In this article, we profile the 30 best online bachelor’s in fire and emergency services degree programs at some of the nation’s top-ranked institutions for 2017.
We looked at 65 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator) that offered online bachelor’s in fire and emergency services degrees or closely related programs in fire safety, fire administration, or public safety. From our list of schools, we reviewed rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We then chose regionally and nationally ranked institutions, or schools that had received rankings for their online bachelor’s programs. We listed the schools in order of affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our 30 best online bachelor’s in fire and emergency services degree programs for 2017.
#30 – Anna Maria College
Online Bachelor’s in Fire Science
Paxton, Massachusetts
Undergraduate tuition: $36,110
Anna Maria College offers an accredited fire science bachelor degree online program with classes taught by faculty members with front line and hands-on experience. The program is ideal for those interested in becoming a fire chief, fire marshal, fire prevention educator, or fire service trainer. Anna Maria College was the first institution in the country to be awarded Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) recognition. Courses are delivered online and include six exploration courses, ten fire science courses, and four electives. In addition to accreditation and recognition, the school has also received rankings from U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.
#29 – St. Thomas University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Services Management
Miami Gardens, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $28,800
St. Thomas University’s fire science bachelor degree online program is one of the top programs on our list. Students may take a series of fire and emergency management courses delivered online and in the convenience of your own home. These courses are taught by university professors with experience both in and out of the classroom working as industry professionals. St. Thomas University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 58th best regional university in the South. Several of the school’s online graduate programs have earned top rankings.
#28 – Waldorf University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire Science Administration
Forest City, Iowa
Undergraduate tuition: $21,260
The online bachelor’s in fire services at Waldorf University emphasizes administration and leadership within the field of fire science. This completely online program does not require ACT or SAT test scores when completing the degree online. The program is designed for working students who require flexible online classes in order to balance work and life obligations with their schooling. Courses include advanced principles of fireground strategies and tactics, fire prevention organization management, personnel management for the fire and emergency services, and fire prevention organization. Waldorf is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional college in the Midwest.
#27 – Grand Canyon University
Online Bachelor’s in Public Safety and Emergency Management
Phoenix, Arizona
Undergraduate tuition: $17,050
While not a customary online bachelor’s in fire services, Grand Canyon University does offer a bachelor’s in public safety and emergency services that can be useful to those pursuing management roles in emergency services. All classes are delivered online and include disaster response and recovery, emergency operations and techniques, history and development of emergency management, organizational behavior and management, and servant leadership. This 48-month program can be completed online and in the evenings, and is designed for working students. Grand Canyon is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution.
#26 – Kaplan University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Management
Davenport, Indiana
Undergraduate tuition: $14,325
Kaplan University’s online bachelor’s in fire services management is a 100% online degree program that is designed for working students, military students, and military spouses. All classes are taught by Kaplan professors, most with industry experience. These online courses include crisis management in terrorist attacks and disasters, emergency management response, fire prevention practices, legal aspects of emergency services, and recovery practices in emergency management. Kaplan is an accredited institution that is also ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists Kaplan among the best regional universities in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #156 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#25 – Southern Illinois University
Online Bachelor’s in Public Safety Management
Carbondale, Illinois
Undergraduate tuition: $13,481
For those interested in an online bachelor’s in emergency management, Southern Illinois University offers a public safety management undergraduate degree. All courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include EMS legal aspects, fire and emergency services governance and administration, fire service exercise and evaluation, labor relations for public safety, public safety occupation education, and strategic design and budget for emergency response agencies. The degree requires a minimum of 120 semester hours with at least 60 earned at a senior-level institution. Southern Illinois University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 214th best national university and 122nd top public school.
#24 – National University
Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
La Jolla, California
Undergraduate tuition: $13,016
National University’s online bachelor’s in emergency management degree program is designed for working students who need to attend classes in a flexible format. All courses are taught by university professors with experience teaching online and in the classroom. Core requisites include crisis management, disaster management, domestic security management, legal issues of security, and the completion of a supervised senior project. National University is ranked and accredited. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #119 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#23 – Franklin University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Columbus, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $11,881
Franklin University’s online bachelor’s in emergency management is a unique program that covers topics in a wide range of crisis readiness, emergency management, and safety and security. Those with career aspirations of becoming first-line supervisors, homeland security specialists, and safety directors in fire science can benefit from this degree. Courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include emergency management theory and practice, fire and emergency services administration, and political and legal foundations for fire protection. In recent years, Franklin University has earned rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as having one of the top online bachelor’s programs in the country.
