Top 25 Best Value Online Fire Science Degrees

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The field of Fire Science has developed over the past several decades as a response to the dramatic decrease in the number of actual fires that firefighters must battle on average in the United States. Through better technology including building codes and sprinkler systems in buildings, as well as general public awareness through public health and safety campaigns, fewer fires is a significant accomplishment, but what do fretting firefighters field when there are fewer fires to fight? Because here at Value Colleges we give you riddles and information. A degree in fire safety, fire prevention, fire protection engineering or fire science is the answer to the question. Earning a fire science degree online has never been easier. These essential degrees prepare dedicated public servants to focus on education, fire inspections, and other forms of community outreach to allow for general fire prevention.

What is Fire Science?

Many firefighters are trained EMTs or paramedics, and a degree or certificate in fire science also allows for better insight into fire-related injuries and acute treatment in the field. Fighting fires themselves has also become more complicated given the number of chemicals a fire may be ignited or accelerated by. Between the different ranks a firefighter can earn, and areas of focus like wildfires, inspections, prevention, education, hazardous materials incidents, victim rescue, and fire investigation, select units of firefighters are trained to handle anything imaginable.

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Firefighting offers you a challenging career where you may face difficult and dangerous situations. Yet it is a job where you perform essential community service while earning a rewarding salary and, generally, employee benefits that can include a pension package. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the fire services area is expected to grow faster than the national average, but the field is becoming more competitive. In May 2017, the median annual firefighter salary in the united states was $49,080 per year with substantial pay increases for those who have earned advanced training like the fire science degree.

Ranking the Best Online Fire Science Degrees

The following ranking takes the most essential elements of an online fire science degree from the top fire science colleges and compares them. These elements are the program cost, the reputation of the school, the proven track record according to graduate salaries, years later. We collected this data from the following sources:

  • Niche College Student Survey from Niche.com
  • College Scorecard Report from the U.S. Department of Education
  • Actual Tuition (as reported from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System – IPEDS)

If you have a burning passion for helping people and want to learn all of your options to contribute to the world of fire prevention and public safety, an online fire science degree may be just what you need to fulfill your life path. We at Value Colleges only rank schools with proven track records of success for students who earn degrees. Below are quality programs sure to teach you all you need to advance your career or start a new one.

Rank School Name Description
1

St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College was founded in 1927, with the original name St. Petersburg Junior College. Currently, they are part of the Florida College System, and are one of their schools designated as a “state college.” They were created as a result of the economic downturn during the great depression. Their primary campus is located in the city to St. Petersburg, Florida. They, however, have eleven campuses in total, as well as other educational centers throughout the state. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and they have over 65,000 students enrolled each year. They offer many bachelor’s degree programs, but also have several associate’s degree offerings.

St. Petersburg College gives students the advantage of taking their firefighting career to new heights. They offer Fire Science degree classes that lead to an Associates in fire science. This course of study gives students a foundation in fire hazards and according to interventions, as well as prevention methods. Students will not only engage in explicitly relevant coursework but will undergo a series of general education classes that support an academic foundation. Graduates of the program will have many career doors open for them, including within the realm of fire officers, fire investigators, and fire inspectors. The entire program is 60 credit hours in length.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 60
2

Passaic County Community College

Passaic County Community College is a public community college that offers two-year degrees. They were initially established in 1971, and have since undergone a great deal of growth and institutional reshaping. Though their name includes Passaic, their primary campus is situated in Paterson, New Jersey. In 2008, however, they did open a campus in Passaic. Additionally, they have a campus in Wayne, which is where their Public Safety Academy is housed, and they offer an Academic Center in the town of Wanaque. Their total enrollment is just over 7,000 students. They are known for conducting effective first responder trainings, as well as volunteer fire and emergency medical technician(EMT) training.

