Online Fire Science Degree

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Carmen Norris
Written By - Carmen Norris

Check MarkEdited By Barani Krishnan

Check MarkReview & Contribution By Dr. William Clark

Fire service personnel and individuals interested in the field of fire science have the chance to advance their careers by obtaining an online fire science degree. In-depth fire prevention and protection teaching will be provided to students who enroll in online bachelor’s in fire science degree programs. Students learn how to perform their jobs as a part of the delivery system for public services, which depends on cooperation. They will gain knowledge of the essential elements of their employment, including the integration of policies and the legislative frameworks that impact the fire service. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of fire inspectors is projected to grow by 11% from 2020 to 2030, with about 2,100 openings for fire inspectors to be added each year, on average. This guide will help potential students comprehend the fire science degree and provide information on possible career paths, funding options, certifications, etc.

Online Fire Science Degree

Southern New Hampshire University

PROGRAM: Find Best Degree

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.

We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.

SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.

Best Online Fire Science Degree Programs

The best colleges for fire science programs would feature all the essential elements of a top-notch curriculum that would satisfy students’ demands and be respected by employers. Before applying to the best colleges for firefighting, prospective students should consider the infrastructure of the institution as well as the caliber and expertise of the professors, the variety of courses provided, the accessibility to student support services, accreditation, etc. The following ranking of the best fire science colleges was created by Find Best Degrees (FBD) after evaluating many programs across the country: *

The University of Florida (UF) is a public land-grant research university located in Gainesville, Florida. It was founded in 1853 and is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. UF has 16 academic colleges and over 150 research centers and institutes, providing a wide range of graduate professional programs, including business administration, engineering, law, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine.
Univ Address Tuition Grad Rate
University of Florida 341 Tigert Hall 300 SW 13th St, Gainesville, Florida 32611 $3,876 75%

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 Fire Science Degree Programs

So, what is a fire science degree? The bachelor in fire science degree online is a comprehensive undergraduate degree that studies fire safety, fire suppression methods, fire behavior, fire prevention, and fire protection, among other related things. Read our complete Guide to Bachelor Programs for deeper insights into undergraduate degrees.

Through a fire science degree program, students gain knowledge of how to perform their jobs as a part of the delivery system for public services, which depends on cooperation with others. They will gain an understanding of the essential elements of their employment, including the integration of policies and the legislative frameworks that impact the fire service.

Fire science can be studied offline, online, or as a blend. Online courses are equivalent to regular classroom courses in terms of academic content and quality. Prospective online students should note that online schools provide brief, intensive sessions on campus or at a participating fire and emergency service agency in towns where online students work or live for courses that call for hands-on laboratories and workshops.

Colleges that offer fire science degrees offer pertinent curriculum and teaching needed to develop into leadership positions within the fire service profession, including fire safety, fire administration, and investigation. Classes needed for fire science degree vary by program, but here are some examples of courses and classes students can generally expect:

Fire Protection Structure and System Design

This course covers design principles for structural fire protection and automatic suppression systems, along with topics such as fire resistance and endurance, evaluation of flame spread, alarm systems, smoke control, sprinkler innovations, and evaluation of sprinkler system designs. Students are taught how people must be properly trained to respond in concert with the life safety systems and the fire department. They also learn how to design advanced fire suppression systems that can be used across various industries.

Fire Dynamics

This course covers topics like fire chemistry, science, environmental interactions, and responses to chemical and/or natural elements involved in a response. It focuses on the behavior of fires. The student will be able to comprehend the fundamental ideas behind the physical characteristics of matter’s three states, fire safety systems, structural fire protection, and building furnishings. The course will cover the elements and dynamics of fire, the burning process, methods and techniques for putting out fires, and suppression agents and strategies.

Fire Regulation, Policy, and Law

In this course, students are introduced to a variety of fire law and regulation topics. This course’s primary goal is to familiarize them with the laws and rules that will affect their line of work. By teaching the student the basic search, reading, and comprehension techniques for the various fire statutes and regulations, this course enables students to acquire a basic knowledge of the law in each specified subject area that directly or indirectly affects fire services. Public policy, law, and regulations pertaining to fire mitigation, response, and recovery are the main topics of this course. The course covers legal issues, risk, as well as general and particular public law and national, state, and local fire regulations.

