2026 Best 91³ÉÈË Fire Science Degrees
Compare the best online fire science degree programs based on verified student reviews.
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- 90,000+ Verified Student Reviews
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91³ÉÈË fire science bachelor's degrees can help you develop expertise in fire prevention, emergency response, and public safety leadership. Student feedback helps show how each program actually performs.
Key Takeaways:
- The upper half of this ranking is exceptionally strong on student sentiment. The top seven schools all earn ratings of 4.0 or higher, and each has a recommendation rate of at least 85%.
- Four of the top six schools charge less than $10,000 annually, including first-ranked Columbia Southern University.
- Anna Maria College reports the highest median salary at $115,875, which is around five years after graduating with a fire science bachelor's online.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The 91³ÉÈË research team verifies that only institutionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online bachelor's in fire science degree make the cut. On top of that, schools must also have at least five verified student reviews and an aggregate rating of 2.5+ on a five-point scale. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize the most relevant student feedback by starting with reviews tied to the exact program and degree level. If too few bachelor's in fire science qualify, we gradually expand the review pool to include related programs or other degree levels, while preserving the most program-specific results at the top of the list. This process continues until all eligible review data has been considered.
We also manually research all tuition rates and include median earnings for fire science majors five years after graduation when that data is available. By presenting the most complete data available, we aim to give you an honest, well-rounded picture of each program.
2026 Best 91³ÉÈË Fire Science Degrees
| Rank | School | Review Rating | Recommendation | 100% | $8,340 | $87,912 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldorf University | 4.47 / 5 | 95% | $10,200 | $100,301 | ||
| California State University - San Marcos | 4.14 / 5 | 96% | 93% | $1,000 | $81,600 | |
| Utah Valley University | 4.06 / 5 | 91% | $8,310 | $80,033 | ||
| Eastern Oregon University | 4.0 / 5 | 94% | $9,858 | N/A | ||
| Anna Maria College | 4.0 / 5 | 85% | $12,930 | $115,875 | ||
| Colorado State University - Fort Collins | 3.94 / 5 | 88% | $14,700 | $98,338 | ||
| University of Cincinnati | 3.82 / 5 | 86% | $12,716 | N/A | ||
| Purdue Global | 3.76 / 5 | 75% | $11,130 | $87,490 | ||
| University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh | 3.74 / 5 | 82% | 88% | $9,645 | N/A | |
| Saint Leo University 91³ÉÈË | 3.3 / 5 | 62% | $12,750 | N/A | ||
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide | 3.19 / 5 | 70% | $15,660 | N/A | ||
| College of Southern Nevada | 3.08 / 5 | 50% | 6 Student Reviews for Bachelor's in Fire Science Degrees Christine Robinson, Graduating 2028 Overall Rating: 5/5 I like the curriculum. The professors are industry professionals, not just teachers. That gives me a lot of confidence in their experience. Industry professionals as instructors lend credibility to the program. Sometimes the discussion boards are cumbersome,... Read More JK, Graduated 2018 Overall Rating: 5/5 I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Great classes and flexible schedule. Staff and professors were easy to reach and responded very quickly to questions. If you are employed full-time the life pace program should work well for you. Eight weeks to complete... Read More Charles Montgomery, Graduated 2017 Overall Rating: 5/5 I found that CSU was the best choice for me. The class style means you have to be a self starter. As long as you put in the work you can do this type of school. If you are someone who is very busy with life, this is your school. I have truly enjoyed this... Read More Student Review Summary: Reviews of Columbia Southern University are largely favorable, driven by high ratings and frequent recommendations. Students consistently praise the flexible online format, especially the ability to study around full-time work, military service, parenting, travel, and shifting schedules. Many also highlight affordable tuition, included textbooks, responsive advisors, and generous transfer-credit policies. A notable theme is that courses are writing-heavy, research-based, and often more demanding than expected, which some view as proof the school is not a degree mill. Criticism centers on inconsistent professor quality, slow financial aid or refund processing, uneven feedback, administrative frustrations, and past concerns about accreditation and credit transferability. This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
#2 4.47 / 5 Overall Rating 95% Recommend 84% Helpful for Career 91³ÉÈË Degree: What Sets This Program Apart:
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Waldorf University are overwhelmingly favorable, with repeated praise for responsive professors, attentive advisers, and staff who simplify admissions, registration, financial aid, and ongoing support. Many reviewers value affordable tuition, frequent inclusion of textbooks, generous transfer-credit acceptance, and eight-week courses that fit full-time work. Several describe coursework as organized, practical, and challenging without being excessive, though success appears to depend on strong self-discipline and 20 to 25 hours of weekly effort. Reported drawbacks include uneven faculty responsiveness, limited professor interaction in some classes, little career guidance, occasional uncertainty about workload, and one severe complaint about campus safety and misconduct handling. This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