#22 – Bowling Green State University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire Administration
Bowling Green, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $11,057
Bowling Green State University’s online bachelor’s in fire services is 100% online and designed to prepare students to handle the challenges facing chief fire officers. All courses are delivered online and are taught by industry professionals. Online courses include analytical approaches for fire and emergency services, applications of fire research, fire and emergency services administration, political and legal foundations, and psychology of disaster. Bowling Green State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #126 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#21 – Colorado State University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Services Administration
Fort Collins, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $11,052
One of the more affordable online bachelor’s in fire services programs on our list is the online bachelor’s in fire and emergency services administration program at Colorado State University. Designed with the working student in mind, all classes are delivered online, and the degree may be completed in just two years. Online courses include fire and emergency legal considerations, fire emergency services administration, fire service leadership, integrated management simulation, proposals and reports in fire service management, and structure influence on tactics and strategy. The program requires a total of 120 credits with 42 upper division (300-400 level) credits. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #48 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#20 – Ashford University
Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Undergraduate tuition: See school website.
Ashford University’s online bachelor’s in emergency management is a unique online degree designed for working students who want to advance their career in fire and emergency services or homeland security. Courses are delivered online and in five-week increments. Some of these courses include emergency planning, emergency response to terrorism, ethics and homeland security, psychology of disaster, and research and analysis in homeland security. Ashford University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Ashford University is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510.748.9001, www.wascsenior.org.
#19 – University of Cincinnati
Online Bachelor’s in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology
Cincinnati, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $11,000
One of the most affordable online bachelor’s in fire services programs on our list is offered by University of Cincinnati. Students may earn a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology entirely online and without attending traditional on-campus classes. Courses are taught by industry professionals and include analytical approaches to public fire protection, data analysis and statics for fire and EMS, fire and emergency services administration, firefighter safety and risk management, and research in fire service. The University of Cincinnati is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 135th best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #99 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#18 – Eastern Kentucky University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigations
Richmond, Kentucky
Undergraduate tuition: $8,868
Eastern Kentucky University offers a fire science bachelor degree online program designed to equip students with the skills needed for career advancement in fire, arson, and explosion investigations management. This convenient online program offers classes taught by industry professionals. Online courses include applied fire and safety analysis, fire and emergency scene operations, fire behavior and combustion, fire protection system, introduction to fire arson and explosion investigation, and legal aspects of fire protection and safety. Eastern Kentucky University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 79th best regional university in the South and 29th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #99 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#17 – Embry-Riddle University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Services
Daytona Beach, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $8,760
One alternative to the online bachelor’s in emergency management degree is the online bachelor’s in emergency services from Embry-Riddle University. The degree is one of the few recognized to carry the Certificate of Recognition from Fire Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE). The program offers two specializations so that students may tailor their degree toward career goals. These specializations include aviation emergency management or fire and emergency services. All courses are delivered online and include disaster planning and control, fire investigation and analysis, fire protection structures and systems, managerial issues in hazardous materials, and personnel management for fire and emergency services. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 12th best regional university in the South. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #1 in the nation, out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#16 – Eastern Oregon University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire Services Administration
La Grande, Oregon
Undergraduate tuition: $8,004
One of the best online bachelor’s in emergency management degree programs on our list is the affordable online fire services administration bachelor’s program at Eastern Oregon University. Online delivery is an ideal option for those interested in fire services career advancement but do not want to quit their day job to attend class. All courses are delivered online and include emergency services delivery, fire behavior and combustion, fire prevention, fire protection systems, fiscal management in fire protection, principles of emergency services safety and survival, and strategy and tactics. Eastern Oregon University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #103 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#15 – University of Wisconsin
Online Bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Response Management
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Undergraduate tuition: $7,544
University of Wisconsin offers an accredited emergency services degree online program designed for individuals with a technical degree who want to transfer credits. Up to 90 credits may be transferred, but the standard is 60 credits of previous college-level coursework. The program may be completed entirely online with classes taught by university instructors. Courses include conflict resolution for emergency management, fire and emergency services leadership, mentoring for emergency management personnel, occupational safety and health in emergency services, and political and legal foundation for fire protection. University of Wisconsin is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 44th best national university in the country.
