In the world of fire and emergency operations, conditions change quickly as does the knowledge needed to lead the response. The University is proud to offer its innovative Bachelor of Science in Fire Science, which is specifically designed for fire service, public safety, and emergency management professionals seeking advanced education and leadership development in the discipline. Students learn principles, theory, and best practices associated with leading-edge fire science and management. This includes tactical fire operations, fire safety, firefighting leadership and management, and community fire issues. American Public University classes are conducted entirely online.
This allows working professionals the flexibility to complete a career-relevant degree while maintaining their existing careers and changing schedules. The online B.S. in Fire Science adheres to the Fire and Emergency Services (FESHE) standards established by the National Fire Academy. The overall program also meets the academic requirements of the United States Fire Administration's Executive Fire Officer Program. Additionally, our professors are industry experts who combine relevant theory with real-world experience. Many are frontline leaders in firefighting, fire service management, urban search and rescue, emergency medical services, hazardous materials operations, incident command, emergency and disaster management, and hazard identification and risk reduction.
The following program details are intended to help you make an informed decision about the university that's right for you.
| 2011-2012 Program Completion Rate | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal time to completion for full-time student | 4 years | |||
| Graduates who completed in this time1 | 45% | |||
| Tuition & Fees as of January 1, 2013 | Median Loan Debt of 2011-2012 Graduates | |||
| Tuition (before any awarded transfer credit) | $30,000 | Federal loans5 | $0 | |
| Technology fee2 | $50 | Private educational loans | $0 | |
| Transfer Credit Evaluation fee3 (if applicable) | $50 | Institution financing plan | $0 | |
| Graduation fee | $100 | |||
| Books and supplies4 | $0 | |||
| On-campus room and board | Not applicable | |||
1 Data may be “not available” if the program has no graduates during reporting period or if it has not been in existence the normal time for completion. If 0%, then graduates in the reporting period took longer than the average time, usually because they were part-time students. 91% of our students are working adults and do not take a full-time course load. 2 A $50 Technology Fee will be charged for all future undergraduate and graduate level course registrations, including audited courses. The fee is not applicable for Comprehensive Exam courses. An APUS grant will cover the fee for Active Duty Military, Reservists, National Guard, Vocational Rehabilitation (VOCA), VA and VA Chapter 33 students, and anyone using military tuition assistance (TA). 3 Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee waived for all United States Active Duty Military, Guard, and Reserve personnel. 4 The undergraduate book grant provides textbooks, e-books, and other course materials at no cost to students for courses being taken for academic credit. Students must obtain their own software when required for a course or program. 5 This figure does not include PLUS loans or TEACH grants converted to Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans. | ||||
For more information on jobs related to this program, please click on the below links to the O*NET website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
American Public University System (APUS) makes no representation or guarantee that successful completion of an APUS program or coursework will result in employment within a particular field. Many employers take into account various criteria, in addition to education, when determining eligibility for employment. To assist our students in their career search, the APUS Office of Career Services provides students and alumni a variety of tools, resources, information, and guidance to assist them as they pursue their life goals.
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