Edited By Barani Krishnan
Review & Contribution By Dr. William Clark
The masters in fire science degree programs help prospective grad students further improve their abilities, and better qualifies them for leadership and administrative jobs in the industry by building on the foundation they acquired from their prior studies and on-the-job training. Students in a masters in fire science can learn more about leadership, financial, and management tactics through the courses in these programs and prepare them for responsible roles in fire safety. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be an average of 2,100 new job vacancies for fire inspectors every year between 2020 and 2030, representing an increase in employment of 11%. This guide will help potential students understand what the online fire science master’s degree is all about, why they should consider it, and its various aspects such as duration, curriculum, career options, and more.
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Southern New Hampshire University
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Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
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National University
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National University, headquartered in San Diego, California, was founded in 1971 to provide educational opportunities for adult learners and working professionals. It offers over 190 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with flexible online and on-campus courses. Serving around 40,000 students and over 240,000 alumni, the university is recognized for its support of U.S. military members. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), National University is committed to accessible and transformative higher education.
Best Masters in Fire Science Programs Including Online Programs
All the necessary components of a top-notch curriculum that satisfies a student’s demands and is respected by employers would be found in the best colleges offering masters in fire science programs. Prospective students should think about the school’s infrastructure as well as the caliber and subject-matter expertise of the professors, the range of courses offered, the availability of student support services, accreditation, etc., before applying to the best colleges for firefighting. After comparing many of them nationwide against these and other standards, Find Best Degrees (FBD) teams came up with the following ranking of the top fire science colleges: *
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| University of Maryland | NULL, College Park, Maryland 20742 | $15,360 | 87% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from the Masters in Fire Science Programs
For working professionals with several years of experience in firefighting, fire investigation, fire protection, or a related subject who desire to advance into top-tier leadership roles, most frequently in administration or investigation, the online fire science master’s degree is an excellent choice. Master’s degree programs in fire science are known for their advanced and specialized education and training. To understand more about a master’s degree, read the Guide to Master Programs.
Students pursuing a master’s degree in fire science will acquire the wide range of abilities required to excel as leaders in their industry. They will learn different leadership philosophies, the art of persuasion, and decision-making techniques through their core and elective courses. They will also learn how to conduct safety audits, acquire advanced knowledge of legal and regulatory aspects of their industry, and create effective policies.
Studying fire science can be done in person, online, or both. When it comes to academic content and quality, online courses are on par with traditional classroom courses. Prospective online students should be aware that for courses requiring hands-on labs and workshops, online schools offer brief, intensive sessions on campus or at a participating fire and emergency service agency in towns where online students work or live.
Graduate-level coursework in fire science at most colleges will include:
Principles of Fire Science Technology
This course provides an overview of the technological aspects of emergency services and fire protection, culture and history of emergency services, organization and function of public and private fire protection services, fire loss analysis, fire departments as a part of local government, fire service nomenclature, specific fire protection functions, laws and regulations affecting the fire service, basic fire physics and chemistry, as well as introductions to the fire service.
Detection, Alarm, and Smoke Control
This course elaborates on the fundamentals of fire detection using smoke, heat, and flame detectors. The electrical interface with fire/smoke detectors and fire alarm technology are discussed in the context of modern equipment and installation standards. Building smoke control for survivability and safe egress is studied in the context of buoyancy and HVAC-based smoke control systems.
Fire Safety Regulation and Management
This course studies how fire safety is managed using the model building and fire codes, performance-based codes, retroactive codes, administrative regulation, and risk-based regulation. Students will also learn how to identify and utilize various tools and techniques for managing fire risk.
Fire Protection Systems
This course provides insights into the relevant physical and chemical phenomena most frequently found in gaseous agents, foam, and dry chemical systems. Current installation and approval standards, as well as typical contemporary installations, are reviewed. Students also learn about automatically activated fire suppression and detection systems.
