• Note: For certain locations, program enrollment is onsite with online instruction.

  • This program is offered online.

  • Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science

    Kaplan University is recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration as an official Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) institution. The Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science closely follows the FESHE model and is designed to provide students with foundational skills in firefighter safety, building codes, fire prevention, code inspection, and firefighting strategy and tactics. The degree serves fire service professionals seeking enhanced skills and a broad spectrum of knowledge in the field of fire science.

    Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Program Highlights

    The program explores technical, legal, and social aspects of arson, the application of technology to firefighting, and the psychological effects of fire dynamics. The curriculum closely follows the FESHE model and includes:

    • Analytical approaches to fire protection and investigation
    • Disaster and fire defense planning
    • Hazardous materials management
    • The role of the fire service within the community 

    What are the Career Opportunities?

    Students completing the program and earning their Associate of Science in Fire Science can look for work as firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, first line supervisors, and managers of firefighting, among other positions.* This program also prepares students who are looking to continue their education with the foundation to earn bachelor's and master's degrees.† 

  • Kaplan University offers multiple start dates, giving you greater flexibility with your education, life, and work schedules.

    Jul 03

    Online Start Date
    Jul 03, 2013

    View the Academic Calendar

  • Curriculum: All Tracks

    Core

    100/200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5  Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    100/200 LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Major

    FS 100: INTRODUCTION TO FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES (5 Credits)

    This course introduces students to careers in fire and emergency services and the Kaplan University fire and emergency management programs. The field of study, skill sets, and professionalism will be discussed. Students will learn about the historical background of the modern fire service while learning research skills for the future. This course is designed to acclimate the fire science and emergency management student to Kaplan University while providing a solid foundation for success in the fire and emergency services profession.

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 101: INTRODUCTION TO FIRE SCIENCE (5 Credits)

    This course investigates the basic concepts of fire, its spread, and its control. The course discusses the nature and properties of the three states of matter, explains the components of fire, and describes the physical and chemical properties of fire.

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 102: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION FOR FIRE PROTECTION (5 Credits)

    This course explores the fundamentals of building construction, types of structures, and structure designs, as well as the impact of building construction on firefighting. Students will study the forces that impact these structures and the codes applied to buildings and fire safety. They will also learn how buildings are constructed and how fire behaves with various building materials.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 103: FIRE PROTECTION HYDRAULICS AND WATER SUPPLY (5 Credits)

    This course explores the fundamentals of water usage in fire protection and explains how hydraulic principles are employed in the resolution of water supply problems. The course also discusses the methods used to effectively deliver water, foam, and other extinguishing agents to the fire scene.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 104: FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS (5 Credits)

    This course describes the principles of fire protection and system design. Students will explore fire control and suppression methods, including sprinkler, water spray, water mist, standpipe, and ultra high-speed water spray systems. The course also provides an overview of recent fire protection and suppression developments.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 105: FIRE PREVENTION PRACTICES (5 Credits)

    This course examines fire avoidance measures, including fire prevention education, fire safety inspection, fire code enforcement, and fire investigation. Students will gain an overview of the procedures and principles of inspections commonly conducted for control of structures, occupancy, or combined purposes.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management 

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 201: STRATEGY AND TACTICS (5 Credits)

    This course explores firefighting strategy and tactics, methods of fire attack, and prefire planning. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of fire control principles as well as how to utilize personnel, equipment, and extinguishing agents on the fire ground. This course also discusses special situations such as transportation emergencies and fires, high-rise fires, below-ground incidents, and confined space incidents.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 202: PRINCIPLES OF EMERGENCY SERVICES (5 Credits)

    This course examines the fundamentals of occupational health and safety for emergency service agencies. Students will gain knowledge of risk evaluation and control policies for fire stations, emergency vehicles, and training sites, as well as for incidents involving fire, hazardous materials, and other EMS responses. Students will also gain knowledge of the basic principles and history of firefighter life safety initiatives.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management 

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 204: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES (5 Credits)

    This course examines the fundamentals of occupational health and safety for emergency service agencies. Students will gain knowledge of risk evaluation and control policies for fire stations, emergency vehicles, and training sites as well as for incidents involving fire, hazardous materials, and other EMS responses. Students will also gain knowledge of the basic principles and history to firefighter life safety initiatives. 

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 207: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CHEMISTRY (5 Credits)

    This course examines how hazardous materials can impact an emergency incident. Students will gain knowledge of basic organic and inorganic chemistry concepts as well as an understanding of the inherent danger of key elements, compounds, and mixtures.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 208: LEGAL ASPECTS OF EMERGENCY SERVICES (5 Credits)

    This course explores the legal issues that relate to emergency services, such as arson law and legal responsibilities of emergency services officers, as well as criminal and civil law. Students will gain an understanding of laws that impact emergency services management at both the state and local levels. The course also examines recent case law and legal decisions that impact emergency services agencies.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management 

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 299: ASSOCIATE'S CAPSTONE IN FIRE SCIENCE (5 Credits)

    This course is designed as the culminating experience of the associate's degree program in fire science. This course consists of a series of assignments that integrate concepts from the fire science curriculum. The assignments are designed to test application and critical thinking skills as students work through fact-based scenarios and analyze issues affecting contemporary practice.

    Prerequisites Required: Last term or permission of the Dean

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Electives

    OPEN ELECTIVES (15 Credits)

    Total Electives Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Tuition & Fees: All Tracks

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    All Tracks Online &
    Learning Center     		Campus
    Cost Per Credit
    Number of Credits / Terms  
    Total Tuition Cost

    Tuition and Fees

    Some programs have additional associated fees that are not included in the price of tuition. Click here or check with an Admissions Advisor for more information. 

    Learn More about Kaplan University Tuition and Fees  

    Notice to Learning Center Students

    Kaplan University Learning Center students will only complete a portion of this program on site. You will need to complete at least 50% of the program requirements online, or through transfer credit awarded via prior learning assessment. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak with an admissions advisor.

    Scholarships and Grants

    Learn more about grants and Kaplan University Scholarships and that may help reduce the cost of your education.

    Kaplan University tuition reductions (including active-duty, spouse, and veterans military tuition rates; scholarships; grants; vouchers; and alumni and alliance reductions) cannot be combined. 

    Tuition Rates for Military Students and Spouses

    Kaplan University has significantly reduced many of our tuition rates and fees for active-duty servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans. Click here for more information.
     

  • Some states have additional curricular requirements. Check the University Catalog or speak with an Admissions Advisor.

  • * Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

    † While many of Kaplan University's degree programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue continued bachelor-, graduate-, or doctorate-level education, the University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any programs.

Public Safety

Request Information

  • Step 1 of 3
  • Call Now: 866 KAPLAN U

Featured

  • Military Self Enroll promo new
  • 75th anniversary
  • Kaplan Commitment