#14 – Jacksonville State University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management
Jacksonville, Alabama
Undergraduate tuition: $7,500
One alternative to a fire science bachelor degree online program is a bachelor’s in emergency management like the one offered at Jacksonville State University. The bachelor’s program has online options and two available minors in homeland security or public safety telecommunications. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Emergency management courses include disaster mitigation and preparedness, disaster response and recovery, emergency management capstone, populations at risk, and research in disasters and emergency management. Jacksonville State University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 98th best regional university in the South and 41st top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs have earned recognition.
#13 – Bellevue University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management
Bellevue, Nebraska
Undergraduate tuition: $7,365
One of the most affordable emergency services degree online programs on our list is offered by Bellevue University–a top-ranked regional institution. The school offers online courses presented in a flexible and convenient format that are taught by university professors. Courses include emergency communications, emergency planning, introduction to emergency management, legal issues in emergency management, and natural disasters. A total of 127 credits are required for completion of the degree. Bellevue is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #92 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#12 – University of Central Missouri
Online Bachelor’s in Crisis and Disaster Management
Warrensburg, Missouri
Undergraduate tuition: $7,322
University of Central Missouri offers an accredited type of emergency services degree online program. Students may earn a bachelor’s in crisis and disaster management that explores topics in man-made disasters like fires and environmental hazards. All courses are delivered online in a flexibly designed format. These classes include disaster and society, disaster management and technology, integrated emergency management, research issues in crisis and disaster management, and safety and health for emergency responders. Several certificate options are also available. University of Central Missouri is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 86th best university in the Midwest and 21st top public school in the country.
#11 – University of Nebraska
Online Bachelor’s in Fire Service Management
Omaha, Nebraska
Undergraduate tuition: $7,204
One of the most affordable emergency services degree online programs is the fire service management degree offered by University of Nebraska at Omaha. All courses are delivered online, and the program is aligned with the national model curriculum established by the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy. Courses include advanced principles of fire and emergency services safety and survival, analytical approaches to public fire protection, codes and inspections, fire and emergency services administration, fire related human behavior, and fire strategies and tactics. The University of Nebraska is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #24 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#10 – University of Maryland
Online Bachelor’s in Public Safety Administration
Adelphi, Maryland
Undergraduate tuition: $7,176
Similar to an online bachelor’s in emergency management, the online bachelor’s in public safety administration from University of Maryland focuses on the job of the first responder in organizations involved with emergency management, fire service administration, and homeland security. The goal of the program is to prepare students for careers as administrators servicing safety issues in both public and private sectors. Online courses include contemporary public safety practice, decision making, finance for the nonfinancial manager, public safety administration, and public safety legal issues and public policy. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.
#9 – Idaho State University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire Services Administration
Pocatello, Idaho
Undergraduate tuition: $6,956
One of the most affordable emergency services degree online programs on our list is offered by Idaho State University. This accredited institution offers a bachelor’s in fire services administration that may be completed entirely online. Flexible scheduling and live interactions with your instructor make the program convenient and relational. Affordable in-state tuition for all online courses applies to students living out of state. Courses include applications of fire research, fire and emergency services administration, fire prevention organization and management, and personnel management for the fire service. Idaho State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.
