8 Most Affordable Online Fire Science Degrees 2025

Firefighters provide critical emergency services to ensure public safety. In addition to putting out and controlling fires, firefighters are among the first responders to medical, property, and environmental emergencies.

This article highlights eight affordable online fire science degree programs and answers related questions about degree costs, program timelines, and fire science degree job opportunities. Keep reading to learn more about how you can earn your degree in fire science and advance your career in this exciting field.

What Is an Online Fire Science Degree?

A fire science degree program teaches fire dynamics, fire prevention and suppression, hazardous materials, and emergency management, with an emphasis on management and leadership skills. A fire science online degree is one that you earn by taking courses through distance learning.

You can earn your fire science degree online at different degree levels. There are associate degree, bachelor's degree, and master's degree programs available.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science Cost?

Fire science online degree costs vary according to your chosen school and degree program, any applicable transfer credits, and financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships for online students. For example, public schools tend to be more affordable than private schools, and in-state residents often pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state students. Generally speaking, a 120-credit bachelor's degree costs range from $15,000 to $55,000 or more.

Cheapest Fire Science Bachelor's Degrees Online

This list highlights various universities and colleges that offer fire science degrees through online programs. All of the following schools have financial aid options.

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) is a large public school located in Gainesville, FL, with an extensive distance learning platform. You can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in fire and emergency services entirely online, choosing one of three specializations: fire management, emergency management, and emergency medical services (EMS).

Fire service students take online courses that cover the application of fire research, emergency services and fire administration, and human resource management. The curriculum includes 18 credits of elective courses, such as EMS special operations and disaster recovery and mitigation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $130 per credit hour (in-state); $553 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Students can apply for grants, loans, and scholarships to help offset education costs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University offers a 120-credit online BS in emergency management with a concentration in fire. The online program focuses on fire safety and survival technologies. Students learn best practices for emergency management, how to assess the sociological aspects of emergencies, and how to collaborate with other agencies during disasters.

Columbia Southern University provides multiple scholarships for students earning their degrees in safety and emergency services, such as its Women in Fire and Global Medical Response scholarships. Transfer students can apply up to 90 credits towards their bachelor's degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $278 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students are encouraged to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. American Military University

Part of the American Public University System (APUS), the American Military University (AMU) is a higher education institution that provides online programs emphasizing leadership and public service. AMU's BS in fire science management prepares students for careers in fire protection, developing knowledge in both the theory and real-world applications used in fire services.

This affordable bachelor's in fire science degree program covers fire behavior, fire safety, prevention and protection, and fire suppression methods. The program also provides insight into firefighting leadership and tactical fire operations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $350 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and military benefits are available.
• Accreditation: International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)

4. Liberty University

Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University (LU) offers a BS in fire administration through its online learning platform. The curriculum is 120 credit hours, and online courses are eight weeks long. The program has multiple start dates throughout the year. If you are a transfer student, you can apply up to 75% of eligible college credits toward your degree total.

The degree program encompasses subjects such as fire behavior, risk reduction, fire protection, safety strategies, and other related fields. LU's curriculum emphasizes leadership and ethical decision-making in the public safety sector.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit
• Financial aid: Eligible students can utilize grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs to help with education costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University (LSU) offers an online BS in fire and emergency degree program that has received Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) recognition. Students hone their skills in risk management, disaster response planning, and organizational leadership.

LSU's online bachelor's program is 60 credit hours, designed to be a continuation of an associate degree program. Students who have earned their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in fire and emergency services, or a degree in a related field, can transfer up to 60 credits and thereby earn their bachelor's degree at an accelerated rate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $445 per credit hour
• Financial aid: LSU offers grants, loans, scholarships, and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Waldorf University

Located in Forest City, IA, Waldorf University offers various online fire science degree options. Online bachelor's degree programs include:

• Bachelor of Science in fire science administration
• Bachelor of Applied Science in fire science administration
• Bachelor of Science in fire science administration with a public relations concentration
• Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a fire science concentration

Online courses include applications of fire research, fire prevention organization and management, and community risk reduction. Waldorf University's fire science degree programs are endorsed by the U.S. Fire Administration, the National Fire Academy, and the National Fire Protection Association.

