Fire Science Schools

So you have decided that you want to pursue a career in fire science but you are not sure which school is right for you.  In general, in order to become a fire fighter you are going to want to have a minimum of an associate’s degree and most likely a bachelor’s degree in fire science.  It’s not required in all areas of the country but it certainly gives you a leg up on the competition.  There are several great schools that offer fire science programs and we are going to show you the best of the best below:

Best Fire Science Schools

	Kaplan University - Kaplan is easily one of the most recognized and successful online colleges. They offer multiple degree programs for just about every discipline including some great degrees for fire fighters in their criminal justice programs. We highly recommend their associate's of applied science in fire science degree for firefighting professionals. They do offer associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees online. Kaplan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission which is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
	Ashford University - Ashford was established in 1918 and has really made a name for itself for providing a wide array of degrees and programs The most recommended degree for fire science students is their bachelor of arts in fire science administration it teaches all of the fundamentals needed to advance your career in fire safety and prevention. They do offer associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees online. Ashford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
	Keiser University - Keiser University's Associate of Science degree in Fire Science provides instruction in fire prevention methods, fire detection systems, fire codes, fire investigation rescue, safety and salvage procedures, hazardous materials, pump operations, fire behavior, plans reading and extinguishment. This is a great university that offers several degrees in fire science and public safety. Keiser University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
	Upper Iowa University - This university was established in 1857 and has been delivering a quality education ever since. They offer multiple degree programs for people pursuing fire sciences. The most recommended degree is their bachelor of arts in public administration with a fire science emphasis. They do offer associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees online. Upper Iowa University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
	Columbia Southern University - The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science is designed to provide students with the general education and technical training to succeed as a Fire Science professional. Like many of the other fire science schools you can get an associate's or bachelor's degree in several public safety fields at CSU. Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council.
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We put together some excellent degree programs above to prepare you for a career as a firefighter. We really want you to provide a unique value proposition as you apply for your first job as a fire fighter. While there is no set formula for becoming a fire fighter that will guarantee you the job of your dreams, there are definitely things that you can do to help your cause. Here is a quick list:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science or Criminal Justice
2. EMT Certificate – Get your EMT certificate and don’t let it expire.
3. Paramedic License – Get you paramedic license and don’t let it expire.
4. CPR Certifications – (CPR for the Professional Rescuer, CPR for Healthcare Providers)
5. Firefighter 1 – Academy Certificate
6. Firefighter 1 – State Certification
7. Volunteer experience – volunteer at a local fire department doing anything at all to get experience
8. EMT experience – since fire fighters normally respond with EMT personnel, it’s important to be prepared
9. Ambulance driver’s license – make sure you keep this current

You can see from the list above that it takes some time and effort to become a fire fighter and to really make yourself marketable in this industry.  Don’t be afraid to go for the job of your dreams.