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Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Science

Additional academy training and education not provided by Purdue Global may be required for firefighting or emergency management jobs.

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Program at a Glance
  • Purdue Global is recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration as an official Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) institution. 
  • This degree is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). 
  • Build foundational skills in firefighter safety, building codes, fire prevention, code inspection, and firefighting strategy and tactics. 
  • An internship option allows you to gain valuable real-world experience.
COURSE EFFORT 15–18 Hours per Week
COURSE LENGTH 10-Week Terms
Course Details
CREDITS REQUIRED 180
COST PER CREDIT $371
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How Do I Get Started?

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Overview

Purdue Global’s online fire science degree offers fire service professionals or those interested in the fire science field an opportunity to enhance their skills, develop a broad spectrum of knowledge, and advance in the field.

This bachelor's degree program focuses on providing in-depth knowledge of interagency coordination, fire incident command, arson investigation, and life safety education. Focus on firefighter safety, building codes, fire prevention, code inspection, and firefighting strategy and tactics.

Course Outcomes

Each term, fire science and emergency management students are assessed on their mastery of the course outcomes, which measure the skills, knowledge, abilities, and behaviors employers expect. View a summary of these assessments. For additional information related to prior learning credits transferred into the program, student success rates, capstone survey results, and the number of graduates for the program, view this document.


See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

FESHE logo FESHE Recognized and IFSAC Accredited

Purdue Global is recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration as an official FESHE institution, and this degree program closely follows the FESHE curriculum model. In addition, this degree program is accredited by IFSAC.

Career Opportunities

A bachelor’s degree can lead to leadership opportunities in the industry. In fact, departments may require candidates for positions higher than battalion chief to hold a bachelor’s degree in fire science or a related field to be considered for promotion.*

Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:

  1. Active Listening
  2. Critical Thinking
  3. Judgement and Decision Making
  4. Operation Monitoring
  5. Coordination

Top Jobs With This Degree

Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Additional academy training and education may be required for firefighting or emergency management jobs.

Earn Credit Toward Your Degree

We offer several options to help you earn your bachelor's degree in fire science online faster:

  • Articulation agreements with fire academies and fire service associations help you receive credit for previously completed courses and professional learning.†
  • If you earned your certifications through an organization that is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the Pro Board, including the U.S. Department of Defense Firefighter Certification System, you may be eligible to receive credit toward your bachelor’s degree.
  • Courses completed through the National Fire Academy may also be eligible for credit.

Accelerated Master's Degree Options

You can work toward a Purdue Global master’s degree in public administration, educational psychology, human services, legal studies, or psychology while you earn your fire science degree online. Complete both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time and at a lower cost than completing both programs separately.


For details and eligibility requirements, speak to an Advisor.

Alliances to Help You Save on Tuition

We partner with specific organizations, such as the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), to provide members, staff, and immediate family members a significant tuition reduction on our fire science degree programs.‡

In the first course, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your degree plan with a faculty member to align your degree path with your career outcomes. Program curriculum focuses on:

  • Analytical approaches to fire protection and investigation
  • Disaster and fire defense planning
  • Community risk reduction
  • Fire protection structure and system design
Sample Courses
  • Advanced Principles of Firefighter Safety and Survival
  • Community Risk Reduction for Fire and EMS
  • Fire Prevention Organization and Management
  • Research Analysis for Fire Emergency Services
See All Fire Science Courses
Credit Breakdown
  • Core Credits45
  • Major Credits110
  • Elective Credits25
  • Total Credits180

Ways to Save

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Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

View Criminal Justice and Fire Science Faculty Directory
grad hat icon 98% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
diploma icon 48% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
tablet icon 264 Faculty publications in 2019–2020
student at desk icon More Than 45,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2019–2020

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2020. 2019–2020 academic year.

Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Fire Science and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Firefighters, on the Internet at www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/firefighters.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

†Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit from any of these sources. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning Assessment policy.

‡Contact an Admissions Advisor for details. Tuition reduction may not be combined with Purdue Global tuition reductions or ExcelTrack™ pricing.