Passaic County Community College offers many opportunities for those interested in going beyond a career in firefighting, including a fire science degree online, that can also be taken in person at the main campus, the Wanaque Academic Center, or the Passaic Academic Center. Students have many options at Passaic and may choose to get an associate’s degree in fire science or opt for the Certificate program. Their faculty are all leaders in the field and represent the best in fire service. Graduates may choose to obtain a position in emergency and fire services, get a promotion volunteer or career fire service, and/ or work towards increased knowledge and skill set in fire prevention and assistance.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 30
3

Greenfield Community College

Greenfield Community college was founded in 1962. It is known as the smallest community college out of the 15 in the Massachusetts system. Their campus is located in Greenfield, Massachusetts, in what is known as the Pioneer Valley. They are just between the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, and the lush farmland known as the Connecticut Watershed. They are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. They also have relationships with many four year institutions of higher learning in the state, ensuring ease for students who want to transfer to a four-year degree program or beyond.

Greenfield Community College offers fire science degree classes that lead to an Associate in Science. The program is an in-depth exploration of fire protection, competency around hazardous materials, and management of a fire scene. Graduates can choose to enter a municipal fire protection career, or go into building and insurance inspection, or find work in public or private firms. Students may also decide to transfer for a bachelor’s degree program that focuses on fire science education, or fire department management. Not only will students learn the foundations of fire safety and hazardous material and prevention, but they will also learn the skills of interpersonal dynamics and communications.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 60
4

Hutchinson Community College

The Hutchinson Community college was founded in 1928 and was initially known as the Hutchinson Junior College. Their name underwent many changes, though they took on the current incarnation in 1980. Located in the town of Hutchinson, Kansas, their primary campus is on North Plum Street. They have two other campus locations, one in McPherson, and one in Newton. Their offerings include 70 associate’s degree programs and many certificates. They have over 50 vocational and technical programs to choose from. They also have seamless transfer opportunities embedded into their relationships with the Kansas Regents, enabling students to move into bachelor’s degree programming quickly.

Hutchinson Community College is among the schools offering a fire science degree online, though students can choose to take classes at one of their on-campus sites throughout the state. Not only do they provide an associate’s degree program, but they also offer training for current emergency service personnel. Many of their classes also include individual certificate programs. They are responding to the projected increase in the fire service industry by 19% in the next several years, and Hutchinson aims to provide competitive skills. Students can take Fire Officer I and Fire Officer II classes online. Many of these classes were designed with current firefighters in mind, and much of their coursework can be completed while working at the station.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 64
5

New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University was founded in 1929 and was initially called the New Jersey State Normal School at Jersey City. Their original academic mission included training teachers to serve the region and to offer them a four-year bachelor’s degree education. They underwent many name changes and mission enhancements, and in 1998 they took on their current name and upped their institutional status. This transition came with approval from the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education. They have three distinct colleges that 41 undergraduate programs and 27 graduate. Their current president, Dr. Sue Henderson, is the first woman to have the leadership position, and she took on the role in 2012.

New Jersey City University is known as one of the top fire science colleges, in fact, they are the only one in the state that offers such programming, and one of few in the country. They have an exclusive bachelor’s degree program in fire science that can help students advance to leading positions in the world of fire service. This path of study includes an emphasis on fire safety management. They maintain a commitment to other academic institutions to collaboratively impact the field of fire safety and management in positive ways. Their mission statement includes the sentiment of ensuring a diverse range of students are able to access this course of study and find success in the field.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 48
6

MSU Billings City College

MSU Billings City College is how people refer to Montana State University Billings City College, and it was founded in 1927. It was initially named Eastern Montana Normal School when their emphasis was on training teachers. The City College component of MSU was not created until 1969, and it is their Associate’s degree-granting entity. Their primary campus sits on 110 acres of land in the downtown section of Billings, Montana, and a shuttle runs to the community college site all day throughout the day. They pride themselves on having a high percentage of non-traditional learners, many of which are first-generation college students.