#8 – American Military University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire Science Management
Charles Town, West Virginia
Undergraduate tuition: $6,880
The fire science bachelor degree online program offered by American Military University is specifically designed for professionals in fire service, emergency management, and public safety who are seeking advanced education to further their careers. The program is offered entirely online with classes taught by industry experts, many of whom have served on the frontline as leaders in fire fighting. Courses focus on the best practices associated with fire science and management, fire safety, firefighting leadership and management, and tactical fire operations. The American Military University is under the umbrella of the American Public University System. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #92 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#7 – University of North Carolina
Online Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology – Fire Safety
Charlotte, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $6,763
University of North Carolina’s online bachelor’s in fire services degree is actually an engineering technology degree with a concentration in fire safety. The program is 100% online and admits students in both the fall and spring. Courses are taught by university professors and industry experts, and curriculum is designed to prepare students for work in fire service. Online courses include building fire safety, command and control of major disasters, fire safety engineering problem analysis, industrial hazards and electricity, principles of fire behavior, and risk management for the emergency services. The university is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution and public school. Also, in recent years, the online bachelor’s programs have earned recognition and ranking.
#6 – Western Carolina University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency and Disaster Management
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $6,737
The emergency services degree online program from Western Carolina University is specifically designed to prepare students for leadership roles in government, private, and non-profit sectors. All courses are delivered online and the curriculum even offers an internship (up to 12 credit hours) that provides a unique way for students to gain work experience. Courses include crisis communication, emergency preparedness, EMC systems management, introduction to emergency management, political and policy basis of emergency management, and state and local government. Western Carolina is a regionally ranked and accredited institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 37th best regional university and 13th top public school.
#5 – University of Florida
Online Bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Services
Gainesville, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $6,381
One of the most affordable online bachelor’s in emergency management degree programs on our list is the fire and emergency services degree offered by University of Florida. The program has three specializations so that students may tailor their degree to better suit career goals or personal interests. These specializations include emergency management, emergency medical services, or fire specialization. For the fire specialization, courses include applications of fire research, community risk reduction for emergency services, fire and emergency services administration, fire prevention organization and management, personnel management for emergency services, and political and legal foundations of fire protection. University of Florida is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 50th best national university and 14th top public school in the country. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #20 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – Thomas Edison State University
Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Trenton, New Jersey
Undergraduate tuition: $6,350
Another affordable fire science bachelor degree online program that emphasizes homeland security and emergency management is offered by Thomas Edison State University. This 120-credit degree program is offered completely online and designed to prepare students for work in emergency management or pursue a graduate level program. Areas of study include homeland security preparedness, research methods in the social sciences, and terrorism. Several electives are offered and cover a wide range of topics like challenges in U.S. and global public health, organizational behavior, and victimology. Thomas Edison State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.
#3 – Eastern New Mexico University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Services
Portales, New Mexico
Undergraduate tuition: $5,618
A cheap emergency services degree online from Eastern New Mexico University is ideal for those with an associate’s from an accredited institution. The bachelor’s in applied arts and sciences has two concentrations: emergency management and fire and emergency services. Curriculum for the fire services path has been developed by the National Fire Academy and Emergency Services Higher Education Program. Courses are delivered online and include applications of fire research, community risk reduction for fire and emergency services, emergency services administration and management, and systems management. Eastern New Mexico University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the West.
#2 – Columbia Southern University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire Administration
Orange Beach, Alabama
Undergraduate tuition: $5,175
One of the most affordable emergency services degree online programs on our list is the bachelor’s in fire administration degree from Columbia Southern University. The multi-professional approach to the creation of the degree allows students to focus on various areas of emergency and fire services like administration analysis and research, and tactical training. Courses are delivered online and include building construction for fire protection, fire and emergency services administration, introduction to fire prevention, principles of fire and emergency services, and political and legal foundations of fire protection. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report have recognized Columbia Southern University as a top accredited institution.
#1 – Fayetteville State University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Services Administration
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $5,085
The most affordable online bachelor’s in fire services degree program on our list is the fire and emergency services administration bachelor’s from Fayetteville State University. The program is offered entirely online and designed for working students with career advancement aspirations in the fire and emergency management field. Classes include applied fire service ethics, fire investigations, fire-related human behavior, fire service organizational dynamics, and fire service personnel. Fayetteville State University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 102nd best regional university in the South and 43rd top public school. The school’s online bachelor’s in fire and emergency services degree is the most affordable program on our list.
BDP Staff
May 2017
This concludes our list of the 30 best online bachelor’s in fire and emergency degree programs.
