Online Fire Fighter Degrees and Certification Information

While a college degree is not absolutely necessary to be a fire fighter, most people find a degree program helpful to advance their careers. There are associate-level and bachelor-level degree programs available online.

Overview of Online Associate's Degrees in Fire Science

Although fire fighters do not have to be college graduates, an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science can be an asset to a fire fighter's career. The curriculum in an associate's degree program includes classes in communications and English composition, as well as specialized, career-related courses in basic fire protection, fire behavior and fire prevention.
An associate's degree is one possible starting point for a career as a fire fighter, but a degree program is usually undertaken after much on-the-job training and often completed while employed.

Online Program Requirements and Information

Degree programs may be completed almost entirely online at the student's own pace, and usually take 2-4 years. Students need access to a computer with an Internet connection, preferably high-speed. Classes combine traditional text with audio and video presentations. Students communicate with professors and classmates via e-mail.

List of Popular Online Associate-Level Fire Science Courses

Courses in an online associate's degree program will give students a sound knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of fire safety and combat. There are often also general course requirements in English composition and communications.

Fire Prevention Basics Course

This course gives students a broad and comprehensive overview of the historical background of fire prevention. It also may cover the development and implementation of fire safety codes, fire safety inspection procedures, the need for public fire safety education and the evaluation of volunteer fire departments.

Current Systems of Fire Protection Course

Topics covered in this course include the role and responsibilities of the designers of fire protection systems and the analysis of contract drawings and specifications for those systems. The benefits and disadvantages of old-style sprinkler protection systems are explored. Also highlighted are studies on the use and application of newer, high-speed water spray systems and methods of extinguishing various types of fires.

Basic Fire Behavior Principles Course

In this course students exam how a fire burns, studying the basic principles of flame over, flash over and back draft. They will learn how the behavior of elements and compounds in a fire is determined by their atomic structure. They will also study social attitudes toward fire prevention and fire control efforts. Additional topics include the pre- and post-fire planning process, different construction methods of high-rise buildings, and the latest technological advances in fire-extinguishing agents.

Career Information for Graduates

An Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science can be considered a terminal degree. While associate's and bachelor's degree programs are becoming more popular among working fire fighters, they are not deemed necessary, as almost all education and training is obtained on the job.

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Overview of Online Bachelor's Degrees in Fire Science or Fire Administration

A Bachelor of Science in Fire Science and Technology or Fire Administration prepares students to advance their careers as active fire fighters and fire science professionals. It may help them obtain leadership and administrative positions, become high-ranking fire chiefs in small-town fire stations, or work for large government agencies. Program studies are highly specialized and topic-specific, but some core courses in subjects such as chemistry, mathematics, and English composition are generally required.

Program Requirements and Information

The requirements for an online bachelor's degree program in fire science or fire administration are similar to the requirements for an online associate's degree program. Online classes are a combination of text, video and audio presentations, and to take these classes students will need a computer with high-speed Internet. This program usually takes about four years to complete.

List of Popular Online Bachelor-Level Fire Science Courses

Courses in a fire science or fire administration bachelor's degree program center around specialized studies, such as fire safety and fire prevention, that prepare students for a specific career path. Students generally also take basic general education courses to complete their degree requirements.

Fire Prevention Course

This course, usually offered at several levels, addresses the basics of fire prevention. It covers essential topics such as personal fire protection equipment, fire tools and appliances, fire department command structure, the study of fire on a chemical level and fire degree classifications.

Investigation and Analysis of Fire Origin Course

Students will develop and practice taking an analytical approach to fire investigation. This course highlights topics such as fire ignition, the combustion of flammable liquids, gases and fuels, flame spread and the investigative process.

Heath and Safety of Fire Stations and Departments Course

This course provides an in-depth overview of the health and safety programs currently being used by emergency service agencies. It covers federal regulations and their impact, distinctions between emergency response vehicles, effective response procedures, pre- and post-incident analysis and procedures, and the job responsibilities of various health and safety personnel.

Career Information for Graduates

According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nine out of ten fire fighters are employed by local governments (www.bls.gov). Applicants for the job are subject to written exams, tests of physical strength, stamina and coordination, and drug screening. Most fire stations have apprenticeship programs and give new employees 2-3 weeks of on-the-job training. Additionally, most fire fighters are trained emergency medical technicians. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in fire science or fire administration are qualified to hold leadership positions in fire stations, including battalion chief, deputy chief, and chief.
Despite the long, hard, dangerous hours fire fighters must work, competition for jobs is tough and the pool of qualified candidates remains large, according to the BLS. According to a July 2010 survey of salaries by Salary.com, fire fighters can expect to earn $30,000-$50,000 per year, and fire inspectors can earn between $46,000-$62,000 per year.