Get your Associate Degree in Fire Science online through a fully accredited distance learning program. Fire science Associate degrees emphasize the study of fire and its role in nature.

Demand for fire science professionals is growing, as wildfires rage through the West Coast and communities all over the U.S. work to boost their fire response readiness. Online Associate's degrees in fire science, including concentrations in fire prevention and fire suppression, offer you the chance to gain a practical knowledge base while you continue to work full-time.

Online fire science degrees typically cover a broad range of topics. Courses may include fire prevention, international fire codes, fire prevention systems and fire extinguishers, and fire rescue practices. Due to the nature of the topic, online Associates degree programs in fire science typically include a hands-on component, so you may have the opportunity to train on location in a burning building, smoke tower, or fire pit.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of fire fighters is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014." Fire fighters often receive benefits packages including medical and liability insurance, sick leave, vacation time, and paid holidays, as well as the opportunity for over-time pay. While no degree can guarantee a specific job or salary, in May 2004 the median hourly wage of fire fighters was $18.43 per hour.

Find out more about this major and in-demand career path below, and request more information from each of the top schools offering this accredited online degree program.