Other courses in an online master’s in fire science include:
- Process and Transportation Hazards
- Industrial Protection
- Fire Dynamics
- Emergency Crisis Communication
- Fire Protection Fluids
- Fire Chemistry and Physics with Lab
- Multiple Alarm Command & Control
- Explosion Protection
- Building Construction for Fire Protection
- Fire Prevention
- Building Fire Safety
- Advance Fire Suppression
- Community Risk Reduction
- Failure Analysis
- Fire Investigation
- Fire Modeling
Degree Types for Masters in Fire Science Programs
Many universities offer interdisciplinary master’s degrees, such as a Master of Occupational Health & Safety in Fire Science, a Master of Engineering in Fire Science, or a Master of Public Health & Safety in Fire Science. However, the master’s in fire science program is primarily divided into two types: the Master of Arts or MA in Fire Science and the Master of Science or MS in Fire Science. The knowledge and skills students learn during their programs will not change depending on the type of master’s degree they choose, nor will their employment prospects.
Master of Arts in Fire Science
The Master of Arts in fire science or MA fire science is a more academic degree that heavily leans on humanities and liberal arts subjects. Those who wish to continue their education and enroll in a Ph.D. or pursue careers in academia are best suited for this type of degree. It is noteworthy that the MA in fire science is hard to come by compared to the MS in fire science.
Master of Science in Fire Science
The Master of Science in fire science or MS fire science is a more technical degree that leans on science and mathematics subjects. Those who want to work immediately after graduation or pursue a terminal degree are best suited for this type of degree. The MS in fire science is more commonly found than the MA in fire science.
- MS in Fire Management
- MS in Emergency Services Administration
- MS in Fire Protection Engineering
- MS in Arson/Incident Investigations
- MS in Public Safety Leadership and Administration
- MS in General Fire Engineering
- MS in Public Administration
- MS in Emergency Management
- MS in Fire Science
Areas of Specialization for Masters in Fire Science Programs
A great way to add value to one’s master’s degree is to specialize within the subject area. Specializations provide additional knowledge and skills and allow students to develop the expertise necessary for a crucial component in fire science that could result in specialized careers. Most colleges offer concentrations or let students select from a variety of electives and specialized courses. Examples of fire science specializations for master’s degrees include:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Fire and Arson Investigation | The focus on fire and arson investigation investigates how to identify the source of a fire at a fire scene. To determine whether any criminal activity was involved, students learn how to gather and examine the evidence discovered at a fire scene. The regulations governing fire investigations and evidence gathering are also thoroughly examined in this specialty. | Students pursuing this concentration are prepared for careers as investigators in local, state, or federal law enforcement and fraud detection and fire investigation in both the public and commercial sectors. They can also work as independent consultants. |
| Fire Technology (Fire Protection Administration and Technology) | The technological components of fire science are highlighted in this concentration. The focus is on fire control through design, construction, and fixed fire suppression systems. Students are better equipped to apply fundamental engineering principles to the fire problem by combining fire science and engineering courses. A focus on code compliance and fire prevention is also present. | Students pursuing this concentration are prepared for careers that meet future technical challenges in the public and commercial sectors. |
| Fire and Emergency Management (Fire Management Degree) | This specialization aims to give emergency management professionals and first responders a broad knowledge base while also preparing them for emerging issues in areas like human resources, technology, and financial responsibility. Students also learn how to handle emergencies that are unrelated to fires, such as those caused by terrorism or natural disasters. | Students pursuing this concentration are prepared for careers in fire protection and emergency services in both the public and commercial sectors. They can also become first responders. |
| Fire Leadership | The management and leadership aspects of fire prevention and suppression are emphasized in this concentration. Students who pursue this concentration gain a competitive edge in the fire service and related industries while learning to be innovative leaders and grow as a group. | Students pursuing this concentration are prepared for careers in responsible and senior roles within local, state, or federal law enforcement and the public and commercial sectors. |
| Fire Protection Engineering (Masters in Fire Engineering) | The ‘science’ portion of the fire science degree is highlighted by this specialization. The physics and chemistry of fires, including how they begin, spread, and can be put out, are topics covered. Students pursuing a masters in fire protection engineering can review engineering and construction plans, evaluate sprinkler systems in homes and other structures, and offer recommendations to factories and other businesses on how to improve their fire safety protocols. | Students pursuing this concentration are prepared for careers in fire protection, fire prevention engineering, and fire investigation in both the public and commercial sectors. |
| Fire Science Administration (Fire Administration Degree) | This concentration teaches teamwork and equips students with the ability to ensure team members complete their tasks safely and effectively. While the emphasis is on keeping people safe, it also emphasizes how crucial it is to keep those who put out fires and prevent them safe. | Students pursuing this concentration are prepared for careers as administrators and managers in local, state, or federal law enforcement and the public and commercial sectors. |
Why should I get into Masters in Fire Science Degree Programs?