Emergency Planning

This course studies the secret to surviving natural and man-made disasters, known as effective emergency planning. Students learn to conduct a risk analysis, create a detailed plan, and conduct a rigorous testing program to survive an emergency. Threat assessment, risk analysis, the creation of a plan, staffing of the emergency operations center (EOC), coordination with supporting agencies, the value of liaison continuity, actual incident management, and efficient follow-up analysis are among the topics covered.

Some of the fire science degree courses found in most programs across colleges include but are not limited to:

  • Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services
  • Fire Behavior and Combustion
  • Emergency and Disaster Incident Command
  • Managerial Issues in Hazardous Materials
  • Fire Prevention
  • Human Resource Management
  • Fire Protection in Building Construction
  • Fire Safety and Risk Regulation
  • Psychology of Disaster
  • Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply
  • Fundamentals of Fire Protection
  • Community Fire Mitigation and Protection
  • Research Design and Methods
  • Applications of Fire Research
  • Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival
  • Fire Protection Systems
  • Fire Administration and Finance
  • Incendiary Fire Analysis and Investigation

Degree Types for Fire Science Degree Programs

Although the bachelor’s degree in fire science program primarily is of two types – the Bachelor of Arts or BA in Fire Science and the Bachelor of Science or BS in Fire Science, many schools offer interdisciplinary bachelor’s degrees, such as a Bachelor of Occupational Health & Safety in Fire Science, a Bachelor of Engineering in Fire Science, or a Bachelor of Public Health & Safety in Fire Science. The type of bachelor’s degree only changes upper-level coursework students will have to take during their programs and will not affect the knowledge and skills they acquire or their job prospects.

Bachelor of Arts in Fire Science

A Bachelor of Arts or BA fire science online entails more courses from the liberal arts and humanities domains. The BA is more theoretical and has fewer courses based on science and mathematics. It is ideal for those wanting to move into a Master of Arts (MA) program.

Bachelor of Science in Fire Science

A Bachelor of Science or BS fire science online entails more courses from the mathematics and science domains. The BS is more technical and has fewer courses based on the liberal arts and humanities domains. It is ideal for those who want to enter a Master of Science (MS) program or join the workforce immediately after graduating.

Areas of Specialization for Fire Science Degree Programs

A specialization is a great way to focus on a particular discipline or subject area. By doing a specialization, students can acquire the expertise needed for a critical component that may lead to specialized careers in the sector. Most colleges offer concentrations or let students choose among specialized courses and electives. The following are some examples of bachelor’s degree in fire science specializations:

Area of Specialization Description Career Options
Fire Protection Engineering (Fire Protection Engineering Degree)This specialization emphasizes the ‘science’ component of the fire science degree. Fire protection engineering degree online students are knowledgeable about the physics and chemistry of fires, including how they start, spread, and can be stopped. Students of the fire protection engineering online bachelor degree may examine engineering and construction plans, inspect sprinkler systems in homes and buildings, and advise factories and other businesses on how to enhance their fire safety procedures.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 and Emergency Management (Fire Management Degree)This specialization is intended to equip first responders or people interested in the field of emergency management with a broad range of knowledge while also preparing them for new problems in aspects such as human resources, technology, and fiscal responsibility. Students also learn to respond to emergencies unrelated to fires, including those brought on by natural catastrophes or terrorism.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 and Arson InvestigationThe fire and arson investigation concentration investigates how to ascertain a fire’s origins in fire sites. Students learn how to collect and examine the evidence found at the scene of a fire, checking to see if any criminal behavior was involved. This specialization also comprehensively analyzes the rules governing fire investigations and evidence gathering.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 Science Administration (Fire Administration Degree)This specialization teaches team organization and provides the skills needed to ensure team members do their work safely and efficiently. While the concentration focuses on keeping people safe, it also emphasizes the importance of keeping those who fight and prevent fires and ensure safety.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.
Fire Technology (Fire Protection Administration and Technology)This concentration emphasizes the technological aspects of fire science. Through design, construction, and fixed fire suppression systems, emphasis is placed on fire control. By combining fire science and engineering courses, students are prepared to apply basic engineering concepts to the fire problem. Additionally, there is a focus on code compliance and fire prevention.Students pursuing this concentration are prepared for careers that meet future technical challenges in the public and commercial sectors.
Fire LeadershipThis concentration emphasizes management and leadership in the prevention and suppression of fires. Through this concentration, students learn how to become innovative leaders and develop as a group while also gaining a competitive edge in the fire service and related industries.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.

