Our Guide to a Quick Online Masters in Fire Science provides students with a fast path to work in management roles in the hospitality industry.
What is Fire Science?
Fire science is the professional study of fire’s unique characteristics and behaviors. Students study the behavior of fire, firefighting strategies, and potential risk factors. Coursework in a fire science masters degree is diverse and covers chemical combustions, rescue procedures, laws & regulations, emergency management, and also fire investigation.
Is an Online Fire Science Master’s Degree Worth It?
Earning a fire science master’s degree is quite beneficial to many students. While it may appear to some that pursuing a graduate fire science degree is an overspecialized academic track for this line of work, the reality is that there are more industry sectors that employ fire science grads than one may realize. As a result, completing an online fire science master’s degree might be a prudent and strategic investment toward a more advanced or leadership career in fire management, fire prevention, or the fire investigative profession.
Earning an on-campus or online fire science master’s degree prepares students for rewarding careers in these industries.
- Firefighting
- Fire Prevention Engineering
- Building Fire Safety Evaluation
- Crime Scene Investigations
Why Should You Earn a Fire Science Master’s Degree Online?
In addition to developing advanced fire science technical skills, a graduate fire science program also focuses on developing the necessary skills to become eligible for leadership or management roles in firefighting organizations and agencies.
An online fire science master’s degree program offers fire professionals a more convenient way to prepare for highly specialized senior leadership roles in fire science. Most master’s level programs require 30-40 credit units; most students need one to two years to complete, although most programs allow five years to finish.
Types of Degrees and Specializations in Fire Science
A fire science degree offers interested students a large variety of concentrations and specialties. Some degrees are issued as a Master in Science; however, a variety of public administration programs have academic tracks that focus on fire science.
- Fire Science
- Fire Protection Engineering
- Fire Management
- Emergency Services Administration
- Public Administration
- Arson Investigations
- General Fire Engineering
Note that each school’s program will vary, but degree candidates will have an impressive amount of academic specialties from which to choose.
What Do You Learn in an Online Fire Science Master’s Degree Program?
The curriculum for an on-campus or online fire science masters degree program includes diverse subjects that delve deep into fire’s physical characteristics and behaviors. Graduates of a masters in fire science online program will also gain the skills and professional techniques used to control and extinguish fires.
An on-campus or online masters in fire science degree program will also emphasize essential rescue skills, fire investigation techniques, relevant environmental laws, and safety measures. A masters degree in fire science online program will also cover coursework regarding strategic public planning and government budgeting.
With a traditional or online masters degree in fire science, graduates have various career paths and opportunities for career advancement. Depending on your exact degree, you may have a chance to work as a local or community government leader or, at the federal level, FEMA. There are also opportunities to work professionally in the private sector, where your exceptional and unique knowledge is invaluable to construction managers before, during, and after the completion of the project.
Fire Science Classes
Most programs allow students to tailor or customize the curriculum to meet career goals. The following classes are typically included in a graduate fire science degree program.
- The Chemistry and Physics of Fire include organic chemistry, combustion, thermodynamics, ignition, and more.
- Fire Scene Investigation – covers the investigative techniques used for arson, explosions, and fire events.
- Legal Aspects of Fire Investigation – covers the legal realm of arson, crime scene investigation, and prosecutorial processes.
- Fire Protection Systems – provides an overview of fire suppression/detection devices and systems.
- Strategic Management – covers the managerial aspects of the fire science field, including conflict resolution.
- Building Fire Safety – covers the qualitative/quantitative techniques used to assess a building’s fire safety.
- Performance-Based Design – covers the various fire protection engineering methods used in building design.
- Issues in Public Safety – covers current public safety issues, plus maintaining public trust.
Fire Science Careers and Salary
Most careers for a fire science degree majors relate to either firefighting, inspection, or rescue services. Those who seek a graduate degree as a fire protection engineer will find they possess the education and experience to secure a leadership position in a fire department administration.
