by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Fire Science covers Fire Science/fire-Fighting. A Program Focusing On The Theory And Practice Of Fires And Fire-Fighting. Includes Instruction In Fire Chemistry And Physics, Combustible Materials, Computer Science, Building Construction, Fire Codes And Related Laws, Fire Hydraulics, Fire Command, Fire Prevention/inspection, Fire Protection Systems, Fire Suppression Systems, Fire/arson Investigation, Occupational Safety, Equipment Operation, Emergency Medicine And Communications. Examples: [Fire Science And Analysis], [Firefighter Training]. Continue reading for the essential details every fire science major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering fire science programs.
Nationwide, fire science is a widely-pursued major, with 9,863 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Fire Science Schools ranking analyzes these 274 schools to determine the best overall colleges for fire science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of fire science programs later in this article.
Programs in Fire Science build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations fire science graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a fire science program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a fire science major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several fire science degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 694 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 2,120 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 261 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 5,968 |
People currently working in careers related to fire science tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 29.2% |
| Some college courses | 20.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 18.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 15.0% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 10.9% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 4.2% |
| Master’s degree | 0.7% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.6% |
| First professional degree | 0.5% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in fire science careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in fire science prepares you for numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to fire science.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to fire science.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | 492,341 | 8.2% |
| Fire Inspectors and Investigators | 390,120 | 0.9% |
| Firefighters | 221,721 | 6.5% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | 143,098 | 15.0% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of fire science graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $63,281 |
| 4 years | $64,817 |
| 5 years | $72,249 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for fire science graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers fire science grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $63,677 |
| Fire Inspectors and Investigators | $60,919 |
| Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | $44,909 |
| Firefighters | $31,415 |
With 274 different fire science programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased fire science school rankings to help you.
Students interested in fire science, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician | 3,350 |
| Fire Services Administration | 1,709 |
| Wildland/Forest Firefighting and Investigation | 88 |
| Fire Protection, Other | 70 |
| Fire/Arson Investigation and Prevention | 69 |
| Fire Systems Technology | 53 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
