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

  • This program is offered online.

  • Bachelor of Science in Fire Science

    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.* Kaplan University is recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration as an official Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) institution. The fire science degree program closely follows the FESHE national curriculum and is designed to provide you with foundational skills in firefighter safety, building codes, fire prevention, code inspection, and firefighting strategy and tactics.

    Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Program Highlights

    The Bachelor of Science in Fire Science prepares graduates to pursue or enhance a career in fire services. The curriculum closely follows the FESHE model and 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 

    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.† 

    Fast Track to Your 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:

    Advanced Start Option

    If you already have an associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university and are interested furthering your education with Kaplan University, our advanced start program can help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science in as little as two years.‡ 

  • 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: Standard Track

    Core

    100/200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5  Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    100/200 LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    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: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    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: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    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: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    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: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    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: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    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: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    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: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    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: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    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: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    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: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    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: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 301: FIRE INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS (6 Credits)

    This course analyzes fire ignition dynamics, flame spread, and room fire growth. Students explore all aspects of incident investigation, financial management, and other functions related to fire analysis and investigation.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 302: ADVANCED PRINCIPLES OF FIREFIGHTER SAFETY AND SURVIVAL (6 Credits)

    This course provides an advanced analysis of firefighter life safety initiatives as well as an evaluation of the behavioral changes necessary in emergency services. Through case studies and scenarios, students develop the effective decision-making skills that are necessary for survival in fire and related emergency situations.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 303: FIRE PROTECTION STRUCTURES AND SYSTEMS (6 Credits)

    This course explains the in-depth principles of fire protection system design. Students will explore fire systems and their components, such as sprinkler, water spray, water mist, standpipe, and ultra high-speed water spray systems, as well as other methods of fire extinguishment such as foam systems, dry chemical agents, and clean agent systems. Also, this course will provide a comprehensive review of special hazard detection and fire alarm systems.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 304: COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION FOR FIRE AND EMS (6 Credits)

    This course analyzes theories for understanding ethical, social, organizational, political, and legal aspects of community risk reduction for fire and EMS agencies. Students will learn to utilize common methods for developing effective and comprehensive community risk-reduction plans.

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

    Total Major Credits: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 401: FIRE PREVENTION ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course explores the modern management and planning techniques that are utilized to organize a fire department. Students will examine fire department organization and management through community risk reduction, codes and standards, inspections, plan review, incident investigation, fire prevention research, and the relationship of master planning to fire prevention.

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

    Total Major Credits: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 402: POLITICAL, ETHICAL, AND LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF EMS (6 Credits)

    This course explains various aspects of the govern¬ment's role in public safety, as well as the American legal system, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) operations, employment and personnel issues, and emergency officials' roles. The course also discusses legislative and political influence in fire and EMS.

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

    Total Major Credits: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 403: LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course examines the knowledge and skills needed to become a responsible leader and manage a crew of firefighters. Topics include leadership and management, specifically managing budgets, personnel, and standard operating procedures. The course also analyzes challenges related to the creation of a team environment, situational leadership, and ethical decision making.

    Total Major Credits: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 413: RESEARCH ANALYSIS FOR FIRE EMERGENCY SERVICES (6 Credits)

    This course explores current research methods utilized in the analysis of fire-related data. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of methods used to conduct and evaluate independent research in fire dynamics, test standards, safety, modeling, structural safety, firefighter health and safety, automatic detection and suppression systems, and transportation fire hazards. The course also introduces research methods for risk analysis and trend identification.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 414: PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT FOR FIRE AND EMS (6 Credits)

    This course examines fundamental issues in personnel administration and human resource development in fire and EMS agencies. Students will explore concepts and responsibilities such as management, organizational development and training, employee recruitment, selection, and productivity, as well as performance management and labor relations.

