Why This Matters
-
HIGHEST PAYING JOBS IN NJ, CA, WA, NY, HI
Location is a big factor when it comes to how much you’re likely to make as a firefighter. The top-paying jobs for firefighters in the United States are in New Jersey, California, Washington, New York, and Hawaii.
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6% PROJECTED JOB GROWTH
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for firefighters is expected to increase by 6% between 2019 to 2029, which represents above-average industry growth.
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EARN OVER $50,000 PER YEAR AS A FIREFIGHTER
Firefighters earn an average median pay of $52,500 per year or $25.24 per hour.
Our Research
This list features associate-level programs in fire science in online and blended formats. Some examples of degrees awarded by the various programs we’ve profiled include Associate of Science in Fire Service Administration, Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology, and Associate of Applied Science in Fire Services Leadership.
The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) provides specialty accreditation for fire science and related programs. In addition to IFSAC-accredited programs, our list also features programs with accreditations from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and regional organizations such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
- 65 hours to write this article
- 78 universities and colleges we assessed
- 133 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Associate in Fire Science Programs
intelligent score 99.45
Award
Intelligent Pick
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Intelligent Pick
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science AAS
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
Department Emergency Services
Estimated Cost per Credit
$193 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
217-224-6500
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science AAS
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
intelligent score 99.28
Award
Best in the Southeast
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Best in the Southeast
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Technology Associate in Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Public Safety, Public Policy, and Legal Studies
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $111.75 per credit; Non-Residents: $386.90 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
727-341-4733
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Technology Associate in Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 95.82
Award
Best Degree Offerings
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Best Degree Offerings
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
AS Fire Science Management
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Fire Science Management & Emergency Response
Estimated Cost per Credit
$178 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
870-574-4558
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
AS Fire Science Management
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 95.74
Award
Best in the West
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Best in the West
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science Technology, A.A.S.
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Fire Science
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $137 per credit; Out-of-State: $335 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
307-268-2424
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science Technology, A.A.S.
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 95.6
Award
Best Electives
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Best Electives
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science, AS
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
Department Public Safety
Estimated Cost per Credit
$100 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
229-430-6194
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science, AS
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
intelligent score 95.49
Award
Best Student Satisfaction
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Best Student Satisfaction
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
A.S. Fire Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Fire Science
Estimated Cost per Credit
$235 per credit
accreditation
Distance Education Accrediting Commission, Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
877-347-6050
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
A.S. Fire Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 95.27
Award
Best Related Degrees
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Best Related Degrees
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science Technology, AS
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Law, Public Safety & Security
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $104.39 per credit; Out-of-State: $379.61 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
813-253-7000
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science Technology, AS
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 94.84
Award
Best Liberal Arts Foundation
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Best Liberal Arts Foundation
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science, A.S.
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Fire Science
Estimated Cost per Credit
$440 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
954-351-4040
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science, A.S.
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 94.13
Award
Most Flexible Course Choices
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Most Flexible Course Choices
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science, AAS
Required Credits to Graduate
63 credits
Department Public Safety
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $116 per credit; Out-of-State: $147 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
620-665-3332
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science, AAS
Required Credits to Graduate
63 credits
intelligent score 94.1
Award
Best for Veterans
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Best for Veterans
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associates of Applied Science in Fire Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Public Safety
Estimated Cost per Credit
$285 per credit
accreditation
International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
877-755-2787
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associates of Applied Science in Fire Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 93.36
Award
Best in the South
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Best in the South
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Protection (A.A.S.)
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Public Services & Industrial Technologies
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $53 per credit; Non-Resident: $103 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
903-983-8606
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Protection (A.A.S.)