Firefighter Job Information and Salary Statistics
Fire protection engineering jobs require you to respond to emergency situations that may involve danger to property, life, or the environment. Firefighters earn a median pay of $50,700 per year, which translates to $24.38 per hour.
| Percentile | Fire Protection Engineering Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $29,030 per year |
| 25% | $50,700 per year |
| Median – 50% | $65,980 per year |
| 75% | $81,640 per year |
Below are the states that offer the top salaries for fire protection engineering jobs in the United States.
| State | Fire Protection Engineering Salary |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $84,930 per year |
| California | $80,930 per year |
| Washington | $76,280 per year |
| New York | $72,670 per year |
| Colorado | $58,300 per year |
Health and Safety Engineers Job Information and Salary Statistics
Health and safety engineers design and develop systems and processes to protect individuals from illness or injury as well as property from damage. Most Health and Safety Engineers earn a median pay of $99,040 per year, which translates to $47.62 per hour. The following BLS data represent the salary percentiles for health and safety engineers.
| Percentile | Health and Safety Engineers Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $48,490 per year |
| 25% | $76,650 per year |
| Median – 50% | $99,040 per year |
| 75% | $126,780 per year |
| 90% | $150,720 per year |
The states that offer the top salaries for health and safety engineers include –
| State | Health and Safety Engineer’s Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $119,360 per year |
| New Hampshire | $117,940 per year |
| Colorado | $116,450 per year |
| Louisiana | $60,990 per year |
| Texas | $114,780 per year |
| Massachusetts | $111,030 per year |
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics Job Information and Salary Statistics
EMTs are closely related to trained fire science professionals. Emergency Medical Technicians treat injured or ill patients outside a hospital or medical facility. EMTs and Paramedics who work in fire services earn a median pay of $36,930 per year, or $17.76 per hour. The following BLS data represent the salary percentiles for fire inspectors and investigators.
| Percentile | EMT and Paramedic Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $23,620 per year |
| 25% | $28,920 per year |
| Median – 50% | $35,470 per year |
| 75% | $37,660 per year |
| 90% | $27,580 per year |
The below states offer the top salaries for fires inspectors and investigators.
| State | Emergency Medical Technician’s Salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $55,600 per year |
| Alaska | $51,330 per year |
| Maryland | $50,770 per year |
| District of Columbia | $48,500 per year |
| Illinois | $44,460 per year |
Fire Inspectors Job Information and Salary Statistics
Inspectors are responsible for the assessment of buildings in order to identify and detect fire hazards. And they must comply with federal, state, and local fire codes. Fire inspectors earn a median pay of $63,080 per year, which translates to $30.33 per hour. There are two subcategories for jobs with masters in fires science degree holders – Fire Inspectors and Fire Investigators. The following data represent the salary percentiles for fire inspectors and investigators.
| Percentile | Fire Inspectors & Investigators Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $40,190 per year |
| 25% | $50,480 per year |
| Median – 50% | $64,600 per year |
| 75% | $81,850 per year |
| 90% | $100,730 per year |
The below states offer the top salaries for fires inspectors and investigators.
| State | Fire Inspectors and Investigators’ Salary |
|---|---|
| Idaho | $111,910 per year |
| Oregon | $104,240 per year |
| Washington | $99,340 per year |
| Iowa | $98,750 per year |
| Illinois | $88,730 per year |
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
The below data represent the salary percentiles for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists.
| Percentile | Forest Fire Inspectors Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $30,000 per year |
| 25% | $33,000 per year |
| Median – 50% | $42,600 per year |
| 75% | $67,210 per year |
| 90% | $85,270 per year |
Below are the states that offer the top salaries for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists.
| State | Forest Fire Prevention Specialist Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $100,800 per year |
| Arizona | $66,710 per year |
| New Jersey | $65,230 per year |
| Louisiana | $60,990 per year |
| Oregon | $59,890 per year |
Do You Need a Master’s Degree in Fire Science?