MSU Billings City College offers an Associate of Science in Fire Science, under the category of Health and Safety Occupations. Students will learn the perils of emotional and physical demands of the fire safety professions, while also engaging in the teamwork strategies that make such demanding work useful and possible. Graduates of the program who are interested in taking the next step in their career are eligible to participate in an Outdoor Adventure Leadership Program-with a fire safety track, leading towards a bachelor’s degree. The program accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). This fire science degree cost is estimated at $8,888.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 31
7

Southwestern Illinois College

Southwestern Illinois College was founded in 1946 as the name Belleville Junior College, as a result of its timely connection to Belleville Township High School District. At the time of their inception, the majority of their student body were World War II Veterans who were returning from war and looking for new life opportunities. They currently have three campuses, one of which is in Belleville, one of which is in Granite City, and the other one being in Rosebud, Illinois. They also have many off-campus locations where students can take classes, including at the East St. Louis Community College Center and the Scott Air Force Base.

Southwestern Illinois College offers a two-year associate’s degree program in Fire Science. The program is comprised of 66 credit hours. There are two options of study including one for students who are not actively working as fire protection personnel, and one for students who are actively working full time, part-time, or on a volunteer basis as a fire rescue specialist. They also have twelve different certificate program options for those who are currently working within the fire department or emergency medical service providers. Some of these programs require students to provide their own safety equipment to participate fully.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 66
8

Community College of Philadelphia

The Community College of Philadelphia was founded in 1965 in what was known as the Snellenberg Building. The Mint Building, which was Philadelphia’s third mint from 1901-1969 became their main campus in 1973. Their campus is located in the Fairmont neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Currently, they offer an extensive array of Associate’s degree programs, as well as many academic and proficiency certificates. They also have many online program offerings, as well as classes that cater to non-traditional learners that meet in the evenings and on the weekends. Many of their programs offer Dual Admissions agreements with four-year institutions, granting students access to bachelor’s degree opportunities.

The Community College of Philadelphia offers fire science degree classes that lead to an associate’s degree, with many options to transfer to a bachelor’s program. Not only does this course of study tackle the necessary fire and hazardous materials safety interventions, but it also teaches students to delve into critical thinking and communication skill building. Students will also learn how to use design software that is computer-assisted, which is crucial for current practices in fire safety leadership roles. This program will give students a full bonus point on examinations that lead to promotions. Students can work towards careers as Forest Fire Fighters, Fire Investigators, and Forest Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisors.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 62
9

Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University was founded in 1993, and their inaugural degree programs included Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Engineering. By 1996 they were offering many more programs including bachelor’s degree-granting opportunities in fields such as criminal justice Administration, Health Administration, and Computer Science. They primarily provide distance learning opportunities and online education. Their headquarters are in the town of Orange Beach, Alabama. They are accredited by the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC). They are also a member of the Higher Education Transfer Alliance (HETA), which concerns itself institutionally with transfer opportunities for students and ensuring academic mobility. They have nearly 21,000 students enrolled at any given time.

Columbia Southern University offers fire science online options through their continuing education program. Their course offerings include the Fire Officer I and Fire Officer II, both of which are critical ingredients learning managerial and tactical skills related to becoming a fire officer. They also offer a class designed to train students to be Incident Safety Officers and provides participants with the critical skill set necessary for such an emotionally and physically demanding profession. Also related is the Community Paramedic Certification Review Course, which is sure to prepare students to have their best shot at being successful in the necessary certification examinations.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 15
10

Prairie State College

Prairie State College was founded in 1957 and remains the only school within the Illinois Community College District 515. Their inaugural classes were held in a church basement. They started by only offering transfer liberal arts courses and professional technical courses. Their campus now sits on 123 acres of land in Chicago Heights, Illinois. They serve Will and Cook counties, as well as many other local communities. They have extensive academic counseling services for students. They also respond to the needs of non-traditional and adult learners by offering a wide range of classes that can be taken in the evenings, weekends, and online.

