Distance Learning Programs for Fire Science
Becoming a firefighter requires training in such things as fire behavior, fire suppression, emergency medical care and forcible entry. Firefighting is a physical job, but much of the training consists of obtaining knowledge and skills and understanding when to apply them. This type of information can be learned and assessed through distance education, and many institutions are providing the opportunity.
Most fire departments will require completion of Firefighting I and II and certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. Some departments will require you to be a paramedic. These certifications involve hands-on skills not available through distant learning such as handling hoses, extinguishers and ladders. Some online fire science education programs will require you to obtain these certifications prior to admissions, such as the AAS in Emergency Services Management at Baker Online.
Obtaining an associate degree could improve your job prospects or income potential. Online associate degrees in fire science generally include courses that support firefighting, such as risk management, fire prevention, hazardous material management and code inspection. Higher level positions in the fire service, such as station captain, benefit from bachelor's degree courses, such as management, budgeting and public relations. You can pursue either an A.A.S. or B.S. at Southern Columbia University and Kaplan University.
NFA Sponsored Programs
The National Fire Association has an agreement with seven universities to offer online bachelor's degrees in fire science through the Degrees at a Distance Program using curriculum developed by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education branch of the U.S. Fire Administration. The participating universities are Cogswell College, serving Arizona, California and Nevada; University of Cincinnati, serving Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin; Western Illinois University serving, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas; University of Memphis, serving Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee; University of Maryland University College, serving Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington D.C., West Virginia and Virginia; Western Oregon University, serving Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming; SUNY Empire State College, serving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Pursuing a master’s degree in fire science or related specialization is necessary if you are seeking an administrative position with an agency such as Homeland Security or the Federal Emergency Management Association. Several institutions have online graduate programs related to fire science: Capella University offers an M.S. in Emergency Management; Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Leadership; Kaplin University offers an M.S. in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Eastern Kentucky University offers an M.S. in Safety, Security and Emergency Management.
- New Hampshire Department of Safety: Bureau of Training & Certification Training & Education Programs Firefighter I
- Fire Link: Firefighter's Guide to Education and Training
- Education Portal, Baker Online: AAS in Emergency Services Management
- Firefighter Academy: Online Training
- Inside Higher Ed: Advanced Degrees for Fire Chiefs
- United States Fire Administration: Discovering Fema
Christine Jax has been a writer since 1991 in the areas of education, parenting and family relationships. Professor Jax has a Ph.D. in education policy and administration, a Master of Arts in public administration and a Bachelor of Arts in child psychology. She has worked in PK-12 and higher education for more than 20 years.