• Estimated tuition cost: $460 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can apply for grants, loans, and scholarships to help with tuition costs.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. California State University San Marcos

Students pursuing a fire science degree in California can enroll at California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM). The school offers a fully online BS in wildfire science and wildland urban interface program.

CSUSM's online program is designed for students who have already earned their associate degree or at least 60 college credits. The online curriculum includes courses such as fire ecology, wildfire law and economics, and biostatistics for wildfire science. Full-time students can complete the program in five semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $475 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial support comes via scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

8. Colorado State University

Students at Colorado State University (CSU) can earn their BS in fire and emergency services administration entirely online. CSU's program focuses on topics like emergency management, personnel administration, financial management, and program evaluation.

This degree program is 120 credits; students with eligible transfer credits can graduate in as quickly as two years. Admission requirements stipulate that at least two years of EMS or fire department experience are preferred.

• Estimated tuition cost: $490 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students may apply for loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to help with education costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We consider factors like accreditation status, affordable tuition rates, and reputation quality when ranking our featured schools.

• Accreditation: All of the colleges and universities listed are accredited institutions. This ensures that their education meets regionally and nationally recognized education standards.
• Affordability: The bachelor's degree programs must cost $500 or less per credit hour. All schools must offer some form of financial aid.
• Program reputation: A program's reputation is determined by its accreditation status, curriculum, experienced faculty, and any additional recognition from the fire and emergency sector.

What To Expect From an Affordable Online Fire Science Degree

Online fire science degree programs provide an in-depth understanding of the fire and emergency services industry. Bachelor's degree programs include general education and core courses. Core courses cover subjects such as fire protection law, risk reduction, fire behavior, and emergency incident management.

Bachelor's degree programs are typically 120 credit hours. Some online BS degree programs are designed for students who have already earned an associate degree in fire science or a related field. In these programs, students can bypass general education requirements and move directly into core coursework.

Affordable master's in fire science degree programs build on prior education, focusing on advanced emergency services and fire prevention tactics.

FAQs About the Most Affordable Online Fire Science Degrees

In this section, we answer questions about fire science degrees, from program timelines to career advancement opportunities.

Is an Online Fire Science Degree Worth It?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there will be 25,700 new job openings for firefighters across the country through 2033. The average median wage for firefighters is $59,320, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $100,00 each year. A degree in fire science can help you earn a higher salary and advance to leadership positions.

What Can You Do With a Fire Science Degree?

A fire science degree prepares you for a lifelong career in fire and emergency services. Students who graduate from online fire science degree programs can take on roles like:

• fire chief
• training chief
• fire prevention chief
• fire inspector
• personnel director
• fire protection engineer
• emergency management specialist

How Long Does It Take To Get a Fire and Emergency Management Degree?

Most associate degree programs are about 60 credits, and full-time students can earn their associate degree in two years. Bachelor's degree programs are generally 120 credits and take four years to complete.

If you already hold an associate degree or have previously earned college credit, you can transfer eligible credits toward your bachelor's degree program and graduate at a faster pace. Some fire science programs can be completed in less than two years.

Can You Take Firefighter Classes Online?

Yes, you can take fire safety and related courses online. Many schools offer online fire science degree programs, such as the affordable options highlighted in this article.

You can also take online courses that do not necessarily correlate to a degree. For example, the National Fire Academy offers courses like fire and injury prevention and incident command. Courses are offered on campus and online.

What Is the Difference Between Fire Science and Fire Science Certification?

A fire science degree program offered by an accredited institution provides a standard curriculum that covers many different topics related to fire science. Students earn a degree (e.g., an AAS or a BS) upon successful completion of their program.

A fire science certification is a shorter program that generally focuses on one or two subjects. Students in certification programs offer more targeted training. Some certification programs qualify for college credit transfer, though not all do. Upon completing their program, students receive a certificate of completion.

Discover Online Fire Science Degrees

There are many fire science degree options available online. Reach out to Learn.org's featured schools to discover which program best serves your professional development goals.