When faced with certain challenging situations, firefighters can rely on their technical knowledge and years of experience. However, it can become apparent for fire service leaders how valuable a degree is when they encounter difficulties with tasks like data analysis, assessing organizational culture, or dealing with political situations. Regardless of whether one has prior experience fighting fires, earning a fire science masters degree online will position one for a wide range of possibilities across several industries. There are master’s degree programs available for those looking to pursue cutting-edge research in subjects including resource allocation, construction engineering, budgetary planning, and fire prevention.
For those looking for senior managerial positions in the fire service or other commercial establishments requiring fire services, master’s degree programs in fire science often emphasize developing strategic administrative competencies. With an online master’s degree in fire science, graduates could look for upper-level management jobs in fire departments or local and national government organizations, such as fire chiefs or fire marshals. Senior positions in the field often lead to good salaries as well. For example, the average fire chief salary is $81,818 per year.
As for the skills one would have acquired from an online masters in fire science degree, graduates can expect to have the ability to:
- assess administrative methods that are considered industry standards in relation to fire service organizational management;
- determine and evaluate a building’s structural constraints and possibility for collapse and fire spread;
- differentiate the many kinds of extinguishing agents and identify the main theories behind fire behavior and combustion;
- know how to manage risks and how to mitigate them as they apply to emergency services;
- analyze how risk management contributes to the right development of plans and tactics that will safely and effectively reduce the impact of emergencies like fires;
- talk about current, pressing emergency service concerns intelligibly and succinctly (verbally and/or in writing);
- be service-oriented and moral professional leaders to team members and communities in need of support;
- utilize software and/or technology that is currently available to gather information, evaluate it, and develop solutions to improve emergency decision-making;
- recognize the theoretical principles that influence the main categories of building construction; and
- identify the effects of code enforcement on property loss and human lives.
Free Courses for Masters in Fire Science Students
Free courses can broaden one’s grasp of a particular topic in the field of fire science or introduce new ideas in the discipline. Students working toward a master’s degree in fire science online have the option of enrolling in free online courses that can help them prepare for exams or complete assignments. It must be noted that most free courses do not come with a credential that would be considered valuable in the workplace. Explore some of these online learning platforms and free courses:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Various Topics Related to Fire Science | Alison offers students free, in-depth courses that are broken down into manageable chunks and provide a list of realistic learning objectives. Courses are offered in three learning levels and cover topics like Fire Safety – Essential Concepts, Prevention & Control, Chemical Safety: Fires & Explosions, Firefighting Prevention and Equipment on Board Ships, etc. | Alison |
| Fire Safety | In-depth information about the risks and causes of fire, as well as management and prevention methods, are provided in this free course. Students are taught how to identify the type of fire, the type of fuel used, the conditions that lead to combustion, and how to extinguish a fire at work. Emergency preparedness and evacuation planning are also covered. | Workhub |
| Various Topics Related to Fire Science | The National Fire Academy (NFA) provides fire and emergency services personnel and students with self-study, online instructor-led, and online instructor-led live courses, the majority of which are free and offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). An NFA certificate and an update to the candidate’s NFA transcript are given upon successful completion. | National Fire Academy (NFA) |
How to get into Masters in Fire Science Degree Programs?
Although typically straightforward, applying to universities can be difficult and demand careful thought. Every college has its own admissions requirements, and they are all selective. Extracurricular activities, a high Grade Point Average (GPA), an undergraduate degree (in fire science), good test scores, and a show of physical strength and stamina are all advantages. It is always a good idea to double-check with the admissions office for the most recent information on admissions, as the precise prerequisites for one’s preferred college may differ. Some of the master’s in fire science admissions requirements include:
Online Application & Application Fee
Completing an online application and paying the prescribed application fee.
Academic Transcripts
An official copy of academic transcripts from each college/university attended.
Undergraduate Degree + Grade Point Average
An undergraduate degree in fire science and a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 or more.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Scores
An official copy of GRE or GMAT scores no older than 5 years.
