Online Fire Science Associate Degree Programs

An online fire science associate degree is what you need if you want to become a fire science and public safety professional and protect the public from various dangers such as fire, natural emergencies and terrorist threats.

Fire science specialists - often firefighters - use technology and planning to prevent and control fires, work at the scenes of actual fires, and serve as leaders in the fire and rescue fields. Public safety encompasses a broad range of duties and positions designed to keep the public safe, including emergency management and homeland security positions. These professionals use intelligence data to identify potential threats, make observations at crime scenes, use forensic techniques and manage emergency response plans.

Fire and public safety professionals use their knowledge of criminology, the criminal justice system, and law enforcement to protect the public from potential threats.

Earning Associates Degree in Fire Science and Public Safety Online

An online associates degree in fire science and public safety from an accredited online university provides students with high-quality classes and instructors as found in on-campus programs, with the added convenience of a flexible schedule and an interactive online format. An online program is not for everyone, however. Staying on top of assignments and studying independently - especially while working at a current job - requires focus and motivation. For individuals who are comfortable with this type of online study, an online associates degree in fire science and public safety can be obtained either part- or full-time while continuing with a current job and handling other responsibilities.

Colleges with Online Fire Science Associate Degree Programs

Kaplan University

Accredited Online Fire Science Associate Degree Program

AAS in Fire Science

Columbia Southern University

Associates Degree in Fire Science Online and Related Safety Program

Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science
Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Safety and Health

Ashworth College

Associate Degree in Fire Science Related Online Program

Associate of Science Degree in Security Administration

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Who Should Earn an Associates Degree in Fire Science/Public Safety?

Individuals, who enjoy the excitement of being on the front lines as a firefighter, or the satisfaction of protecting the public as a public safety professional, should consider an associate's degree in fire science and public safety. In many cities, the competition for firefighter positions is very high, so an associate's degree in fire safety can give individuals a competitive advantage. Even current firefighters can benefit from an associate's degree, especially where promotions are concerned. In addition, many fire departments require a bachelor's degree in fire science or a bachelors in public administration for advancement beyond battalion chief. An associate's degree can be used as a step toward a bachelor's degree, which may help individuals in advancing their fire science or public safety career.

Associate's Degree in Fire Science and Public Safety Education

An associate degree in fire science program provides students with training in identifying and eliminating potential fire hazards, as well as using fire technology to combat fires when they break out. Courses include fire prevention, fire protection strategies and technology, fire science technology and fire department administration. An associate's degree in public safety focuses on the protection of the public by emphasizing the principles of public safety and security. Students are exposed to courses in criminal justice, the legal system, public safety, law enforcement ethics, forensics and handling emergency situations. Some public safety programs focus on homeland security, monitoring of the country's borders or emergency situations.

Careers with Fire Science and Public Safety Associate Degree

An associate's degree program in fire science prepares students for various positions with fire departments, government agencies, insurance companies and educational organizations. An associate's degree in public safety prepares graduates for careers in homeland security, public safety and criminal justice.

In United States, these positions are available at local, state and federal levels as well as in certain businesses. Graduates of an associate's degree program in fire science/public safety can often apply their credits toward a bachelor program in fire science, homeland security, public safety or criminal justice. According to BLS data, the average salary for firefighters was $44,260 in 2008. The average salary for emergency management specialists was $56,900 in 2009. With more education and depending on employer, experience and location, there are opportunities for great positions and pay in fire science and public safety.