Bachelors In

Fire Science Degrees

The complete guide on what you’ll learn, job prospects, university programs, and saving time and money.

Why We Love It

  • $49,330
    Potential Avg. Salary*
  • Growing Demand
    Job Outlook

* Salary & growth data is based on the recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics data published at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes332011.htm for 33-2011 Firefighters 11/2021. Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

With a bachelor of science in fire science, you’ll focus your learning on gaining knowledge in fire safety, inspection, and investigation.

Combining arson forensics with fire department administrative topics and paramedic training, you’ll have a well-rounded education that prepares you for a variety of roles in the fire protection industry. You may find work as an arson investigator, firefighter, or first responder.

What is a Degree in Fire Science?

A bachelor of science in fire science is focused on learning about and understanding fires. Students learn how to safely start, contain, put out, and control fires—from those that happen unintentionally in homes to those started by extreme weather conditions in forests.

You’ll learn how to extinguish fires, operate firefighter equipment like fire hydrants and firetrucks, and how to manage and run a fire department. You’ll also learn how to investigate suspicions of arson and use that evidence in criminal trials.

With a bachelor’s degree in fire science, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the field to help prevent fires, extinguish dangerous or uncontrolled fires, and save lives. The skills you gain in the program can help you find careers in a variety of roles, such as a fire station chief, insurance investigator, fire inspector, or forensic investigator.

You will also learn basic emergency medical procedures like using a defibrillator and performing CPR, which will help if you take a job as a firefighter and respond to wrecks and other emergency situations.

Recommended Schools

What Courses Would I Take For a Major in Fire Science?

  • Building Construction and Fire Prevention
  • Trends in Fire Science Technologies
  • Fire Emergency Services Administration
  • Fire and Emergency Services Budgeting
  • Industrial Processes and Fire Protection
  • Incident Command Systems
  • Fire Protection Though Model Building Codes
  • Essentials of Emergency Management

What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Fire Science?

Fires are an unfortunate fact of life, and governments and citizens depend on heroic and talented firefighters and fire departments for assistance in their times of greatest need. Graduates of fire science degree programs can find careers in many roles, as firefighters, fire chiefs, fire inspectors, and arson investigators.

Additionally, insurance companies depend on fire specialists to help them identify and prove fraud for intentionally set fires in covered homes and other dwellings.

How Long does it take?

A bachelors in Fire Science will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.

Recommended Schools


Best Jobs for Fire Science Degrees

A fire science degree offers great preparation for work as a firefighter, but that’s not the only career path available to graduates. With a bachelor’s degree, firefighters can become more competitive for promotions and may eventually become fire investigators, inspectors, or chiefs within their departments.

Additionally, many work for government agencies, lawyers, and insurance companies and investigate cases of suspected arson.


How to save time and money

Our mission is to help you to avoid paying full price for college. We want your Fire Science degree to be affordable and accessible. Here’s how you could save:

Create Your Free SmartPlan

There are many ways to make college affordable and accessible.

That’s why we created a helpful tool called SmartPlan.

It’s free, and helps you find potential ways to save and tons of information about each school you’re considering

Think of it as your “college blueprint”, to help you instantly craft a path to your degree:

  • Which Colleges Match Your Needs
  • Ways You Could Save Time & Money
  • Free Courses You Could Take for Credit
  • Valuable Data and Insights on Each College
  • Detailed Steps You Should Take!

See what’s possible for you and generate a free plan within just a few minutes

Create My SmartPlan

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