Why should I get into an Online Fire Science Degree?

An estimated 1.4 million fires were attended to by local fire departments in the U.S. in 2020. About 3,500 civilians lost their lives in these fires, and 15,200 were injured. Property losses were estimated to be $21.9 billion. More fire science experts are needed to lower these numbers and protect communities. So, what can you do with a fire science degree? Students can prepare for a variety of jobs that reduce fire risks, prevent fires, and ultimately save lives by earning a degree in fire science. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are expected to be, on average, 2,100 openings for fire inspectors over the next ten years.

Joining the fire service or the public and commercial sectors that require fire specialists can be a wise career move. Promotions within the firefighting department are possible for program graduates who have already earned their firefighter certification. Additional training is provided to those who want to become fire inspectors through specializations and on-the-job training. These graduates will benefit from having a bachelor’s degree because many employers prefer applicants with a two- or four-year degree in fire science or a closely related field. The undergraduate fire science degree will also enable students to move ahead with a master’s program as well.

On completing this degree, graduates would have developed the ability to:

  • deploy management and leadership concepts on the operational aspects of the fire department, inter-agency collaboration, and application of rules and procedures;
  • use the knowledge and skills needed to operate automated fire protection and suppression systems, as well as to operate in facilities that have these systems installed;
  • manage a large number of workers on emergency scenes while displaying leadership, teamwork, and decision-making;
  • use self-care approaches and tactics to manage the effects of stress and emotional trauma on emergency personnel;
  • apply safe and efficient fire suppression methods and hazard mitigation while working under pressure;
  • recognize and uphold the standards set by the employer for punctuality, security, behavior, and professionalism;
  • identify, analyze, and apply current and emerging concepts and methods in fire prevention and safety and emergency services;
  • develop and put into action adequate patient assessment and treatment plans for patients with a range of medical and traumatic emergencies;
  • describe and practice defensive and safe driving tactics as well as how to operate fire pumps and emergency vehicles;
  • demonstrate comprehension of fundamental safety concepts concerning firefighter life safety programs, with a focus on the necessity of a cultural and behavioral shift within fire and emergency services;
  • use knowledge and training for employment and career progression in the fire and emergency services;
  • conduct fire and life safety inspections and demonstrate familiarity with the fundamentals of fire prevention; and
  • apply strategies, tactics, and incident command/management expertise to crises.

Free Courses for Online Fire Science Degree Students

Free courses can introduce new concepts or deepen one’s understanding of a particular area of fire science. To help get ready for exams or help with assignments, students pursuing a fire science degree can take free courses. Here are a few platforms and free courses to explore:

CourseDescriptionProvided by
Various Topics Related to Fire ScienceThe 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). Upon successful completion, a candidate’s NFA transcript is updated, and they are awarded an NFA certificate.National Fire Academy (NFA)
Various Topics Related to Fire ScienceAlison 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 SafetyThis free course provides in-depth knowledge of the dangers and causes of fire, as well as management and prevention techniques. 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

How to get into the Online Fire Science Degree Programs?

Candidates for bachelor’s degrees in fire science online must have finished their high school education or a GED at the very least. Schools that offer fire science degrees will have different, independent, or additional requirements, so it is best to check with the admissions office for exact information. However, here are some of the foremost bachelor in fire science degree requirements:

  • Admission or Application Form with its prescribed fee.
  • Official Academic Transcripts.
  • A High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) Certificate.
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or more.
  • American College Testing (ACT) / Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) Test Scores
  • Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose (varies by school)
  • Proof of English Proficiency (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.

How long does it take to complete the Online Fire Science Degrees

The typical duration of bachelors degree in fire science online is typically about 4 years, requiring 120 credits. However, the program duration can vary depending on the program’s structure, core courses, electives, concentration areas, and whether the student takes synchronous or asynchronous classes, among other factors. Part-time students will take longer to earn their degrees than full-time students. The average timelines to earn a fire science degree are as follows:

  • Time to complete full-time fire science degree online program: about 4 Years.
  • Time to complete part-time fire science degree online program: between 4 and 6 years.
  • Typical number of credits: 120 (on an average; varies by program)
  • Maximum credits accepted as transfers: 90 (typical; varies by school)

Accelerated Online Fire Science Degree Programs

Many universities provide expedited classes, practical transfer programs, and other alternatives to shorten the duration of a fire science degree because they recognize the needs of working fire service employees. For working firefighters, colleges and universities have created a variety of handy alternatives to complete an online fire science bachelor’s degree quicker than the usually required 4 years. Programs in fire science provide extensive credit transfers in addition to expedited schedules (courses that last only 6 to 8 weeks rather than the typical 16). Many firefighters are halfway to a bachelor’s degree because they already hold associate degrees; they can complete it in as little as 18 months! Furthermore, a fire science bachelor’s degree can be completed in as little as 1 year when credits for prior learning and certifications are added in.

