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Compare Associate in Fire Science Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Associate in Fire Science Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Best Online Associate in Fire Science Programs badge
01
Intelligent Pick
John Wood Community College
01
Best in the Southeast
St. Petersburg College
01
Best Degree Offerings
Southern Arkansas University Tech
01
Best in the West
Casper College
01
Best Electives
Albany Technical College
01
Best Student Satisfaction
Columbia Southern University
01
Best Related Degrees
Hillsborough Community College
01
Best Liberal Arts Foundation
Keiser University
01
Most Flexible Course Choices
Hutchinson Community College
01
Best for Veterans
American Military University
01
Best in the South
Kilgore College
01
Best Bachelor's Degree Transition
Idaho State University
01
Best Certificates
Passaic County Community College
01
Most Certificates
Lanier Technical College
01
Best in the Midwest
Waldorf University
01
Most Flexible Start Dates
University of Cincinnati
01
Most Flexible Online Program
American Public University
01
Best Fieldwork
Lake Superior College
01
Best for Current Firefighters
Pikes Peak Community College
01
Best for Fire Science Degree
Lakeland Community College
01
Best Student Services
Johnson County Community College
01
Best Job Placement Rate
Montana State University Billings
01
Best Part-Time Program
Southwestern Illinois College
01
Best in the Northeast
Community College of Philadelphia
01
Best in the Southwest
Central New Mexico Community College
01
Best Curriculum
Mount Wachusett Community College
01
Best Full-Time Program
Southern Crescent Technical College
01
Most Innovative Curriculum
Bucks County Community College
01
Best Scholarships
Seminole State College of Florida
01
Best Associate's Degree
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
01
Best Diploma
Alamance Community College
01
Best Faculty
Delta College
01
Best for Arson Investigation
Fayetteville Technical Community College
01
Best for Adult Learners
Central Piedmont Community College
01
Most Affordable
West Los Angeles College
01
Best Alumni Network
Madison Area Technical College
01
Best Leadership Training
Northcentral Technical College
01
Best in the Northwest
Chemeketa Community College

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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.


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