Graduate Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
The latest résumé or CV that provides personal information and work experience.
Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
A statement outlining how the program relates to the applicant’s career goals.
Letters of Recommendation
At least 2 letters of recommendation from those who can provide a thorough evaluation of the applicant’s abilities at the graduate level.
Proof of English Proficiency
A document proving proficiency in English (if the native tongue is or education was not in English).
Note: Some institutions need confirmation of Emergency Medication Technician (EMT) certification, prior experience in emergency response, and/or a passing grade on a physical fitness test, much as they do for fire science programs at other levels.
Masters in Fire Science No GRE Programs
Most American universities require candidates to submit their GRE or GMAT scores when applying for a master’s degree. But because fire science departments at most colleges typically offer professional programs intended to prepare students for applied work, in contrast to graduate programs in most fields that concentrate on preparing students for doctoral programs and research positions, GRE scores might not be required. Other factors, such as an applicant’s Grade Point Average (GPA), expertise in particular subjects, work experience, certifications, and licensure, are also usually considered for admission to a master’s in fire science program.
How long does it take to complete the Masters in Fire Science Degree Programs
A master’s degree program in fire science can take 2 to 3 years to complete full-time, depending on the coursework, concentration, certification and/or licensure requirements, internship, and the school. Part-time students will take longer to complete their programs. Here is a quick summary of the duration of a fire science master’s:
- Time to complete full-time fire science master’s online degree program: about 2 to 3 Years.
- Time to complete part-time fire science master’s online degree program: between 4 and 6 years.
- Maximum time to complete a fire science master’s online degree program: up to 7 years.
- Typical number of credits: 36 to 64 (estimated range; varies by program)
Accelerated Masters in Fire Science Programs
For students who want to finish school quickly and enter the workforce, accelerated and fast-track master’s degrees are a great option. Many colleges and universities offer accelerated programs that let students graduate in five instead of the usual six years by combining a four-year undergraduate degree with a one-year graduate degree. In a few rare cases, schools merely permit students to enroll in more classes, enabling them to complete their degrees in less time than the typical two years. In some universities, students may be eligible to gain credit toward their master’s degree if they obtained their credentials from a body recognized by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the U.S. Department of Defense Firefighter Certification System. Credit for courses taken and completed at the National Fire Academy may also be granted, along with other certifications and work experience.
Accreditations for Master’s in Fire Science Programs
Accreditation can support the long-term value of a college degree and enable the school or college to participate in federal student financial aid programs like scholarships, grants, and loans. When a college or fire science program is accredited, a third party has evaluated the institution and compared it to regional or national academic and training standards. Degree programs in fire and emergency services are frequently accredited by one of six regional authorities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or both. These regional authorities are:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education(MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) or other online education organizations may also accredited online colleges and programs. It is also possible for the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and/or Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) to accredit the fire science master’s program rather than the entire college.
Master’s in fire science students can check the accreditation status of their college on the official USDE or CHEA websites. Discover why accreditation is a critical component of college education in the Guide to College Accreditation.
How to Pay for Online Masters Fire Science Degree Programs?
At a public university, a master’s degree in fire science can cost approximately $11,000 per year (over $900 per credit hour) and up to $25,000 per year (over $2,000 per credit hour) at a private university. Although online programs are usually less expensive and do not require students to pay for accommodation, transportation, or meals, some students could find the costs too much to bear on their own. With such higher costs to bear, How to Pay for College? Here are some of the funding options students can consider:
Scholarships
Scholarships are financial awards given to deserving students with no repayment requirements. Usually, they are given out in honor of a student’s achievements, whether extracurricular or academic. Applicants may be given scholarships based on their performance or other criteria by individuals, community organizations, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions.
Grants
Grants, as opposed to scholarships, typically given based on academic merit, can be provided for merit, a personal circumstance, or financial need. In addition to tuition, grants can be used to cover other educational expenses like books, transportation, library fees, living expenses, and more. Like scholarships, grants are “free money” that is not required to be repaid.
Student Loans
College tuition can also be paid with student loans. Banks or the federal government frequently disperse loans. It is important to keep in mind that loans have interest associated with them, which must be repaid along with the principal amount either all at once or over time in equal installments. To learn how to apply for loan forgiveness to stop repaying student loans, read about Donors for Student Loans and Grants for Student Loans.
