Best Online Fire Science Degrees
Our list of the best online fire science degree programs features accredited schools ranked by the number of graduates who earned a bachelor’s in fire science, specifically. This way, you have a clear list of the most successful fire science programs online.
Key Takeaways:
- Purdue Global is #1 with 120 graduates last year from its online BS in Fire Science.
- Anna Maria College's fire science graduates report the best median earnings at $115,875, placing them among the top 2% nationally for pay outcomes in this field.
- Waldorf University holds the best overall review rating at 4.44 out of 5.
See our methodology for details about how we organized this list.
Best Online Fire Science Degrees
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue Global | 120 | $11,130 | $87,490 | 74% | |
| Utah Valley University | 87 | $8,100 | $80,033 | 89% | |
| Anna Maria College | 58 | $12,930 | $115,875 | 85% | |
| Waldorf University | 57 | $9,900 | $100,301 | 95% | |
| Fayetteville State University | 37 | $2,500 | $81,600 | 92% | |
| Eastern Oregon University | 36 | $9,480 | N/A | 93% | |
| Southern Illinois University - Carbondale | 36 | $9,645 | N/A | 87% | |
| Liberty University | 23 | $11,700 | N/A | 75% | |
| University of Cincinnati | 19 | $13,172 | N/A | 86% | |
| California State University - San Marcos | 13 | $19,619 | N/A | 96% | |
| University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh | 12 | $16,445 | N/A | 81% | |
| Colorado State University - Fort Collins | 11 | $14,280 | $98,338 | 88% | |
| Idaho State University | 7 | $25,214 | N/A | 90% | |
| College of Southern Nevada | 6 | $14,238 | N/A | N/A | |
| Columbia Southern University | 5 | $8,100 | $87,912 | 79% |
Best Online Fire Science Degrees - Program Details
- Graduates: 120
- Annual Tuition: $11,130
- Median Salary: $78,630
- Recommendation: 74%
Why we like them: PG ranks #1 for total graduates in fire science, with 120 degree earners last year. This program has U.S. Fire Administration FESHE recognition and IFSAC program accreditation.
- Graduates: 87
- Annual Tuition: $8,100
- Median Salary: $70,785
- Recommendation: 89%
Why we like them: UVU's online degree program has stackable pathways that let you ladder EMR, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic certifications during your degree. And for those interested in pursuing a career as a structural firefighter, they can do so through the Firefighter Recruit Candidate Academy, or they can become a wildland firefighter through the Wildland Firefighter Incident Qualification.
- Graduates: 58
- Annual Tuition: $12,930
- Median Salary: $100,072
- Recommendation: 85%
Why we like them: At AMC, you access a FESHE- and National Fire Academy-recognized curriculum that was among the earliest to earn FESHE recognition. Plus, nearly all fire instructors are current or retired fire chiefs with advanced degrees, so you learn leadership and incident management from professionals who have commanded real-world operations.
- Graduates: 57
- Annual Tuition: $9,900
- Median Salary: $83,416
- Recommendation: 95%
Why we like them: FESHE recognition and course alignment with the National Fire Academy, U.S. Fire Administration, and NFPA give WU a standards-driven backbone that you can leverage for industry portability and certification readiness. We find the built-in Public Relations concentration unusually targeted for fire and emergency services, preparing you for PIO and media-facing roles.
- Graduates: 37
- Annual Tuition: $2,500
- Median Salary: $77,717
- Recommendation: 92%
Why we like them: FSU's fire and emergency services degree is aligned with the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education model and National Fire Academy criteria. You also gain access to Fayetteville Fire Station 14 at FSU, a working facility with classrooms and dorm-style rooms. This practice-based ecosystem accelerates leadership and interagency collaboration.
- Graduates: 36
- Annual Tuition: $9,480
- Median Salary: $94,819
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: Unlike programs that focus solely on firefighting tactics, EOU's online fire science bachelor's program places a strong emphasis on administrative leadership and management skills. EOU's FESHE-compliant curriculum is explicitly aligned to Fire Officer Professional Qualifications.
- Graduates: 36
- Annual Tuition: $9,645
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 87%
Why we like them: SIU has accreditation from International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, giving you third-party validation. As part of a public safety degree, you can choose a Fire Service Management specialization, though as a whole, the curriculum’s emphasis is on technical writing, employment issues, fiscal and data analysis, legal frameworks, and HR management.
- Graduates: 23
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 75%
Why we like them: At Liberty, you benefit from profession-specific affordability, including a 25% First Responder tuition discount and military pricing. As with other Liberty programs, the curriculum is framed through a biblical and ethical lens, giving graduates not just technical and managerial expertise but also a values-based approach to leadership in this field.