Prairie State College offers fire science degree classes, as well as several relevant certificates such as the Fire Science Technology Certificate, the Advanced Firefighter Certificate, and the Firefighter EMT Certificate. The Associate’s degree program imparts the necessary skill set for students to succeed in the fire science field. It speaks to the physical and emotional ramifications of the career path and engages all of the elements required for including communication and team building dynamics. This degree will prepare students for the demanding course of testing needed directly following the program. Prairie State College is also known for their affordability and necessary course requirements for much less money than other schools with fire safety programs.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 24
11

Casper College

Casper College was established in 1945 and was originally offering classes only in the third floor of a regional high school called Natrona County. It was only ten years later that they were able to move to their own campus in Casper, Wyoming. The campus sits on 200 acres of land and is known for its beauty and detail, such as terraces that shape the perimeters of modern buildings. Their total enrollment is close to 4,000 students per year, and this includes over 50-degree programs, as well as 30 technical and career-oriented programs. The school is comprised of five different schools including Fine Arts and Humanities, Business and Industry, Science, Health Science, and Social and Behavioral Science.

Casper College is one of the few that offers a fire science degree online. This program will give students all of the training and information they need to make advancements in the fields related to fire science. They also offer transfer programs that allow students to seamlessly transfer to four-year bachelor’s degree programs if they decide that is the path for them. Students will get equipped in the skills related to fire ground strategy and tactics, the five types of building design, and the ways they impact firefighters, and the policies, budgets, and discipline associated with managing a fire department.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 17
12

Anna Maria College Online

Anna Maria College (AMC) was established in 1946, by those known as the Sisters of Saint Anne. Their campus was initially situated in the town of Marlborough, Massachusetts, but they have since moved to their current 192 Acre campus in Paxton, Massachusetts. They are located in a rural setting. In 2010, in an effort to commune with the changing needs of adult learners, Anna Maria College began offering comprehensive online programming. This has since grown into what is known as Anna Maria College Online, which is an entirely online set of programs and classes. These programs aim to make education accessible to all learners, including adults who require flexibility to study.

Among Anna Maria College online programming, you will find a fire science degree program online. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science when they come into the program with a 2.0 GPA and either 60 transferable credit hours or an Associate’s degree. This program is known for its renowned faculty, all of which are leaders in various aspects of the field of fire science. This program prides itself on flexibility, as it’s not only entirely online but also asynchronous so that students can complete the coursework in accordance with their schedules. The degree can be achieved in a little over three years, with some wiggle room. Students can talk to an advisor to work out an individual program.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 60
13

John Wood Community College

John Wood Community College was established in 1974 in an effort to help further the education and career capacity of residents in the area. Their campus is in a rural setting on over 200 acres of land in the town of Quincy, Illinois. They are a member of the Illinois Community College System, which includes 48 schools in all. They have many additional locations and satellite learning center where students can take John Wood Community College Classes. They are fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which allows them to offer Associate’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

John Wood Community College offers a technical Associate’s degree program in Fire Science. This program prepares students for entry-level positions in the fields of fire science or gives them the credentials to continue on academically and work towards a Bachelor’s degree. Students learn to suppress fires and act quickly and competently in the state of emergencies. One aspect of this program is the option to accomplish a fire science degree online, as students can choose their learning format. It also supports students who are already working in the field of fire science and allows this program to be in support of their current career.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 64
14

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University was established in 1867 and was actually the second ever state-supported school in the state of North Carolina. They are a historically black college, with beginnings rooted in the post-civil war era, where black young people were eager to exercise self-determined educational practices. Fayetteville State University offers a liberal arts foundation in all of their disciplines, and they also have extensive specialized training. Much of their programming is career oriented, including master’s level degree programs. Their total enrollment is just over 6,000 students per year. They have an active student life including a student online radio station.

