If you are looking to enhance your career in fire services or pursue a career in the field, Kaplan University’s Bachelor of Science in Fire Science may be the right choice to help you reach your goal.* Modeled on the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) national curriculum, this degree program is designed to provide you with foundational skills in firefighter safety, building codes, fire prevention, code inspection, and firefighting strategy and tactics.

 Program Highlights 

The Bachelor of Science in Fire Science prepares graduates to pursue or enhance a career in fire services. The curriculum includes:

  • Analytical approaches to fire protection and investigation
  • Disaster and fire defense planning
  • Hazardous materials management
  • Fire protection structure and system design
  • The role of the fire service within the community
  • Technical, legal, and social aspects of arson
  • The application of technology to firefighting
  • The psychological effects of fire dynamics

A Fast Track to a Master’s Degree

Eligible students in this bachelor's degree program who want to continue on to pursue a master's degree within the School of Criminal Justice or School of Legal Studies may be interested in the accelerated master's degree option. Students complete graduate-level courses within this undergraduate plan of study. Once accepted to the master’s degree program, students transfer in the graduate courses and matriculate into a shortened degree plan. This accelerated option allows students to complete both their bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time and at a lower cost than completing both programs separately. Accelerated options are offered for the following programs:

Qualification for accelerated options is subject to eligibility requirements. Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

 Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Fire Science 

    Courses Credits
    Communication Course 5
    Mathematics Course 5
    Communication Course 5
    Arts and Humanities Course 6
    Physical Science Course 6
    Social Science Course 6
    Courses Credits
    Eight Skills of the Effective Fire Science Student 5
    Fire Behavior and Combustion 5
    Building Construction for Fire Protection 5
    Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply 5
    Fire Protection Systems 5
    Fire Prevention Practices 5
    Strategy and Tactics 5
    Principles of Emergency Services 5
    Fire Investigation and Analysis 6
    Advanced Principles of Firefighter Safety and Survival 6
    Fire Protection Structures and Systems 6
    Community Risk Reduction for Fire and EMS 6
    Fire-Related Human Behavior 6
    Safety Risk Management for Fire and EMS 6
    Research Analysis for Fire Emergency Services 6
    Bachelor’s Capstone in Fire Science 6
    Total Program Requirements 180

 Already Have College Credit?  

Let us evaluate your transcripts. You may qualify for our Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Fire Science program and be eligible to earn your bachelor's degree from Kaplan University online in as little as two years.† 

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

The degree serves fire service professionals seeking enhanced skills and a broad spectrum of knowledge in the field of fire science. It may be a good fit for individuals aspiring to become firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, first line supervisors, or managers of firefighters. The program can also help prepare graduates looking to pursue graduate-level education.‡  

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$371.00
Total program requirements180
Total cost of tuition$66,780.00

This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective June 5, 2010, a minimum tuition deposit, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, is required at the time of enrollment. The deposit will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

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*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job or employed at all.
†Speak to an Admissions Advisor or refer to our University Catalog for our Transfer of Credit policy.
‡ While the program is designed to prepare graduates to pursue continued graduate-level education, the University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any graduate-level program.