Overview

An innovator in online fire education, Columbia Southern University offers an online Associate of Science in fire science. CSU’s fire science program incorporates a comprehensive, relevant curriculum of fire prevention and fire protection that develops the knowledge essential in firefighting careers. This degree program is recognized through the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) initiative, a network of the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy.

Students should be advised that many fire science employers take into account the following factors when determining eligibility for employment: physical health, U.S. citizenship, criminal background screening, work experience and education.

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

Program Description

The Associate of Science in Fire Science degree program builds a foundation of the essential skills needed to work in the fire industry. By incorporating a comprehensive curriculum of fire prevention and fire protection, the program of study takes a multi-professional approach to policy integration and academic preparation in specialized fire service equipment and apparatus applications. This degree meets the educational needs of both those who desire to become firefighters and those currently employed in the field who are looking to advance their knowledge base. This program of study is recognized by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) through the U. S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy (NFA).

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:

• Apply effective fire protection practices and strategies to various scenarios.
• Examine the impact of the history of fire service as it relates to current industry trends.
• Evaluate the principles of fire chemistry, fire behavior, and safety practices in the fire service industry.
• Analyze effective fire prevention methods utilized in fire science organizations and the community.