Military Discounts
Some colleges and universities provide active-duty service members and veterans with special discounts and refunds on their fire science degree programs. These discounts can sometimes vary from 35% to over 55%.
FAFSA
The Free Application For Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a federal financial aid application that all prospective and current college students must fill out to see if they are eligible for financial aid and get the best financial aid package available. More information is available in the FAFSA Student Aid handbook.
Find out more about college funding in the What is Financial Aid? guide.
Scholarships for Masters in Fire Science Degree Programs
With the high cost of a master’s degree, students often find themselves in need of financial assistance to help with their education expenses. They can look at an outside funding source, the most popular being scholarships. Here are a few that support candidates for an online fire science master’s degree:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFCF) Scholarships | The International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFCF) provides scholarships to students to support the educational requirements of its firefighting men and women and to ensure they are prepared to face challenges in the real world. The IAFCF offers 10 distinct scholarship programs open to students of any gender, community, or ethnicity. | Varies | Varies |
| The International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF) Scholarship Program | The International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF) Scholarship Program promotes scholarly and academic pursuits and graduate-level training within the global wildland fire community. The IAWF provides scholarships to those studying wildland fire or wildland fire-related topics. | 2 scholarships of $3,000 each | Closed for 2023 | TBA for 2024 |
| W. H. “Howie” McClennan Scholarship | The W. H. “Howie” McClennan Scholarship offers financial support to the sons, daughters, or adopted children of firefighters who died in the line of duty and who intend to enroll in a university, accredited college, or other higher education institution. | $2,500 per year | February 01, annually |
FAQs Related to the Masters in Fire Science Programs
Is a fire science masters online?
Yes! A fire science master’s degree can be earned entirely online. Earning this degree online is a sensible option for someone who works a full-time job and wants to do so to change careers or advance in their current ones. Many online universities allow their students to schedule their classes for times that work best for them. Additionally, students taking online courses in fire science have the flexibility to attend lessons from any location – from the convenience of their own home to a library, park, or café.
How long is a masters in fire science?
What can you do with masters in fire science?
How hard is a degree in fire science?
How to get into a fire science master’s degree?
Where can I work with a master’s in fire science?
What will I learn in an online fire science master’s program?
How to become a fire protection engineer?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after Masters in Fire Science Degrees
Like all master’s degrees, the education one receives from an online master’s in fire science provides a solid knowledge base that equips graduates to handle any challenges they may encounter in the real world. Graduates should note that a chosen profession might need more training, certification, or experience. Nevertheless, students of a fire science master’s are prepared for careers and advancement in roles like:
- Fire Inspector
- Fire Investigator
- Insurance Company Consultant
- Construction Trades Fire Consultant
- Building Inspector
- Fire Insurance Manager
- Arson Inspectors and Forensic Specialist
- Fire Chief
- Fire Investigator (public and private)
- Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Specialist
- Forest Firefighter
- Fire and Arson Investigations Detective
- Firefighter
- Fire Marshal
- Executive Fire Officers and Chief
As for growth prospects, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that while employment of firefighters is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, employment of fire inspectors is projected to grow 11% during the same period. Here are some statistical data and job descriptions of a few fire science occupations:
| Occupation | Job Description | Skills Required | Job Growth (up to 2030) | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Inspectors/Investigators | Median Annual Salary | Communication skills, physical strength, critical-thinking skills, detail-oriented | 11% (faster than average) | $63,080 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians | Occupational health and safety specialists research and evaluate various work processes and environments in different settings. They inspect workplaces to ensure they adhere to fire, safety, health, and environmental standards. These specialists also perform various tests and assess risks to see that harm and injury to workers, property, the environment, and the general public are avoided as best as possible. | Problem-solving skills, communication skills, detail-oriented, physical stamina, ability to use technology | 7% (as fast as average) | $74,870 |
| Firefighters | Firefighters are the key to putting out fires. They respond to situations involving people, property, or the environment in addition to putting out fires inside burning buildings and rescuing everyone inside them. They also offer any necessary medical care to those who require it. | Physical stamina, physical strength, compassion, communication skills, decision-making skills, mental preparedness | 8% (as fast as average) | $50,700 |
Some other roles and their annual median salaries in fire science are:
Certifications and Licensing for Masters in Fire Science Students
Acquiring certification can demonstrate ability and teach new skills. Certifications are also an endorsement of a person’s proficiency by experts. For jobs involving fire, certification and licensure are necessary for every state in the U.S., though individual states may have different requirements. After completing their initial training, fire professionals typically need to renew their certifications every year by enrolling in additional training. There are many different certifications and licenses, so prospective employees should check with local or state authorities or potential employers to find out what is required. Here are a few examples to help understand the different fire science credentials and authorizations needed for various positions:
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI)
The National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) offers the Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) designation, which has the dual benefits of creating a standard for evaluating the qualifications of people conducting fire, arson, and explosion investigations as well as a benchmark for investigators looking to establish their professional credentials. The CFEI program also manages a global registry recognizing certified fire and explosion investigators.
Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI)
The International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) offers the Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) credential as a standardized assessment of a fire investigator’s education and experience. To become certified, one must submit a thorough application with supplementary materials, earn enough points for training, education, and experience, and pass a demanding, comprehensive exam.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certifications
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers training and various certifications demonstrating a candidate’s knowledge and competence in a specific task or aspect of fire science. Among the many certifications NFPA offers, some include:
- Certified Electrical Safety Worker (CESW)
- Certified Electrical Safety Technician (CEST)
- Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP)
- Certified Emergency Power Systems Specialist for Facility Managers (CEPSS)
- Certified Emergency Power Systems Specialist for Health Care Facility Managers (CEPSS-HC)
- Certified Fire Alarm ITM Specialist (CFAITMS) for Facility Managers
- Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)
- Certified Fire Inspector I (CFI)
- Certified Fire Inspector II (CFI)
- Certified Fire Plan Examiner (CFPE)
- Certified Hazard Recognition Specialist (CHRS)
- Certified Life Safety Specialist (CLSS-HC) for Health Care Facility Managers
- Certified Sprinkler ITM Specialist for Facility Managers (CSITMS)
- Certified Water-Based Fire Protection System Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (WBITM)
Candidates for several private sector employment must already possess these certificates.
Pro Board Accredited Certification
The Pro Board, founded in 1972, is the first system in fire service to accredit organizations that certify applicants to the various disciplines and levels listed in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Professional Qualification set of standards. The Pro Board has accredited over 70 organizations, and they grant accredited certification to fire service personnel in North America and other countries.
In some states, it is also common for candidates to hold one or more Emergency Medical Treatment (EMT) certifications from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), such as the:
Additional Resources for Masters
in Fire Science Students
Utilizing a range of tools and resources allows students and professionals to obtain the most current knowledge on fire science, make the most of opportunities for networking, participate in free training sessions and workshops, and improve their chances of finding better career opportunities. The following resources are available to interested students and professionals, and they can be used to locate these and other materials and information connected to fire science:
International Association for Fire Safety Science (IAFSS)
The International Association for Fire Safety Science (IAFSS) was established with the main goal of promoting research in the field of fire prevention and mitigation science and providing a forum for disseminating the findings of such research. The IAFSS believes its role is to advance the scientific understanding of unsolved fire challenges. Membership in the organization provides access to symposium papers, tech notes, events, news, journals, etc.
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and its members protect more than 85% of the population in communities and localities across the United States and Canada. Over 328,000 full-time professional firefighters and paramedics are represented by the IAFF through more than 3,500 affiliates. The IAFF website has a video library, an online learning center, education and training services, and more.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a professional organization “devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards.” It has over 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy programs, through which it provides information and knowledge.
International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF)
The International Association of Black Professional Firefighters (IABPFF) was formed to unite black firefighters from all over the world, to collect and evaluate data on all harmful conditions in all areas where minorities live, and to put together information about unfair working conditions in the fire service and take steps to fix them. Membership to the IABPFF provides a host of benefits, including webinars, journals, events, etc.
The Federal Wildland Fire Service Association (FWFSA)
The Federal Wildland Fire Service Association (FWFSA) is an employee group for federal wildland firefighters started in 1990. It is the political voice for all federal firefighters who work in wilderness areas. Members come from every type of firefighter job, from new recruits to officers in charge. The FWFSA provides a forum for members to become active advocates in raising awareness and educating those in government who can effect positive change.