While once generally uncommon, more and more leadership and managerial positions in the field of fire science now require a graduate degree in fire science to apply for the position. And for those fire science jobs that do not require a master’s degree, applying to those with a fire science graduate degree may create a significant edge to your application and help you stand out from the competition.
What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Fire Science?
A significant amount of fire science professionals are employed by towns, municipalities, or regional emergency or fire response services. Still, others may become involved with developing and implementing policies for dedicated first responders and fire departments. A few even branch out on their own as self-employed consultants. Fire science graduates may also specialize in the shipment of hazardous or flammable materials or work in large factories or airports.
Don’t be misled by the field’s name. This degree has more career options than one would think. The traditional path for fire science majors would lead to a career as a firefighter or fire chief; however, the following are also potential careers for those who hold a master’s degree in fire science.
- Fire Engineer
- Fire Protection Engineer
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators
How Do You Choose a Fire Science Master’s Program?
Admissions
Admission to a graduate degree for a master’s program in fire science usually requires that applicants already hold a baccalaureate degree in fire science or a related field. Each school sets forth the program’s admission criteria, so be vigilant and do enough research to understand the programs in which you have an interest.
Accreditation
Accreditation is an oversight process requiring a sanctioned agency to evaluate the quality of a school or specific degree program. There are two primary forms of academic accreditation in the United States – regional and specialized.
- Regional accreditation is responsible for the oversight of nonprofit or state-owned colleges or universities. There are six federally run agencies responsible for managing the accreditation of institutions of higher education. This type of accreditation is administered by the U.S. Department of Education’s CHEA.
- Specialized accreditation, as its name suggests, refers to academic program evaluation and oversight. The criteria for specialized accreditation change from industry to industry. Each industry usually has at least one oversight/accreditation agency.
The Fire & Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Network
FESHE, which is the brainchild of the U.S. Fire Administration, is on a mission to reduce the loss of lives and property from fire events. FESHE establishes and enforces standards for firefighters and fire officers with regard to higher education program standards. FESHE-established standards have been developed to mitigate the destruction/damage caused by fire events.
Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Network members have made impressive contributions to the field.
- Coordinated projects in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
- Created a professional development matrix model for training and degree programs.
- Defined outlines that are used when developing fire science courses.
- Partnered with publishers to be certain the current textbooks are FESHE compliant.
- Set industry guidelines to define minimum standards for postsecondary educational degree programs dedicated to fire science.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you are wondering about how to help pay for a fire science master’s degree, fortunately, there are multiple financial aid options for those students who qualify. In addition to traditional student loans, there are fellowships available for graduate students – opportunities to get paid while you pursue your degree.
The next option is to consider the many scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are usually merit or needs-based. They may be available from schools, professional organizations, nonprofits, philanthropic individuals, and state governments. Some employers are happy to help finance the degree program with tuition reimbursement programs– especially if the program is related to your current job and potential performance.
Another option is to consider either a work-study or a federal and state aid program. Eligibility requirements can be found online by submitting Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), that is primarily based on financial need.
Fire Science Certifications and Licensure
Firefighting is a risky business. As a result, firefighters and fire science professionals are required to meet established professional standards of the job’s physical demands.
Licensure
There is no specific industry-wide license that is recognized with regard to becoming a professional firefighter. There are, however, other requirements, as noted above.
Training and Certification
Each state sets forth regulations regarding the requirements of elevated fire science positions, like fire officers, fire investigators, fire inspectors, or fire chiefs. Some states require these positions to be filled with professionals who hold industry-recognized certifications.
NFPA — The National Fire Protection Association
The National Fire Protection Association was founded in the mid-1890s. It now operates as an industry advocacy group with a membership that exceeds 50,000. This nonprofit is self-funded and operates independently.