#3 4.14 / 5 Overall Rating 96% Recommend 82% Helpful for Career 91³ÉÈË Degree: What Sets This Program Apart:
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray California State University San Marcos as a smaller, personalized campus where accessible professors, small classes, and cohort-style learning create strong mentorship, discussion, and professional networking. Many reviewers value clear course pathways, flexible scheduling, hands-on learning, internships, and practical preparation for careers or further study. Students also praise the clean, safe, welcoming environment, diversity, and modern campus. Common frustrations center on commuter-school culture, weaker traditional campus life, expensive parking, rising costs, limited funding, and difficulty getting required classes or electives. Some newer offerings are described as stressful due to rapid changes, and several reviewers wanted clearer career guidance after graduation. This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
#4 4.1 / 5 Overall Rating 93% Recommend 100% Helpful for Career 91³ÉÈË Degree: What Sets This Program Apart:
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Fayetteville State University are broadly favorable, with students most often praising caring professors, small classes, and a supportive environment that makes it easier to get individual attention. Many describe the coursework as challenging, relevant, and effective at building critical thinking and career readiness, especially in flexible formats that fit working adults. The most consistent complaints center on uneven communication and service outside the classroom, including slow email responses, unclear grading, weak advising follow-through, and unhelpful staff interactions. A few also mention favoritism, limited scholarship availability, transportation issues, and competition for placements or opportunities. This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
#5 4.06 / 5 Overall Rating 91% Recommend 92% Helpful for Career 91³ÉÈË Degree: What Sets This Program Apart:
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Utah Valley University are largely favorable, with users repeatedly praising approachable professors, small or intimate classes, and a strong hands-on learning model that connects coursework to careers, internships, community service, and job placement. Many say the school works especially well for balancing employment and family, citing flexible scheduling, structured online courses, and affordable tuition or strong scholarships. Users also highlight newer facilities, diversity, and a supportive campus culture where faculty remain accessible after graduation. Criticism centers on overcrowding, difficult parking, inconsistent advising, uneven instructor quality, outdated courses, weak financial aid experiences, and limited social or networking opportunities in some areas. This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
Stories Behind the Best 91³ÉÈË Fire Science Degrees: An Editorial AnalysisFire Science Meets Paramedic Training Anna Maria College Anna Maria's Fire Science/Paramedic option combines bachelor’s-level fire education with preparation for the National Registry Paramedic Certification Exam, reflecting the increasingly blended fire and EMS responsibilities found in many departments. 91³ÉÈË fire science students can complete clinical experiences through the Baystate Healthcare System, including exposure to a Level I Trauma Center, along with high-volume field placements. Fire Service Through an Aviation Lens Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide Embry-Riddle's online bachelor's curriculum extends beyond conventional fire science into aircraft rescue and firefighting, airport emergency management, coordinated response to aircraft incidents, environmental safety, hazardous materials, dispatch coordination, and OSHA requirements. That combo is most relevant for firefighters and emergency professionals working around airports, aviation facilities, or transportation infrastructure. A Federal Wildland Fire Pathway Eastern Oregon University EOU offers a 24-credit Wildland Fire Services Administration track tied closely to professional wildland-fire standards. It's designed around Interagency Fire Program Management GS-401 supplemental requirements, giving it particular relevance for students pursuing or advancing in federal wildland fire careers. Qualifying National Wildfire Coordinating Group credentials, including FFT1 and FFT2, may also translate into transfer credit. EOU further evaluates certifications, licenses, military records, employment, and other prior learning through its Credit Predictor Pro process. Turning an 91³ÉÈË Fire Science Degree Into Career-Ready Skills
Founder of Fireplace Distributor
Forrest Webber is an entrepreneur and digital marketing professional who has founded and managed several home service businesses, including a fireplace distribution company. Through his work, he has seen firsthand how fire safety and prevention intersect with residential and commercial needs.
