. Hillsborough Community College
Tampa, Florida
Fire Science Technology Associate of Science Online
At Hillsborough Community College, students can earn an affordable associate’s degree in fire science technology. The 60-credit program prepares students for a career as a fire officer, fire instructor, fire investigator or fire safety inspector, to name a few. Courses are offered on a one-year rotation basis, and classes can be created based on students’ needs. The curriculum provides all the necessary information for one to advance into supervising and management positions.
Tuition: $2,406
4. Southern Arkansas University Tech
Camden, Arkansas
Fire Science Management Associate of Science Online
Southern Arkansas University Tech offers a two-year fire science degree that can be completed online. This 60-credit program is designed for both current and potential fire officers. The curriculum provides professional education and training in firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency medical services. Students have the option to easily transfer to a four-year program.
Tuition: $8,730
3. Casper College
Casper, Wyoming
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Online
Casper College’s fire science program can be completed 100% online, and it prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment or job advancement. This affordable associate’s degree can also function as a transfer program. Classes are forum-based, allowing students to do research, as well as to learn from local fire departments. 60 credits are required to graduate, and online students can receive credits for related training they have completed.
Tuition: $6,373
2. Black River Technical College
Pocahontas, Arkansas
Associate of Science in Fire Science Administration Online
At Black River Technical College, students can earn an affordable associate’s degree in fire science while studying entirely online. The 60-credit program consists of 38 general education credits and 22 fire science management foundation credits. The program provides students with knowledge of modern municipal and rural fire protection. The curriculum also includes time at an area fire department, and students will graduate ready to either enter fire service or advance in their current job.
Tuition: $5,307
1. Albany Technical College
Albany, Georgia
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Online
Albany Technical College offers the best option for an affordable online associate’s degree in fire science. The 62-credit program introduces and reinforces both occupational and academic knowledge. The sequence of courses is designed to prepare fire service personnel at all levels to become better officers and leaders. This affordable online program is offered through the new e-campus program, allowing students to access classes through the Technical College System of Georgia.
Tuition: $479
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Associate’s in Fire Science Degrees and Programs
The decision to pursue an online associate’s fire science degree is a big one, so it’s understandable that you’d have some questions. Take a look at some of the common questions prospective students have about this type of degree program.
Q: How long does it take to earn a fire science degree online?
A: Like most associate’s degree programs, online fire associate’s degree programs typically take two years to complete. However, you may be able to complete your degree sooner if you choose an accelerated program, or if you take advantage of certain program options like transfer programs or credit for prior learning. Conversely, some programs will allow you to pursue your degree on a part-time basis if you need more time to complete the degree requirements.
Q: What factors should I consider when choosing an online fire science associate’s degree program?
A: Not all online associate’s fire science degree programs are alike, and there are many things to consider when selecting a program that fits your schedule, career goals, and preferences. This ranking should serve as a good starting point for selecting the right online fire associate degree program for you. One of the most important considerations for any prospective student is format. While some online associate’s in fire science degree programs can be completed entirely online, others require visits to campus for more hands-on learning experiences. In addition, it’s vitally important to look at the program’s curriculum to ensure that it’s suited for the particular type of fire science work you want to do. Previewing the types of classes you’ll be expected to complete in a given program can ensure that you don’t waste precious time on coursework that’s irrelevant to your career pursuits.
Q: What career choices do I have with an associate’s fire science degree online?
A: The career choices you’ll have with an online associate’s fire science degree will depend largely on the type of fire science degree you pursue. General fire science degree programs may include a basic training component and will prepare students for the basic duties of a firefighter. These programs may also qualify graduates for some entry-level management or supervisory roles in a fire service organization. Other programs may allow students to specialize in a certain area of fire science such as fire protection, fire protection technology, or fire service administration, for example. Depending on which degree and/or specialization you choose, you may qualify for a career as a fire officer, fire inspector, fire investigator, first line supervisor, firefighter manager, fire suppression and detection specialist, and more.
Q: How much does it cost to pursue an online fire science associate’s degree?
A: The cost required to pursue an online associate’s fire science degree will inevitably vary depending upon which program you choose. Through the research required to develop this ranking, our editors discovered that the tuition for such programs varies from less than $3,000 per year to more than $20,000 annually. With such a large cost disparity amongst offerings, it’s important to select one that you can afford while still keeping in mind the qualities you desire in an online associate’s in fire science degree program. When considering the potential cost of an online fire associate degree, keep in mind that you may be eligible for certain types of financial aid such as scholarships, grants, and loans. This aid could come from the university itself or from third parties.
Q: How much will I earn with a fire science degree online?
A: Your estimated earnings with an online fire associate degree will vary depending on what area of fire science you end up working in. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that fire inspectors and fire investigators are expected to earn approximately $59,260 per year, while fire fighting and prevention workers are projected to earn about $10,000 less, annually.
Q: Will an associate’s in fire science online degree prepare me for further study in fire science?
A: Typically they will, though some online associate’s fire science programs are better suited for bachelor’s degree preparation than others. If this is your end goal, it’s important to check with your particular school to ensure that the curriculum for the online associate’s in fire science program you choose will adequately prepare you for the rigors of baccalaureate study.
Other Online Associate’s in Fire Science Degree Programs
American Military University
Online Fire Science Degree
Website
Waldorf University
Fire Science Associate’s Degree Online
Website
University of Cincinnati
Associate of Applied Science Fire Service Technology
Website
Macomb Community College
Fire Science Associate’s Degree Online
Website
Weatherford College
AAS in Fire Protection and Safety Technology/AAS in Fire Services Administration
Website
Quinsigamond Community College
Online Fire Science Degree (Associate’s)
Website
Keiser University
Fire Science Associate’s Degree Online
Website
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