In some universities, students may be eligible to gain credit toward their bachelor’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.

Accreditations for Online Fire Science Degree Programs

In addition to allowing the school or college to participate in federal student financial aid programs like scholarships, grants, and loans, accreditation can support the long-term value of a college degree. When a college or fire science program is accredited, it has undergone evaluation by a third party who compares the institution to local or national academic and training criteria. 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 accredit online colleges and programs. Bachelor’s in fire science students can look up the accreditation status of their college on the official USDE or CHEA websites. 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 program rather than the entire college.

It is critical for students considering a college education to know about accreditation; they must read the Guide to College Accreditation.

How to Pay for Online Fire Science
Degree Programs?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition fee of a bachelor’s degree program in 2019-2020 was $36,372 at public institutions (average of in-state and out-of-state tuition) and $32,769 at private ones. Although online programs are usually less expensive and have the advantage of not requiring students to pay for accommodation, transportation, or meals, some students could find the costs too much for them to bear on their own. Many funding options are available to such students to alleviate their financial burden. Students should read the What is Financial Aid? guide to learn more about funding and what choices are available to them. Meanwhile, a few funding mechanisms for a bachelor’s degree in fire science are:

Scholarships are sums of money given to deserving students that they are not required to repay. They are typically awarded in recognition of a student’s accomplishments, whether they are extracurricular or academic. Scholarships are awarded to applicants by individuals, community groups, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, and educational institutions in accordance with their performance or other standards.

Grants can be given for an accomplishment, a personal circumstance, or financial need, in contrast to scholarships, typically awarded based on academic merit. Grants can be used to pay for books, transportation, library fees, and other educational costs in addition to tuition. They are “free money” that does not have to be repaid, just like scholarships.

Student Loans

Student loans can also pay for college. They are frequently given out by banks or the federal government. It is crucial to remember that loans come with interest attached, which must be paid back alongside the principal amount either at once or over time with 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. It is not uncommon for discounts to vary from 35% to over 55% in some cases.

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.

Read more about college funding in the How to Pay for College guide.

Scholarships for Fire Science Degrees

Scholarships are an excellent option for students looking for outside funding to help with some of their educational expenses. Given the high cost of obtaining a bachelor’s degree, this is an important factor for students to consider. Here are a few that cater to students pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in fire science:

Scholarship Description Award/AmountApplication Deadline
International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFCF) ScholarshipsThe International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFCF) offers scholarships to students to support the educational needs of its firefighting men and women, ensuring they are ready to face real-world challenges. In all, the IAFCF has 10 different scholarship programs targeted at all types of students, across gender, community, and ethnicity.VariesVaries
Edward “Ned” Carter Memorial ScholarshipThe Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York (AFDSNY) offers the Ned Carter Memorial Scholarship Award for graduating high school seniors who will be pursuing a career in a community service-related discipline. These scholarships are named in honor of Past President Ed ‘Ned’ Carter’, and all deceased past presidents of the association.$1,500 x 4 scholarshipsTBA
Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship ProgramThe Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program encourages participants to pursue credit-bearing courses leading to degrees in fire service management, fire service technology, emergency medical technology, or public safety administration with a minor or specialization in fire service management or fire service technology.VariesMay 01, annually

What is the best degree for a firefighter?

Although graduates of other programs can and do work for the fire service, it is recommended that the majority of firefighters major in areas related to fire science, fire technology, or fire administration because these studies have the greatest relation to their employment. Some options to explore and consider include Emergency Medical Services, Emergency and Disaster Management, Leadership and Management (Fire), Firefighter/Paramedic, Emergency Medical Technology, Fire Technology, Emergency Management, and Homeland Security, Fire Administration, and Fire Science.

Can you get a fire science degree online?

What can I do with a fire science degree?