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 93.11
Award
Best Bachelor's Degree Transition
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Best Bachelor's Degree Transition
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate of Science in Fire Service Administration
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
Department Emergency Services Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $262.40 per credit; Non-Resident: $816.46 per credit
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
208-282-2475
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate of Science in Fire Service Administration
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
intelligent score 92.62
Award
Best Certificates
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Best Certificates
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Associate in Applied Science Fire Science Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Education and Public Safety Studies
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $177 per credit; Non-Resident: $310 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
973-684-6305
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Associate in Applied Science Fire Science Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 90.42
Award
Most Certificates
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Most Certificates
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science Technology Associate of Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
Department Public Safety
Estimated Cost per Credit
$100 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
770-533-7000
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science Technology Associate of Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
intelligent score 87.65
Award
Best in the Midwest
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Best in the Midwest
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate in Arts in Fire Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Fire Science
Estimated Cost per Credit
$305 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
877-267-2157
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate in Arts in Fire Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 86.66
Award
Most Flexible Start Dates
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Most Flexible Start Dates
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Service Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
92 credits
Department College of Engineering and Applied Science
Estimated Cost per Credit
$389 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
513-556-2946
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Service Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
92 credits
intelligent score 86.15
Award
Most Flexible Online Program
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Most Flexible Online Program
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate of Science in Fire Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department School of Security and Global Studies
Estimated Cost per Credit
$285 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-929-5264
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate of Science in Fire Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 85.97
Award
Best Fieldwork
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Best Fieldwork
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science & Administration, Associate of Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Fire and EMT
Estimated Cost per Credit
$193.01 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
218-733-7601
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science & Administration, Associate of Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 85.65
Award
Best for Current Firefighters
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Best for Current Firefighters
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate of Applied Sciences - emphasis on Fire Science Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Fire Science Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$263.20 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
719-502-2000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate of Applied Sciences - emphasis on Fire Science Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 84.95
Award
Best for Fire Science Degree
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Best for Fire Science Degree
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science Technology, AAS
Required Credits to Graduate
64 credits
Department Fire Science Technology
Estimated Cost per Credit
$117.75 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
440-525-7100
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science Technology, AAS
Required Credits to Graduate
64 credits
intelligent score 84.59
Award
Best Student Services
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Best Student Services
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science
Required Credits to Graduate
63 credits
Department Public Safety
Estimated Cost per Credit
Residents: $94 per credit; Non-Resident: $223 per credit
accreditation
International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
913-469-4405
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science
Required Credits to Graduate
63 credits
intelligent score 83.22
Award
Best Job Placement Rate
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Best Job Placement Rate
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science, Associate of Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Health & Safety Occupations
Estimated Cost per Credit
$257 per credit
accreditation
Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
406-247-3000
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science, Associate of Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 80.86
Award
Best Part-Time Program
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Best Part-Time Program
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Fire Science Associate in Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
66 credits
Department Emergency Services
Estimated Cost per Credit
$113 per credit;
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
618-234-5138
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Fire Science Associate in Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
66 credits
intelligent score 80.11
Award
Best in the Northeast
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Graduation Rate:
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Best in the Northeast
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Fire Science Associate in Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
Department Fire Science
Estimated Cost per Credit
$159 per credit
accreditation
Middle State Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-751-8778
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Fire Science Associate in Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
intelligent score 79.99
Award
Best in the Southwest
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
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Best in the Southwest
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science, Associate of Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $56 per credit; Non-Resident: $296 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected].
Phone:
505-224-3000
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science, Associate of Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 78.75
Award
Best Curriculum
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Graduation Rate:
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Best Curriculum
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science Technology A.S.
Required Credits to Graduate
63 credits
Department Public, Social & Emergency Services
Estimated Cost per Credit
$234.50 per credit
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
978-630-9110
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science Technology A.S.
Required Credits to Graduate
63 credits
intelligent score 77.92
Award
Best Full-Time Program
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Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
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Best Full-Time Program
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science Technology, Associate of Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
Department Public Safety
Estimated Cost per Credit
$100 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
770-228-7348
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science Technology, Associate of Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
intelligent score 77.45
Award
Most Innovative Curriculum
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Most Innovative Curriculum
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science, Associate of Arts
Required Credits to Graduate
63 credits
Department Department of Business and Innovation
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $165 per credit; Non-Resident: $495 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-968-8000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science, Associate of Arts
Required Credits to Graduate
63 credits
intelligent score 76.94
Award
Best Scholarships
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Best Scholarships
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science Technology Associate in Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Public Safety
Estimated Cost per Credit
$79.78 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
407-708-2050
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science Technology Associate in Science
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 75.39
Award
Best Associate's Degree
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Best Associate's Degree
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science Associate of Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
Department Professional Services
Estimated Cost per Credit
$100 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected].