Fayetteville State University has been known as one of the top fire science colleges, as well as one of the most affordable. Students will be well versed in the field of fire science, as well as analysis and investigation in relation to a fire site, fire prevention and organization, wellness, and behavior related to fire exposure. They offer bachelor’s level programming among other educational opportunities. Students will also learn managerial skills, and administrative fluency, as well as problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The Fayetteville Fire Station 14 has become equipped with classrooms and dormitories to support an experiential learning experience for students in the program.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 60
15

Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University was established in 1906, initially as a Normal School that was used to train teachers for the region. Their main campus is situated in Richmond, Kentucky, though they have six campuses in the surrounding area. They offer over 40 programs that are delivered entirely online, including both undergraduate and graduate options. They have been ranked many times by the US News and World Report among schools considered the best in Online Education. They were also ranked number 27 among the top regional schools in the south in 2020. Their total enrollment includes close to 17,000 students.

If you’re looking for a Fire Science degree online, you’ve come to the right place. In fact, Eastern Kentucky University offers multiple online degree programs in Fire Science, including a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology, a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Administration, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation. Eastern Kentucky also offers a Certificate program in Industrial Fire Protection. The program is comprised of eight-week classes. They have a unique focus on leadership building that extends to science and technology. Students will gain competency in fire behavior, prevention, response, and investigation.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 40
16

Purdue Global

Purdue Global University was established in 2020 with the specific mission of serving adult learners. They are one component of the Purdue University system, though their coursework is delivered primarily online. Most of their programs are centered on career development education and include Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Purdue Global took over what was formerly known as Kaplan University. Though most of their classes are mostly online, they have a network of campuses, which includes the tier one research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Much of their mission includes serving a larger pool of students, many of which require flexibility to achieve a postsecondary education.

In terms of achieving a fire science degree online, Purdue Global has excellent offerings. All of their programs are designed to teach high levels of fire safety, prevention, as well as fire incident command, investigation, and finally life safety education. Some of the courses included in this program are only offered online, though students can take many of these classes at regional sites if they so desire a traditional classroom experience. They have three-degree offerings that cover all of the basis in the field of fire science, including an Associate’s in Applied Science in Fire Science, a Bachelor’s of Science in Fire and Emergency Management, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Fire Science.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: varies by program
17

Navarro College

Navarro College was founded in 1946 by a group of citizens whose interests included creating comprehensive academic offerings for students in the region, including adult learners. Their primary campus is situated on 70 acres of land in the town of Corsicana, Texas. They have additional locations in Mexia, Midlothian, Fairfield, and Waxahachie, Texas. They have over 9,000 students enrolled at any given time. They are a two-year college and have a strong relationship with Texas A&M University-Commerce, and they operate branches within some of the Navarro campuses, making it easy for students to transfer into 4-year degree programs.

Navarro College has many course offerings for students interested in studying Fire Science Protection Technology. Their offerings include a comprehensive Associate’s in Applied Science program and numerous certificate programs for students wanting professional development. Certificate options include the Fire Officer Certificate and the Fire Science Protection Science Certificate. This is a fire science degree online opportunity, though basic academic core courses can be taken at any of the Navarro College campuses. Some of the required courses are Fire and Arson Investigation, and Fire Protection Codes and Investigation, Fire Administration, and Hazardous Materials. In person, classes are offered both during daytime hours and in the evenings for increased flexibility.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 45
18

Lanier Technical College

Lanier Technical College first opened their doors in 1967 with the name Gainesville-Hall County Area Vocational Trade School. They only held that name for ten months, and then became Lanier Area Vocational Technical School. Their classes initially took place throughout the community in locations such as church basements, high schools, and civic buildings. Their first location is the current operating site in Oakwood, Georgia, and they now how four additional campuses. They are fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which allows them to award associate’s degrees, technical diplomas, and a variety of certificates.