How long does it take to get a fire science degree?

How to become a fire protection engineer?

Is a fire science degree worth it?

Who is the first level supervisor in the fire department?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online Fire Science Degree Programs

After getting some professional experience, having a bachelor’s degree puts an individual in a stronger position to assume leadership roles and pursue career growth opportunities. Graduates will have the professional knowledge needed for promotions and departmental progress and the ability to take on difficulties in inter-agency cooperation, fire technology, financial planning, and human resource management. A bachelor’s degree may be necessary for some jobs, such as:

  • Insurance
  • Local Government
  • Fire Education
  • Fire Inspection
  • Fire Station Management
  • Fire Investigation
  • Fire Prevention
  • Private Fire Protection
  • Public Safety

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that about 27,000 jobs in firefighting and prevention are expected to be added between 2020 and 2030. Salaries are determined by educational qualifications, skills, certifications, work experience, and geographic location. As indicators of what graduates of fire science degrees can expect, here are a few careers related to fire science, their median annual salary, estimated job growth, and skills required:

Occupation Description Skills RequiredMedian Annual SalaryJob Growth (up to 2030)
FirefightersFires are contained and put out by firefighters. In addition to putting out fires inside burning buildings and rescuing everyone inside them, they also respond to situations involving people, property, or the environment and offer any necessary medical care to those who require it.Physical stamina, physical strength, compassion, communication skills, decision-making skills, mental preparedness$50,7008% (as fast as average)
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and TechniciansOccupational health and safety experts and technicians research and evaluate various work processes and environments. Professionals inspect workplaces to make sure that they adhere to safety, health, and environmental standards. To avoid harming workers, property, the environment, and the general public, they perform tests and assess risks.Problem-solving skills, communication skills, detail-oriented, physical stamina, ability to use technology$74,8707% (as fast as average)
Fire Inspectors/InvestigatorsFire inspectors inspect and assess buildings to identify potential fire hazards and confirm that local, state, and federal fire regulations are being followed. A fire investigator is another type of expert in this field who searches for the origin and cause of fires and explosions.Communication skills, physical strength, critical-thinking skills, detail-oriented$63,08011% (faster than average)

Here are a few job titles and average median annual salaries reported by Payscale in 2024:

Certifications and Licensing for
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science

Certifications serve as evidence of one’s expertise from professionals in their fields of practice. All states in the U.S. require certification and licensure for jobs involving fire, though the requirements may vary by state. Inspectors and investigators typically need to renew their certifications every year by taking additional training after they have already received them. There are numerous certifications and licenses, so prospective employees should inquire with potential employers or local or state authorities to determine what is needed. Here are a few illustrations that give a good idea of the types of fire science certifications and licenses that are required for particular roles:

Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI)

The Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) credential is a standardized evaluation of a fire investigator’s training and expertise provided by the International Association of Arson Investigators. An extensive application with supporting documentation, earning enough points for training, education, and experience, and passing a thorough exam are all requirements for certification.

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:

Candidates for several private sector employment must already possess these certificates.

Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI)

The Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) designation from the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) has the dual advantages of generating a benchmark for investigators looking to establish their professional credentials along with a standard for evaluating the qualifications of individuals conducting fire, arson, and explosion investigations. A global registry recognizing certified fire and explosion investigators is also maintained by the CFEI program.

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 Online
Fire Science Degree Students

Students and professionals can get the most recent information on fire science, take advantage of networking opportunities, attend free training sessions and workshops, and find better job opportunities by utilizing a variety of resources. Interested students and professionals can use the following resources to find these and other fire science-related materials and information:

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.

U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)


The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It offers a vast array of tools and resources on fire-related subjects, including training, prevention, operations, grants, opportunities for professional development, etc.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)


The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is one of the country’s oldest physical science laboratories. This government-sponsored website provides several resources related to fire research, firefighting technology, fire safety, fire computation, firefighting tactics, and fire retardants and protective equipment.

National Park Service (NPS)– Fire Response and Prevention

The Fire Response and Prevention division of the National Park Service (NPS) provides ample information for students and professionals to use on topics such as fire preparedness, wildfires, and the organization’s ongoing projects to battle fires within park boundaries across the country.

Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) Library

The Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) Library has several useful open educational resources, including books, manuals, guides, and courses on fire science-related topics, such as fire forensics, advanced fire weather forecast, improving understanding and collaboration among first responders, etc.