- Graduates: 19
- Annual Tuition: $13,172
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 86%
Why we like them: UC offers advanced standing for Paramedic, Fire Inspector, and other state certifications, along with National Fire Academy coursework, which can materially shorten your time to completion. You benefit from the Open Learning Fire Service Program that incorporates FESHE-aligned courses, giving you curriculum portability valued by many agencies.
- Graduates: 13
- Annual Tuition: $19,619
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 96%
Why we like them: CSUSM offers a 100% online BS in wildfire science that is the only program of its kind in California, developed with local, state, and national fire associations. You complete a fast-track, cohort-based degree in as few as five semesters.
- Graduates: 12
- Annual Tuition: $16,445
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 81%
Why we like them: UWO has the only IFSAC-accredited degree in Wisconsin, and it also has FESHE-aligned courses, which gives you nationally recognized quality assurance. We like that you can choose between two targeted emphases (Fire Services Management or Emergency Management).
- Graduates: 11
- Annual Tuition: $14,280
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 88%
Why we like them: At CSU you learn from senior practitioner faculty, who consist of current and former fire chiefs and battalion chiefs. We also appreciate how the program requires a hands-on Integrated Management Simulation.
- Graduates: 7
- Annual Tuition: $25,214
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 90%
Why we like them: Completion of the A.S. in Fire Services Administration is a prerequisite for advancing into the B.S., creating an easy-to-follow path from entry-level technical training to advanced leadership preparation. Electives are available in areas such as fire-related human behavior, disaster planning and control, and EMS administration.
- Graduates: 6
- Annual Tuition: $14,238
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: Many fire science degrees are either a B.S. or B.A., but Southern Nevada offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), which emphasizes hands-on, career-oriented coursework that still aligns with FESHE model standards.
- Graduates: 5
- Annual Tuition: $8,100
- Median Salary: $80,338
- Recommendation: 79%
Why we like them: CSU’s program carries FESHE recognition through the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy. This program helps prepare students for both command decision-making and hands-on emergency service realities.
Turning an Online Fire Science Degree Into Career-Ready Skills
Founder of Fireplace Distributor
"What do you see as the main benefits of earning a bachelor's degree in fire science online?
"The main benefit is that it fits around your life. You can keep working or managing family responsibilities while studying. It also gives you access to schools you might not be able to attend in person."
Fire science is a highly practical field. What courses work best in an online environment?
"Courses that focus on fire behavior, leadership, or safety codes work really well online. Simulations and case studies also give you a chance to practice decision-making. The things you can’t replace are live training, working with equipment, and hands-on drills, which are best done through local fire departments or training centers."
In your experience, what careers tend to open up for professionals who earn a fire science degree online?
"Many graduates move into leadership positions within fire departments. Others branch into emergency management, safety inspection, or risk planning. Some also find opportunities with government agencies or in private industry, especially in safety and emergency response roles."
How has the field of fire science evolved in recent years?
"Technology has added tools like drones, better fire modeling, and improved communication systems.
Environmental risks, especially wildfires, have shifted focus toward prevention and large-scale incident management.
Policies now emphasize community risk reduction and stronger cooperation across agencies."
Are there concentrations gaining importance in this field?
"Yes. Arson Investigation remains a steady need, especially for legal and insurance cases. Emergency Management and Wildland Fire have both grown in importance as communities face bigger disasters and more frequent wildfires."
Which skills do you consider most essential for today’s fire science graduates?
"Clear thinking under stress is the most important. Strong communication matters too, both for leading teams and for working with the public. A solid understanding of prevention and building safety rounds out the skill set."
EXPERT TIP
"Pair your online learning with real-world experience whenever you can. Volunteering, internships, or part-time work give you a perspective that books and screens can’t provide. Think about the bigger picture, too, because this field is just as much about prevention and leadership as it is about responding to fires."
FAQs About Online Fire Science Degrees
What Can You Do With an Online Degree in Fire Science?
The fire science bachelor’s degree can open up entry-level and advanced fire safety positions. Current firefighters can complete a bachelor’s in order to qualify for administrative positions such as assistant chief, deputy chief, or chief.
An online associate degree in fire science can help students secure positions as firefighters and fire investigators. Courses in building codes, regulations, and fire protections systems discuss the ways in which the risk of fire in the built environment can be mitigated, while classes in fire behavior and fire science discuss the spread of fire and combustion during various fire situations.
An online bachelor’s degree program in fire science may be used to enter the career track and advance more quickly into fire chief or administrator positions. The bachelor’s degree covers the same foundational topics as the associate program in areas like fire science, fire prevention, and emergency response, but bachelor's students also learn about managing public service organizations, hiring fire response personnel, and the legal issues involved in emergency services.
An online master's degree in fire science covers management issues involved in emergency administration. Graduates may become administrators in fire departments or other emergency response settings, or they may be able to work in research positions. Additional education may also allow professionals to be promoted more quickly within a fire station, from entry-level firefighter to lieutenant or even fire chief.