Phone:
229-333-2100
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Fire Science Associate of Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
intelligent score 73.93
Award
Best Diploma
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Best Diploma
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate in Applied Science, Fire Protection Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
63 credits
Department Health and Public Service
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $76 per credit; Out-of-State: $268 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
336-506-4270
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate in Applied Science, Fire Protection Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
63 credits
intelligent score 73.54
Award
Best Faculty
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Best Faculty
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science Technology, Associate in Science
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
Department Public Safety
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-District: $117 per credit, Out-of-State: $373 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
989-686-9093
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Science Technology, Associate in Science
Required Credits to Graduate
62 credits
intelligent score 72.39
Award
Best for Arson Investigation
Rankings
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Best for Arson Investigation
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate in Applied Science, Fire Protection Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
65 credits
Department Public Service
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $76 per credit; Out-of-State: $268 per credit
accreditation
Fire and Emergency Service Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
910-678-8473
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate in Applied Science, Fire Protection Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
65 credits
intelligent score 71.69
Award
Best for Adult Learners
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Graduation Rate:
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Best for Adult Learners
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
64 credits
Department Public Safety
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $76 per credit; Non-Resident: $268 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
704-330-4636
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
64 credits
intelligent score 71.19
Award
Most Affordable
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School Information
Graduation Rate:
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Most Affordable
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate of Science in Fire Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Department Public Safety and Paralegal Studies
Estimated Cost per Credit
$46 per credit
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
424-371-7734
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Associate of Science in Fire Technology
Required Credits to Graduate
60 credits
intelligent score 70.37
Award
Best Alumni Network
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Best Alumni Network
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
AS Fire Protection Technician
Required Credits to Graduate
61 credits
Department School of Human and Protective Services
Estimated Cost per Credit
$138.90 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
608-246-6210.
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
AS Fire Protection Technician
Required Credits to Graduate
61 credits
intelligent score 66.11
Award
Best Leadership Training
Rankings
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Best Leadership Training
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Services Leadership, AS
Required Credits to Graduate
64 credits
Department Fire Service
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $138.90 per credit, Non-Resident: $208.35 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
715-803-1645
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Services Leadership, AS
Required Credits to Graduate
64 credits
intelligent score 65.59
Award
Best in the Northwest
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
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Award
Best in the Northwest
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Suppression, Associate of Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
97 credits
Department Social Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $95 per credit; Non-Resident: $260 per credit
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
503-399-5000
Delivery Format
Online, On-campus
Programs
Fire Suppression, Associate of Applied Science
Required Credits to Graduate
97 credits
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What You Should Know About This Degree
An online Associate in Fire Science is a good first step in any career related to fire safety. There are online Bachelor in Fire Science degree programs for those seeking career advancement, along with master’s level programs for students with leadership aspirations.
Search for accreditations that pertain to the industry such as IFSAC. Fire and Emergency Service Higher Education (FESHE) is another notable accreditor. Distance learning accreditations — like the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) — are also good to look for.
Firefighter positions are expected to increase by 6% between 2019 and 2029. This rate of growth is considered rapid for the industry; students who complete a fire science associate degree program can expect to find an increasing number of job openings over the next decade.
Not all firefighters are required to be college graduates; some have technical diplomas or on-the-job training. However, with an Associate in Fire Science, firefighters may have the opportunity for higher pay and more job options.
What’s Next?
Ask these questions when researching online associate in fire science programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? To be eligible for an online associate in fire science program, prospective students must have a high school diploma or GED. Exact admission requirements may vary depending on educational institution, so read all details carefully when searching for a Fire Science degree program.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? On average, it takes two years to earn an Associate in Fire Science — with an average requirement of 60 credit hours. Due to the flexibility of online degree programs, it may take more or less time for students to complete the program.
Speak to an admissions counselor at the schools you’re considering to learn more about entry requirements. The school’s financial department can instruct you on applying for financial assistance and paying your tuition. When comparing schools, take notes and compare your findings before making a final decision.