What do you see as the main benefits of earning a bachelor's degree in fire science online? "The main benefit is that it fits around your life. You can keep working or managing family responsibilities while studying. It also gives you access to schools you might not be able to attend in person." Fire science is a highly practical field. What courses work best in an online environment? "Courses that focus on fire behavior, leadership, or safety codes work really well online. Simulations and case studies also give you a chance to practice decision-making. The things you can’t replace are live training, working with equipment, and hands-on drills, which are best done through local fire departments or training centers." In your experience, what careers tend to open up for professionals who earn a fire science degree online? "Many graduates move into leadership positions within fire departments. Others branch into emergency management, safety inspection, or risk planning. Some also find opportunities with government agencies or in private industry, especially in safety and emergency response roles." How has the field of fire science evolved in recent years? "Technology has added tools like drones, better fire modeling, and improved communication systems. Environmental risks, especially wildfires, have shifted focus toward prevention and large-scale incident management. Policies now emphasize community risk reduction and stronger cooperation across agencies." Are there concentrations gaining importance in this field? "Yes. Arson Investigation remains a steady need, especially for legal and insurance cases. Emergency Management and Wildland Fire have both grown in importance as communities face bigger disasters and more frequent wildfires." Which skills do you consider most essential for today’s fire science graduates? "Clear thinking under stress is the most important. Strong communication matters too, both for leading teams and for working with the public. A solid understanding of prevention and building safety rounds out the skill set." EXPERT TIP
FAQs About Choosing the Best 91³ÉÈË Fire Science DegreesHow Can You Compare 91³ÉÈË Fire Science Degree Levels?The fire science bachelor’s degree can open up entry-level and advanced fire safety positions. Current firefighters can complete a bachelor’s in order to qualify for administrative positions such as assistant chief, deputy chief, or chief.
Students should contact the firefighting agencies in the state where they hope to work in order to learn about the type of academic programs their state prefers. The National Fire Academy offers standardized national training and also offers information about two- and four-year fire science and emergency response programs across the United States. What Admission Requirements Should You Compare in 91³ÉÈË Fire Science Bachelor’s Programs?The bachelor’s degree in fire science provides students with a thorough understanding of fire response tactics and sharpens critical thinking and fire service administration skills. These degrees may be traditional four-year programs requiring 120 credit hours, or they may be bachelor’s completion programs, designed for current associate-level fire personnel. Applicants need a high school diploma or associate degree, depending on the program type. Applicants must also be physically fit in order to complete practical training. What Courses and Skills Should You Look for in an 91³ÉÈË Fire Science Bachelor’s Degree?Core courses in the fire science bachelor’s cover the role of fire services and how to respond properly to fires in different types of structures. Students learn how to read a fire and apply an understanding of combustion and how fires spread in order to anticipate how a particular structure will burn. In on-site training sessions, students work with water supplies and different extinguishing strategies. A key function of the bachelor’s program in fire science is also to provide leadership and administration skills. Fire and emergency staffing, budgeting, public policy administration, and organizational behavior are some commonly required courses. Other classes look at special functions of fire services, like their role in mitigating natural disasters. Student Reviews of 91³ÉÈË Fire Science ProgramsI like the curriculum. The professors are industry professionals, not just teachers. That gives me a lot of confidence in their experience. Industry professionals as instructors lend credibility to the program. Sometimes the discussion boards are cumbersome, but I understand the value of the process. More live lectures would be nice so I feel more connected. Review Date: 5/6/2026 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I went in thinking I was not going to accomplish much. I was not a great student in any other of the schools I went to but the layout was easy, the teachers were awesome and explained everything in both a in service ans civilian perspective as I am not in the fire service but soon hope to be. Review