Students should contact the firefighting agencies in the state where they hope to work in order to learn about the type of academic programs their state prefers. The National Fire Academy offers standardized national training and also offers information about two- and four-year fire science and emergency response programs across the United States.
What Are the Requirements for an Online Bachelor’s in Fire Science?
The bachelor’s degree in fire science provides students with a thorough understanding of fire response tactics and sharpens critical thinking and fire service administration skills. These degrees may be traditional four-year programs requiring 120 credit hours, or they may be bachelor’s completion programs, designed for current associate-level fire personnel. Applicants need a high school diploma or associate degree, depending on the program type. Applicants must also be physically fit in order to complete practical training.
What Do You Learn in an Online Bachelor’s in Fire Science?
Core courses in the fire science bachelor’s cover the role of fire services and how to respond properly to fires in different types of structures. Students learn how to read a fire and apply an understanding of combustion and how fires spread in order to anticipate how a particular structure will burn. In on-site training sessions, students work with water supplies and different extinguishing strategies. A key function of the bachelor’s program in fire science is also to provide leadership and administration skills. Fire and emergency staffing, budgeting, public policy administration, and organizational behavior are some commonly required courses. Other classes look at special functions of fire services, like their role in mitigating natural disasters.
Student Reviews of Online Fire Science Programs
I went in thinking I was not going to accomplish much. I was not a great student in any other of the schools I went to but the layout was easy, the teachers were awesome and explained everything in both a in service ans civilian perspective as I am not in the fire service but soon hope to be.
Review Date: 5/18/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have had an excellent experience with Purdue Global. I was able to transfer previous college credit. They use this quarter credit hour system that lowers their advertised per credit hour rate but requires 180 hours, as compared to 120 hours for a bachelors degree. This is the only negative that I have to say about Purdue Global. The only reason to use this type of system is to give the false impression of reduced cost. Cost was a major factor for me completing my education. I was not fooled, however,... Read More
Review Date: 5/26/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Great classes and flexible schedule. Staff and professors were easy to reach and responded very quickly to questions. If you are employed full-time the life pace program should work well for you. Eight weeks to complete the course is sufficient time.
Review Date: 3/26/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I found that CSU was the best choice for me. The class style means you have to be a self starter. As long as you put in the work you can do this type of school. If you are someone who is very busy with life, this is your school. I have truly enjoyed this school and would suggest it to any firefighter or police officer I know that needs to complete their education. Great staff and impressive operation in Orange Beach AL. Many of my co-workers have spoken with me about this school and have signed up... Read More
Review Date: 10/30/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I found that CSU was the right school for me. The work load dose make you have to be a self starter. As long as you put in the work you can do this type of school. If you are someone who has to have a teacher standing over you 24-7 to finnish, this is not your school. I have recomened this school to alot of my coworkers and have had a real good response.
Review Date: 10/2/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My degree was entirely online. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the mentors and faculty. they were all very knowledgeable and easy to learn from. their one -on-one help made completing assignments a breeze. The virtual classroom layouts were easy to navigate and well structured. the only issue i ran into was that at the end of my course work to graduate, the review board assumed that one legal class was the only deciding factor to my graduation despite having taken two other courses that covered... Read More
Review Date: 8/2/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
It is a good school. Classes were good and dealt with my field of study. Professors were knowledgeable and helpful. Only regret I have is they are not regionally accredited, only nationally accredited, that does not take away from the education I received. Just some employers require a regionally accredited school.
Review Date: 10/10/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great college! Columbia Southern gave me the opportunity to work, while I was in college. My hours are different than your typical 9 to 5 job, so I could complete assignments late at night, weekends, or early in the morning. The professors were encouraging and honest. This college was a wonderful experience for me.
Review Date: 1/2/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I obtained my Bachelors degree (Fire Science) from Anna Maria and I can honestly say it was a wonderful experience. I worked full time and usually took 1-2 classes each semester. I graduated with honors and the degree has already had a very positive effect on my career. The classes are a lot of work. You will get very intimate with the APA format and you will write a lot of papers but you will also get an amazing education. I could not be happier and would definitely recommend it to others.
Review Date: 12/18/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am a current student at EKU richmond campus. This year 2018 they decided to cut so many program wether its sports or academics to save money. I believe cutting these programs will not save money as they bring in students to pay for the degree. This campus will eventually become a community college (Already feels like it). The food at EKU is horrible. Housing is decent if you live in a new dorm if not to bad for you. Oh and listen to this there trying to save money but there building a second Rec... Read More
Review Date: 4/16/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
My degree in fire science administration didn't help me immediately in my career, but feel I feel it helped me to progress into a well rounded and capable leader. I feel it certainly gave me a step up on other candidates for promotion. The exposure to professionals who valued education early in my career was very helpful in developing me as a professional.
Review Date: 7/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes