Interested in fighting flames and fire science? Looking to be on the front lines? Check out the Best Online Bachelor’s in Fire Science Degree! Fires have been ravaging the west coast for years now, leaving a path of bare forests and displaced families. If you have a passion for helping others and a desire to be where the action is, a degree in Fire Science may be perfect for you. A degree in Fire Science will not only prepare you to practice emergency disaster relief firsthand, but you’ll also gain knowledge about the administrative side of the industry. Those who are level-headed, strategic, and good at thinking critically will really excel. What is a Fire Science degree? A fire science degree can be for those who already work as firefighters and are looking to be promoted, or for those who have no experience at all. You’ll learn how to effectively communicate, think critically, and strategically lead teams in times of great stress.Students pursuing a fire science degree can expect to take courses like Fire Dynamics, Applied Fire Engineering Design and Analysis, Fire Related Human Behavior, and more. Learning about human psychology is an integral part of understanding how to effectively help during disasters.Most undergraduate programs are between 120-180 credit hours, accounting for over 30 classes of online learning experience. Depending on the school, you might enroll as a full-time or part-time student.How much can you earn with a Fire Science degree? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a firefighter is just over $49,000 per year. Firefighters typically work 24-hour shifts at the station and get 48 to 72 hours off.The more experience and training you have, the better. In fact, jobs in this field are supposed to grow 7 percent from now until 2026. Those who are physically fit with advanced training, including paramedic training, will have the best chances of securing a job. Location can also be a factor in how much you make. Firefighters typically get paid more in cities because there is more going on day-to-day. What is required for a Fire Science degree? As most of these degree programs are aimed at students who already have some experience within the field, possession of an Associate’s in Applied Science in Fire Science or a related field in the emergency services is often required.Along with an AAS, students must meet the minimum GPA requirements and have received at least a C in all transferring classes. No other entrance exams are necessary.What are the best Fire Science degrees?We have compiled a list of the 15 best schools for an online degree in Fire Science. Our ranking system is first based on the quality of the program, as indicated by student engagement, and faculty credentials. This score includes student-to-faculty ratio, graduation rates, and faculty experience and training.Our methodology also incorporates the number of online programs and courses offered, tuition price, and acceptance rates. We also take into consideration student and alumni satisfaction in the program rankings. Colorado State University-Fort CollinsTuition in State/Out of State: $24,287/$41,795Program Web PageAcceptance84Earnings Potential60Online Presence1Online Program Quality13Retention80Student Satisfaction80Reputation100ProsCan be completed in two yearsTransfer a maximum of 64 creditsTaught by the same faculty and instructors who teach on-campusConsThere’s a non-refundable $50 application feeThere’s a $25 Technology Fee to be paid per termDesigned for students with at least 60 transferable credit hours100%OSR ScoreThe online Emergency and Fire Administration Bachelor of Science degree program at Colorado State University is made up of 120 credits. Required courses may include Essentials of Emergency Management, Trends in Fire Science Technologies, and Fire Protection Though Model Building Codes. Prior experience in fire and emergency services is strongly recommended.Fayetteville State UniversityTuition in State/Out of State: $16,636/$28,244Program Web PageAcceptance93Earnings Potential48Online Presence5Online Program Quality86Retention83Student Satisfaction68Reputation98ProsIn-state students save on tuitionNo need to visit campus at any pointNationally ranked for Best Value to studentsConsOut-of-state students pay a higher rateThere’s a $40 non-refundable application feeTextbooks, materials, and other fees are not included in the tuition95%OSR ScoreFSU’s online Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration program offers concentrations in Management and Investigations. Courses cover a wide variety of topics, including investigation/analysis, wellness, fire prevention organization and management, ethics, and fire-related human behavior. You’ll get a wider world view from people who have been in the field and understand the challenges faced within the industry.Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-WorldwideTuition in State/Out of State: $22,944/$22,944Program Web PageAcceptance88Earnings Potential53Online Presence66Online Program Quality38Retention70Student Satisfaction74Reputation95ProsEach session is just nine weeksOffers multiple start times throughout the yearAll students receive a National Fire Academy certificateConsThere’s a $50 non-refundable application feeThere is no tuition discount for in-state studentsTextbooks, materials, and other fees are not included in the tuition94%OSR ScoreThis 120-credit online Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services program is one of the few programs that carries the “Certificate of Recognition” from the Fire Emergency Services of Higher Education. All students must complete six FESHE core courses. You can choose to receive a specialization in Aviation Emergency Management or Fire and Emergency Services.University of Florida-OnlineTuition in State/Out of State: $17,656/$30,360Program Web PageAcceptance83Earnings Potential41Online Presence7Online Program Quality88Retention67Student Satisfaction57Reputation84ProsChoose to take classes full-time or part-timeBenefit from virtual career fairs and other career servicesUF’s online programs are ranked among the best in the nationConsMust have at least a 2.3 overall GPANon-Florida residents pay a much higher rate of tuitionNeeds 60 transferable credits to qualify, but AA not required93%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Science degree in Fire and Emergency Services at UF is offered through the College of Design, Construction, and Planning. This degree program will not certify you as a firefighter or provide you with an EMS certification. You may choose from one of the following areas of specialization: Fire, Emergency Medical Services Management, or Emergency Management.University of Cincinnati-Main CampusTuition in State/Out of State: $30,268/$46,602Program Web PageAcceptance67Earnings Potential33Online Presence1Online Program Quality13Retention80Student Satisfaction83Reputation86ProsOffers accelerated 7-week coursesTransfer up to 60 credits from an accredited universityThe rate of tuition is the same no matter your residencyConsThere’s a $50 non-refundable application feeAll students must pay a distance-learning feeTuition for FT students is a flat-rate, while PT students pay per credit92%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Science in Fire And Safety Engineering Technology is offered through UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science. Required courses may include Fire Tactics, EMS Special Operations, Terrorism Awareness and Planning, and Political and Legal Foundations. There are plenty of scholarship options for students, including the Barbara Barkley Memorial Scholarship and the Chief William Flamm Memorial Scholarship.University of North Carolina at CharlotteTuition in State/Out of State: $21,421/$34,855Program Web PageAcceptance90Earnings Potential56Online Presence1Online Program Quality13Retention73Student Satisfaction82Reputation80ProsUnique in that all students receive a degree in EngineeringOnline students can access classes on their own schedulesBenefit from a number of online services available to online studentsConsThere are only two admission periods per yearNon-residents pay a much higher rate of tuition per credit hourDesigned for students who already hold an associate’s in a related field90%OSR ScoreUNC Charlotte’s Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology: Fire Science emphasizes both technical and non-technical aspects within the field. Required courses may include Principles of Fire Behavior, Active Fire Protection, Industrial Hazards and Electricity, and Applied Fire Engineering Design and Analysis. Online courses may require a proctored exam and the cost of taking an exam is your responsibility.Eastern Kentucky UniversityTuition in State/Out of State: $24,894/$33,778Program Web PageAcceptance63Earnings Potential47Online Presence12Online Program Quality56Retention63Student Satisfaction75Reputation80ProsUp to 90 hours in transfer credits are acceptedTuition is billed at a flat rate regardless of residential statusOffers convenient eight-week class formats and customizable paceConsNo discount for in-state studentsThere’s a $35 non-refundable application feeAdditional costs include textbooks, fees for online proctors, etc.89%OSR ScoreEastern Kentucky University’s 120-credit online bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Administration combines the latest science and technology so students have a competitive edge in the job market. All students must complete 66 hours of core courses, including Hazardous Materials, Fire Dynamics, Building Construction, and more. EKU also offers bachelor’s degrees in Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation, and Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology. University of Nebraska at OmahaTuition in State/Out of State: $21,666/$34,356Program Web PageAcceptance90Earnings Potential59Online Presence1Online Program Quality13Retention85Student Satisfaction79Reputation82ProsIn-state students receive a discounted tuition rateRanked the number one university for military friendlinessThe same faculty who teach on-campus teach UNO’s online coursesConsA capstone course is requiredThere’s a $45 non-refundable application feeOnline students must pay a $35 Distance Learning Fee per credit hour89%OSR ScoreUNO’s 120-credit online Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management trains students for careers that prevent, plan, and respond to disasters in both the private and public sectors. Students may choose two concentrations from a list of 15, including Public Health, Natural Disasters, and more. Completing two concentrations will grant you a minor in Fire Service Management.American Public University SystemTuition in State/Out of State: $16,280/$16,280Program Web PageAcceptance82Earnings Potential51Online Presence30Online Program Quality90Retention78Student Satisfaction82Reputation75ProsAPU offers monthly course startsUp to 90 hours in transfer credits are acceptedThere is no fee to complete the APU admission applicationConsThere is a $50 Technology Fee per courseThe program typically takes four years to completeIn-state students don’t receive a discounted tuition rate88%OSR ScoreThe 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Management at American Public University doesn’t require applicants to have any prior experience. Required courses may include Fire Protection Systems, Psychology of Disaster, and Managerial Issues in Hazardous Materials. Books are provided online at no cost if you are enrolled in undergraduate courses for credit.Eastern Oregon