Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science
Additional academy training and education not provided by Purdue Global may be required for firefighting or emergency management jobs.
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Program at a Glance
- Purdue Global is recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration as an official Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) institution.
- The online fire science associate’s degree is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
- Build foundational skills in firefighter safety, building codes, fire prevention, code inspection, and firefighting strategy and tactics.
- An internship option allows you to gain valuable on-the-job experience.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
2 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
90
(60 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Overview
Purdue Global’s online fire science associate’s degree serves fire service professionals seeking enhanced skills and knowledge as well as those interested in learning about the fire science field.
The Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science explores the technical and legal aspects of arson, the application of technology to firefighting, and the psychological effects of fire dynamics. Learn from professors who are experienced fire science professionals, bringing real-world knowledge to the courses they teach.
Course Outcomes
Each term, fire science students are assessed on their mastery of the course outcomes, which measure the skills, knowledge, abilities, and behaviors employers expect. View a summary of these assessments. For additional information related to prior learning credits transferred into the program, student success rates, capstone survey results, and the number of graduates for the program, view this document.
Get a Head Start on Your Bachelor's Degree
By completing your associate’s degree, you’ll not only earn a valuable credential to make an immediate impact on your career, but you’ll also lay the groundwork for your next degree. Transfer your associate’s degree into a Purdue Global fire science bachelor’s degree, covering half of the program’s requirements.†
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
FESHE Recognized and IFSAC Accredited
Purdue Global is recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration as an official FESHE institution, and this degree program closely follows the FESHE curriculum model. In addition, this degree program is accredited by IFSAC.
Military Transfer Credit
Servicemembers and veterans can earn a degree faster with our PME2Degree® program. Use our Military Transfer Credit Estimator to see how much of your training counts as credit.
HOW MANY CREDITS HAVE YOU EARNED?
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
Earn Credit Toward Your Degree
We offer several options to help you earn your online fire science associate’s degree faster:
- Articulation agreements with fire academies and fire service associations help you receive credit for previously completed courses and professional learning.*
- If you earned your certifications through an organization that is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the Pro Board, including the U.S. Department of Defense Firefighter Certification System, you may be eligible to receive credit toward your associate’s degree.
- Courses completed through the National Fire Academy may also be eligible for credit.
Alliances to Help You Save on Tuition
We partner with specific organizations, such as the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), to provide members, staff, and immediate family members a significant tuition reduction on our fire science degree programs.‡
What Courses Will I Take?
In the first course, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your degree plan with a faculty member to align your degree path with your career outcomes. Additional coursework addresses general literacy outcomes along with:
- Analytical approaches to fire protection and investigation
- Disaster and fire defense planning
- Hazardous materials management
- The role of the fire service within the community
Sample Courses
- Fire Behavior and Combustion
- Building Construction for Fire Protection
- Fire Protection Systems
- Principles of Emergency Services Strategy and Tactics
- Fire Prevention Tactics
Program Requirements
- Core Credits15
- Major Credits60
- Elective Credits15
- Total Credits90
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the associate's degree program can pursue roles in fire and emergency services organizations and emergency preparedness agencies.
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Judgement and Decision Making
- Operation Monitoring
- Coordination
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Additional academy training and education may be required for firefighting or emergency management jobs.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Criminal Justice and Fire Science Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
51%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
395
Faculty publications in 2021–2022
More Than 38,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about the Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
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NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Credit for Prior Learning: Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit from any of these sources. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.
†Future Programs: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.
‡Tuition Reduction: Contact an Admissions Advisor for details. Tuition reduction may not be combined with Purdue Global tuition reductions or ExcelTrack® pricing.