NFPA Certification Options
The National Fire Protection Association has established industry and testing criteria for several fire officer certification levels. These include –
- Certified Fire Inspector
- Certified Fire Plan Examiner
- Certified Fire Protection Specialist
- Certified Water-Based Systems Professional
The fire industry also offers other certifications through –
- The National Association of Fire Investigators.
- The International Association of Arson Investigators.
Program Profiles
1. Anna Maria College
Anna Maria College offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with an academic concentration in Fire and Emergency Services that can be completed 100% online. This online fire science master’s degree program from Anna Maria College combines executive leadership development with specialized coursework dedicated to EMS administration and fire safety. Sample coursework for the fire and emergency services concentration includes special topics in fire and rescue services, administration, and labor & management relations.
- Location: Paxton, Massachusetts
- School Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Program Length: 30-36 credits, 24 months
- Format: online
- Degree: Master of Public Administration (MPA) concentration in Fire and Emergency Services
- School Status: Public
- Program URL: more
2. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU Online) offers a Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration degree program with an academic specialization in Executive Fire Administration that requires the completion of 33 graduate-level credit units. This online program from Arizona State University requires students to complete 11 classes that include leadership for innovation in public fire services, public budgeting, finance, and also emergency services operations analysis and planning.
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Program Accreditation: recognized by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE)
- Program Length: 33 credits, 24 months
- Format: online
- Degree: Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration with a concentration in Executive Fire Administration
- School Status: Public
- Program URL: Visit Program
3. Columbia Southern University
The Columbia Southern University offers a Master of Science (MS) degree program in Fire Executive Leadership with an academic track in Emergency Services Management. It prepares graduates for managerial positions that respond to emergencies, like natural disasters. This online fire science master’s degree from Columbia Southern University offers rolling start dates but requires the completion of 36 graduate credit units, of which half may be transferred if eligible.
- Location: Orange Beach, AL
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Program Length: 36 credits, 24 months
- Format: online Master of Science in Fire Executive Leadership with a concentration in Emergency Services Management
- Degree:
- School Status: Public
- Program URL: Visit Program
4. Liberty University
Liberty University offers two online fire science graduate degree programs. Students can choose from a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Fire Administration or a Master of Science in Public Safety with an academic specialty in Fire Administration. The MPA program is delivered in 36 – 8-week classes that typically take 1.5 years to complete. Liberty’s M.S. in Public Safety requires 30 graduate credit units. This program can be completed in one year.
- Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Program Length: 18 months
- Format: Online
- Degree:
- School Status: Public
- Program URL: Visit MPA Program or MS Program
5. UNC Charlotte
The University of North Carolina Charlotte (Charlotte Online) offers a Master of Science (MS) degree program in Fire Protection and Safety Management that can be completed entirely online as a part-time or full-time student. The University of North Carolina, Charlotte online fire science master’s program requires 30 graduate credit units, which is a non-thesis option for online students. Sample coursework for this online fire science master’s degree program includes fire and building codes, fire protection systems, and industrial safety.
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- School Accreditation:
- Program Length: months
- Format: Online Master of Science (MS) in Fire Protection and Safety Management
- Degree:
- School Status: Public
- Program URL: Visit Program
6. University of Idaho
The University of Idaho offers a Master of Natural Resources with an academic track in Fire, Ecology, and Management that is offered entirely online. Curriculum for the University of Idaho’s online fire science master’s degree program includes coursework in policy, planning, tools, and technology, among others. Eighteen credits from the 30 required must include classes at a 500 level or above.
- Location: Moscow, Idaho
- School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Program Length: 12 months, 30 credits
- Format: Online
- Degree:
- School Status: Public
- Program URL: Visit Program
7. The University of Maryland
The University of Maryland (Maryland Online) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Fire Protection Engineering that requires distance learning students to complete 30 graduate credits to meet program requirements. Students enrolled in the University of Maryland’s online fire science master’s program must complete the program within five years, with the completion of an M.S. thesis. Sample classes include structural fire protection, industrial fire safety, fire dynamics, and fire and explosion, to name a few.