UniversityTuition in State/Out of State: $21,851/$33,171Program Web PageAcceptance58Earnings Potential97Online Presence1Online Program Quality13Retention98Student Satisfaction83Reputation81ProsFlexible online programs require no on-campus visitsTuition is billed at a flat rate regardless of residential statusAccess to an academic advisor who works with you one-on-oneConsThere’s a $50 non-refundable application feeThere is no tuition discount for in-state studentsTextbooks, materials, and other fees are not included in the tuition88%OSR ScoreEastern Oregon’s Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Services Administration can be completed entirely online. Required courses may include Fire Investigation and Analysis, Emergency Services Delivery, Fiscal Management in Fire Protection, and more. EOU Online’s Fire Services program is consistently ranked among the best and most affordable.Western Illinois UniversityTuition in State/Out of State: $27,495/$27,495Program Web PageAcceptance80Earnings Potential59Online Presence13Online Program Quality67Retention83Student Satisfaction75Reputation80ProsThe curriculum was written by firefighters for firefightersTuition is billed at a flat rate regardless of residential statusWIU offers automatic scholarships for certain GPA and test scoresConsThe curriculum was written by firefighters for firefightersTuition is billed at a flat rate regardless of residential statusWIU offers automatic scholarships for certain GPA and test scores86%OSR ScoreThe 120-credit BS in Fire Protection Services Administration at Western Illinois is designed for current firefighters and officers preparing for leadership positions within the industry. Foundation courses focus on introductions to the fire service, firefighter safety, fire tactics, fire prevention, ethics and fire service law. You may also complete an 18-semester-hour minor in Fire Administration.Bowling Green State University-Main CampusTuition in State/Out of State: $24,435/$31,971Program Web PageAcceptance81Earnings Potential45Online Presence9Online Program Quality40Retention69Student Satisfaction74Reputation75ProsNo residency requirementNo scheduled online meeting timesPersonalized, one-on-one advising is availableConsNon-residents must pay additional feesThere’s a $45 non-refundable application feeThere is a $13 Technology Fee per credit hour for online students85%OSR ScoreBowling Green’s 122-credit online BS in Fire Administration is offered completely online through the university’s College of Arts and Sciences. Applicants should have industry experience and must first apply to the university before being admitted into this specific program. Most students go part-time and finish this program within two or three years. Anna Maria CollegeTuition in State/Out of State: $46,142/$46,142Program Web PageAcceptance68Earnings Potential55Online Presence1Online Program Quality13Retention75Student Satisfaction80Reputation82ProsRanked among the Top Ten Fire Science Programs in the CountryGraduates will receive a certificate from the National Fire AcademyRecognized by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher EducationConsThere’s a $40 non-refundable application feeThere is no tuition discount for in-state studentsA minimum of 60 college level credits are required to start this program79%OSR ScoreThe online Bachelor of Science in Fire Science is a completer program intended for firefighters who wish to gain a leadership position within the industry. Courses are taught by experienced fire service leaders who have served on the front lines. Required courses may include Fire Related Human Behavior, Emergency Services Management, Applications for Emergency Services Research, and more.Purdue University Global-Davenport CampusTuition in State/Out of State: $21,413/$21,413Program Web PageAcceptance80Earnings Potential61Online Presence3Online Program Quality77Retention81Student Satisfaction75Reputation84ProsThe university offers three start-dates per yearMay be eligible to earn certificates like Firefighter II, Fire Officer, etc.Books and course materials are provided at no cost for military membersConsThere’s a $45 non-refundable application feeThe tuition varies depending on your state of residenceAll students are required to pay a $295 Technology Fee per term79%OSR ScorePurdue University’s 180-credit online Bachelor of Science degree in Fire and Emergency Management will prepare you for a career as a firefighter, fire safety specialist, and more. Students will learn analytical, technical, legal, and technological skills to succeed in the field. Required courses may include Emergency Management Response, Principles of Emergency Services, Legal Aspects of Emergency Services, Crisis Management in Terrorist Attacks and Disasters, and more. Idaho State UniversityTuition in State/Out of State: $22,367/$37,143Program Web PageAcceptance88Earnings Potential51Online Presence1Online Program Quality13Retention77Student Satisfaction80Reputation79ProsAll courses are taught by fire officersAll classes are online and feature live interaction with instructorsAffordable in-state tuition for all online classes regardless of residenceConsThere’s a $50 non-refundable application feeApplicants should have experience within the industryTextbooks, materials, and other fees are not included in the tuition79%OSR ScoreISU’s online BS in Fire Services Administration requires completion of 38 credits of General Education courses. Required courses may include Principles Fire Emergency Safety and Survival, Disaster Planning and Control, Managerial Issues of Hazardous Materials, and more. ISU offers several scholarships, including the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Scholarship and the International Association of Fire Fighters W.H. “Howie” McClennan Scholarship.