Lanier Technical College offers a variety of opportunities for students to study Fire Science Technology. Students will learn the foundations of fire safety. They will also gain a true introduction into the academic and occupational aspects of the field while gleaning the underpinnings of job acquisition and retention. Students will finish the fire science courses before entering the courses related to Paramedicine. The degree program is made up of 6 semesters of study and can be completed either at the Oakwood Campus or Online. This program is Pell Grant eligible, and also offers many financial aid opportunities. They also provide several relevant certificate programs and degree offerings.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: varies by program
19

Waubonsee Community College

Waubonsee Community College is a public two-year college that was founded in 1966. They have four distinct campuses located in the towns of Aurora, Plano, and Sugar Grove, all of which are in the suburbs of Western Chicago, Illinois. They serve 12 public school districts within 600 square miles. They have created a video conferencing system that has allowed them to expand their distance and online learning opportunities exponentially. They are one of the founding members in what is known as the Illinois Virtual Campus (IVC). Not only do they offer two-year degree programs, but they have many personal enrichment opportunities, college credit courses, and programs geared towards youth.

Waubonsee Community College offers an innovative fire science education that includes many hands-on opportunities. There are many academic offerings a Waubonsee, including an Associate’s in Applied Science in Fire Science Technology, a Fire Officer 1 Certificate of Achievement, and Firefighter Certificate of Achievement. The Oswego Fire Protection Department has partnered with the program to offer professional hands-on education and lead students in exercises that include live fires. They dive into strategic tactics as well as evident on the job skills. Affordability is a real draw to this program, as there are also financial aid offerings that apply in many circumstances.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: varies by program
20

Glendale Community College

Glendale Community College first opened their doors in 1965 and soon after became part of the Maricopa County Community College District. This district is now one of the largest community college districts in the nation and includes ten uniquely accredited schools. Their primary campus is situated on 147 acres of land in the town of Glendale, Arizona. GCC is accredited as its school by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, and also the Higher Learning Commission. They offer over 110 degree and certificate granting programs. Their total enrollment per year is close to 19,000 students.

Glendale Community College has several offerings in the discipline of fire science. This course of study is specially designed for students who are interested in delving into the growing fields associated with emergency response and fire science. They have two associate’s degree offerings including Emergency Response and Operations with a Fire Operations Emphasis, and Emergency Response with a Fire Science Emphasis. They also have several Certificate programs that include Fire Officer Leadership, Driver Operator, Fire Science, and Firefighter Operations. Some of these programs require an admissions process, while others are open enrollment. Future employers for students who have completed this program can include: Emergency Services Companies, Local State, and Federal Agencies, as well as Large Industrial Facilities.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: varies by program
21

Everett Community College

Everett Community College (EvCC) was founded in 1941, and students initially took classes at a converted local elementary school. Currently, Their primary campus located on a suburban campus in North Everett, Washington, which is in the Seattle metro area. They have campuses, however, scattered throughout the Snohomish County, in Washington State. Among their additional campuses is the Aviation Maintenance Technical School at Paine Field. Everett serves close to 20,000 per year. They one of 34 schools that the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges governs. They have an active students life experience, and they eleven athletic teams.

If you’re on the hunt for a fire science degree online, Everett Community College offers many online classes that might fit the bill, though there are also several classes that meet in person, with flexible meetings times. The fire science degree program takes close to two years to complete. It is easily transferable to many four year programs, designed for students interested in working towards a leadership role in the fire sciences. Another exciting option comes from Central Washington University who offers graduates an opportunity to transfer to their Information Technology and Administrative Management 4 year degree program. Students will also schedule “ride along” hours or ER time as part of a practicum style of learning.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 20, 30, or 40 (depending on program)
22

Southern Arkansas University Tech

Southern Arkansas University Tech was founded in 1967 and was then known as Southwest Technical Institute. It was designed to provide technical education to those who may serve the growing workforce in the area known as Highland Industrial Park. The Brown Foundation, located in Houston, Texas, donated six buildings on seventy acres of land to the school. Currently, they offer a two-year education that can include the general education courses for a transferable degree program, or certificate and career-oriented programming in a variety of fields. Some of their technical programs include proficiency in Aviation Maintenance, Technology, and Computer Information Technology.