- Location: College Park, Maryland
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Program Length: 15 months part-time, 30 credits
- Format: Online
- Degree: Master of Science (MS) in Fire Protection Engineering
- School Status: Public
- Program URL: Visit Program
8. University of New Haven
The University of New Haven (UNH Online) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Fire and Explosion Investigation that prepares graduates with advanced investigative technical training in the fire service, occupational safety, security, and fire safety. Selected classes for the University of New Haven’s online fires science master’s program include the chemistry of fires and explosions, arson for profit, and fire scene investigation and arson analysis, among others.
- Location: New Haven, CT
- School Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Program Length: 40 credits, 24 months
- Format: Online Master of Science (MS) in Fire and Explosion Investigation
- Degree: Master of Science (MS) in Fire and Explosion Investigation
- School Status: Public
- Program URL: Visit Program
9. Waldorf University
Waldorf University (Waldorf Online), which was founded more than 100 years ago, offers a Master of Arts degree (MA) in Organization Leadership with an academic specialization in Fire and Rescue Executive Leadership, which is among the top online fire science masters degree programs in the Midwest. The university’s graduate fire science leadership program includes risk reduction, fire dynamics, and also fire scene investigations. The program offers affordable tuition and flexible online classes for working learners who are pressed for time.
- Location: Forest City, IA
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Program Length: 30 credits,12 months
- Format: Online
- Degree: Master of Arts (MA) in Organization Leadership with a specialization in Fire and Rescue Executive Leadership
- School Status: Public
- Program URL: Visit Program
10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) was founded in 1865 and has a long-established tradition of quality education. WPI offers a customizable Master of Science (MS) degree program in Fire Protection Engineering that can be completed part-time entirely online. Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s online fire science master’s degree program requires students to complete ten classes for 30 graduate credit hours. Selected classes include fire dynamics, fire protection systems, building fire safety, and industrial fire protection. The Center for World University ranks Worcester Polytechnic Institute among the top 5.4% – out of 20,000 universities across the globe.
- Location: Worcester, MA
- School Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Program Length: 30 credits, 12 months
- Format: Online
- Degree: MS in Fire Protection Engineering
- School Status: Public
- Program URL: Visit Program
Professional Organizations in Fire Science
A professional organization, also known as a professional body or association, is developed to advance a profession and even subcategories of professions. The mission of a professional organization is to support its members, the specific industry, and the goodwill between the public and the industry/professionals. Professional organizations can be local, national, or even international and often are closely connected to institutions of higher education that issue degrees within the specific field.
1. International Association For Fire Safety Science
The International Association for Fire Safety Science operates as a global community of fire safety scientists and engineers. The International Association for Fire Safety Science’s primary objective is to support research that prevents of the negative impact of fires.
2. National Fire Protection Association
The National Fire Protection Association was founded in the mid-1890s with a mission to reduce the burden of fires on the quality of life worldwide. NFPA, provides and advocates research, training, education, and the advocation of consensus codes/standards. NFPA is among the leading advocates for fire prevention, and one of the most authoritative sources regarding public safety. There are more than 70,000 members in NFPA located globally.
3. National Interagency Fire Center
Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) is the country’s national support center for fighting fires in wetlands. The eight agencies within the NIFC support the emergency responses for earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, riots, volcanic eruptions, and terrorist attacks, although their primary focus is fighting fires in wild or wetland areas.
4. Society Of Fire Protection Engineers
The Society of Fire Protection Engineers was founded in the 1950s. The SFPE was incorporated in 1971. The Society of Fire Protection Engineers has more than 70 regional chapters and more than 5,000 members worldwide.
5. Fire Department Safety Officers Association
The FDSOA ensures the use of safety standards and best practices for fire, rescue, and emergency services in communities. Members of the FDSOA have the option to network or attend professional development events offered throughout the year. This professional organization also offers formal certifications as well as continuing education options – all online.
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