Date: 5/18/2024 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I have had an excellent experience with Purdue Global. I was able to transfer previous college credit. They use this quarter credit hour system that lowers their advertised per credit hour rate but requires 180 hours, as compared to 120 hours for a bachelors degree. This is the only negative that I have to say about Purdue Global. The only reason to use this type of system is to give the false impression of reduced cost. Cost was a major factor for me completing my education. I was not fooled, however,... Read More Review Date: 5/26/2020 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Great classes and flexible schedule. Staff and professors were easy to reach and responded very quickly to questions. If you are employed full-time the life pace program should work well for you. Eight weeks to complete the course is sufficient time. Review Date: 3/26/2018 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I found that CSU was the best choice for me. The class style means you have to be a self starter. As long as you put in the work you can do this type of school. If you are someone who is very busy with life, this is your school. I have truly enjoyed this school and would suggest it to any firefighter or police officer I know that needs to complete their education. Great staff and impressive operation in Orange Beach AL. Many of my co-workers have spoken with me about this school and have signed up... Read More Review Date: 10/30/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I found that CSU was the right school for me. The work load dose make you have to be a self starter. As long as you put in the work you can do this type of school. If you are someone who has to have a teacher standing over you 24-7 to finnish, this is not your school. I have recomened this school to alot of my coworkers and have had a real good response. Review Date: 10/2/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes My degree was entirely online. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the mentors and faculty. they were all very knowledgeable and easy to learn from. their one -on-one help made completing assignments a breeze. The virtual classroom layouts were easy to navigate and well structured. the only issue i ran into was that at the end of my course work to graduate, the review board assumed that one legal class was the only deciding factor to my graduation despite having taken two other courses that covered... Read More Review Date: 8/2/2018 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes It is a good school. Classes were good and dealt with my field of study. Professors were knowledgeable and helpful. Only regret I have is they are not regionally accredited, only nationally accredited, that does not take away from the education I received. Just some employers require a regionally accredited school. Review Date: 10/10/2015 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Great college! Columbia Southern gave me the opportunity to work, while I was in college. My hours are different than your typical 9 to 5 job, so I could complete assignments late at night, weekends, or early in the morning. The professors were encouraging and honest. This college was a wonderful experience for me. Review Date: 1/2/2016 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I obtained my Bachelors degree (Fire Science) from Anna Maria and I can honestly say it was a wonderful experience. I worked full time and usually took 1-2 classes each semester. I graduated with honors and the degree has already had a very positive effect on my career. The classes are a lot of work. You will get very intimate with the APA format and you will write a lot of papers but you will also get an amazing education. I could not be happier and would definitely recommend it to others. Review Date: 12/18/2014 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I am a current student at EKU richmond campus. This year 2018 they decided to cut so many program wether its sports or academics to save money. I believe cutting these programs will not save money as they bring in students to pay for the degree. This campus will eventually become a community college (Already feels like it). The food at EKU is horrible. Housing is decent if you live in a new dorm if not to bad for you. Oh and listen to this there trying to save money but there building a second Rec... Read More Review Date: 4/16/2018 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: No My degree in fire science administration didn't help me immediately in my career, but feel I feel it helped me to progress into a well rounded and capable leader. I feel it certainly gave me a step up on other candidates for promotion. The exposure to professionals who valued education early in my career was very helpful in developing me as a professional. Review Date: 7/22/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Related Articles |