Southern Arkansas University Tech offers not just one fire science degree online, but two. They include Fire Science Management, and Fire and Emergency Response, both of which include professional education training in firefighting, emergency medical services, and hazardous materials. They have a relationship with Southern Arkansas University that allows students to seamlessly transfer into a bachelor’s degree program with either a fire science major or minor if that’s the path they choose following completion of the associate’s program. The flexibility of the online learning that is offered at Southern Arkansas University Tech enables students to achieve dreams without letting go of their personal and professional responsibilities.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 60
23

Seminole State College

Seminole State College is a public institution of higher learning that was established in 1965 by the Florida State Legislature. They are a member of the Florida College System and the eighth largest of all included schools. They have four campuses, all within Central Florida. The primary campus is located in Sanford, Florida. Their total enrollment is over 30,000 per year, which includes both full and part-time students. They continue to expand and have become known as one of the largest employers in Seminole County. They offer close to 40 online degree program, which includes five that lead to a bachelor’s degree.

Seminole State College offers an Associate’s in Science degree program in Fire Science Technology. This program was designed for professionals in all levels of the fire science industry to gain the skill set involved in tactical fire suppression techniques, fire prevention, and fire service leadership techniques. The curriculum is in service of improving administrative and operational techniques while paving the way for career advancement at all levels. FEMA has recognized this program, and it is noted to meet the minimum qualifications of excellence. Some of the required classes include Fire Prevention practices, Fire Science Capstone, and Fire Behavior and Combustion.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 21
24

Thomas Nelson Community College

Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC) is a two-year associate’s degree and certificate granting college. They were established in 1946 and was named after Thomas Nelson Jr. who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and an American Soldier and Statesman. They have two campuses, located in Hampton, and Jame City County, Virginia. They have additional education centers located in Newport News, and one in the Williamsburg Discovery Center, which is in Williamsburg. They are known as one of 23 colleges within the Virginia Community College System. They offer more than 50 associate’s degree programs and 60 Certificate programs.

Thomas Nelson Community College offers an Associate’s of Applied Science degree in Fire Science Technology. The academic division that hosts this program is Health Professions. Thomas Nelson also provides a Career Studies Certificate program, that includes courses in hazardous materials chemistry, fire behavior, emergency services, and combustion, among others. The associate’s degree program focuses more on fire suppression, prevention, arson investigation, as well as mitigation of hazardous material accidents. The course offerings will prepare graduates to begin working in the fields of fire science technology as fire inspectors, firefighters, fire investigators, and forest fire inspectors and inspection specialists, among others.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: 45
25

Delta College

Delta College was founded in 1961 and is a community college located southwest of Bay City, Michigan. Their primary campus is located in what is called University Center, Michigan, which is a postal designation for an unincorporated section of Bay County, Michigan. They have additional locations that include the Delta College Planetarium and Learning Center in Bay City, the Delta College Midland Center in Midland, and the Ricker Center in the town of Saginaw. Their endowment is $18 million, which supports the enrollment of 15,000 students annually. They have an active student life, which includes the operation of their own television station, and the region’s PBS station.

Delta College offers an Associates degree in Applied Science in Fire Science Technology. Students have different tracks to choose from, which include Firefighter Technician, Emergency Medical Services, and Leadership Training. The programs all include competencies in subjects such as Building Construction, firefighting strategies and tactics, fire protection systems, emergency response, arson awareness, and fire ground tactics and management. This program is considered to be the most affordable of its kind within 60 miles. The program includes free tutoring opportunities, some of which can be received online. Delta is responding to the 7% job growth prediction in the fields of fire science in the next decade.

  • Program Cost: $$$$$
  • Degree Credits: varies by program

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Aya Andrews

Editor-in-Chief

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

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