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

    Total Major Credits: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 498: BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN FIRE SCIENCE (6 Credits)

    This course is designed as the culminating experience of the bachelor'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: 115
    Total Program Credits: 180

    Electives

    OPEN ELECTIVES (32 Credits)

    Total Electives Credits: 32
    Total Program Credits: 180

    Prerequisites

    Total Prior Degree Credits (90 Credits)

    Total Prerequisites Credits: 90
    Total Program Credits: 90

    *Comparability is determined by a course-by-course examination of the prior associate's or bachelor's degree against the core requirements of a Kaplan University associate’s degree.

    Core

    300/400 LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 90

    300/400 LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 90

    300/400 LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Major

    FS 301: FIRE INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS (6 Credits)

    This course analyzes fire ignition dynamics, flame spread, and room fire growth. Students explore all aspects of incident investigation, financial management, and other functions related to fire analysis and investigation.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 302: ADVANCED PRINCIPLES OF FIREFIGHTER SAFETY AND SURVIVAL (6 Credits)

    This course provides an advanced analysis of firefighter life safety initiatives as well as an evaluation of the behavioral changes necessary in emergency services. Through case studies and scenarios, students develop the effective decision-making skills that are necessary for survival in fire and related emergency situations.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 303: FIRE PROTECTION STRUCTURES AND SYSTEMS (6 Credits)

    This course explains the in-depth principles of fire protection system design. Students will explore fire systems and their components, such as sprinkler, water spray, water mist, standpipe, and ultra high-speed water spray systems, as well as other methods of fire extinguishment such as foam systems, dry chemical agents, and clean agent systems. Also, this course will provide a comprehensive review of special hazard detection and fire alarm systems.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 304: COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION FOR FIRE AND EMS (6 Credits)

    This course analyzes theories for understanding ethical, social, organizational, political, and legal aspects of community risk reduction for fire and EMS agencies. Students will learn to utilize common methods for developing effective and comprehensive community risk-reduction plans.

    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 401: FIRE PREVENTION ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course explores the modern management and planning techniques that are utilized to organize a fire department. Students will examine fire department organization and management through community risk reduction, codes and standards, inspections, plan review, incident investigation, fire prevention research, and the relationship of master planning to fire prevention.

    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 402: POLITICAL, ETHICAL, AND LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF EMS (6 Credits)

    This course explains various aspects of the govern¬ment's role in public safety, as well as the American legal system, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) operations, employment and personnel issues, and emergency officials' roles. The course also discusses legislative and political influence in fire and EMS.

    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 403: LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course examines the knowledge and skills needed to become a responsible leader and manage a crew of firefighters. Topics include leadership and management, specifically managing budgets, personnel, and standard operating procedures. The course also analyzes challenges related to the creation of a team environment, situational leadership, and ethical decision making.

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 413: RESEARCH ANALYSIS FOR FIRE EMERGENCY SERVICES (6 Credits)

    This course explores current research methods utilized in the analysis of fire-related data. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of methods used to conduct and evaluate independent research in fire dynamics, test standards, safety, modeling, structural safety, firefighter health and safety, automatic detection and suppression systems, and transportation fire hazards. The course also introduces research methods for risk analysis and trend identification.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 101

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 414: PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT FOR FIRE AND EMS (6 Credits)

    This course examines fundamental issues in personnel administration and human resource development in fire and EMS agencies. Students will explore concepts and responsibilities such as management, organizational development and training, employee recruitment, selection, and productivity, as well as performance management and labor relations.

    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 498: BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN FIRE SCIENCE (6 Credits)

    This course is designed as the culminating experience of the bachelor'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 (12 Credits)

    Total Electives Credits: 12
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Eligible students who choose to complete an accelerated master’s degree option will take two graduate-level courses in addition to selected undergraduate electives.

    Tuition & Fees: Standard Track

    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. 

    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. 

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    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.

    ‡ Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and credits considered to be remedial, occupational, or specialized may not be accepted for transfer. Average completion time based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete. Refer to the University Catalog for our Transfer of Credit policy.

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