Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the requirements to apply for the online Bachelor of Science in Fire Science?
A: The requirements for the online B.S. in Fire Science include:
- An associate’s degree or 60 transferable credit hours.*
- A GPA of 2.0
Download the B.S. in Fire Science application checklist to ensure you prepare all the necessary documentation to apply.
Q: What experience does the fire science faculty bring to the program?
A: Our online Bachelor of Science in Fire Science faculty brings some of the biggest names in fire services and protection, with decades of experience and recognition from peers and the states. You won’t find this level of expertise anywhere else. Learn more about our top faculty.
Q: Do I have to be on campus at any time during the program?
A: No. All of the coursework in this bachelor’s degree program is completely online and asynchronous.
Q: How long does it take to earn this degree?
A: There are six terms per year for the online B.S. in Fire Science. With 20 fire science courses taken at a rate of one class per term, you could finish the degree in a little more than three years. Taking more than one course per term, you could complete the program in as little as 16 months. Speak with a Program Manager to determine the pace that's right for you.
Q: Can I transfer credits toward any of the Fire Science curriculum courses?
A: Yes. A minimum of 60 college level credits are required to start this degree program. If your associate’s degree (or completed course work) is in a discipline other than Fire Science, you must also have a ProBoard/IFSAC certified, FF I/II certification.
These 60 credits can come from an associate degree from a related field or from prior course work among other scenarios. For students with a fire-related bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a total of 90 credits may be granted.*
Give us a call to learn more about our admissions process and to talk to one of our Program Managers about a personalized evaluation of your transcript and admissions needs. 877-265-3201.
Q: Are any of the certifications accepted for credit?
A: Yes, 6 or 15 additional transfer credits may be granted* to students with one or more of the following:
- State or national EMT (6 credits)
- State or national Paramedic (15 credits)
- FFI/II ProBoard/IFSAC Certified
- Acceptable credits from a regionally accredited four-year institution
Q: How long is each class term?
A: Each class term is eight weeks.
Q: What are the admissions requirements?
A: To apply, you must:
- Complete the online application.
- Submit a $40 application fee.
- Provide evidence of an official undergraduate degree, an associate's degree in fire science from a regionally accredited United States college or university. Applicants who have earned an undergraduate degree in another discipline must be FF 1&2 certified.*
- Possess a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.0.
- Submit your resume, your FFI/II certification (or equivalent) and your current EMT or Paramedic certification card.
- International students must also submit TOEFL scores, with a minimum score of 550 (PBT); 213 (CBT) or 79 (IBT), along with other required documents.
Be sure to visit our Admissions Overview page for all details regarding applying for the online B.S. in Fire Science degree program, as well as download a convenient application checklist here.
Q: What kinds of jobs are available to me upon graduating with this degree?
A: This degree provides the advanced knowledge and skills for many fire service professionals on how to become more than just a firefighter. For more career and industry opportunities, please visit our Career Outlook page.
Q: I have so many other questions about online learning, student support, tuition, etc.
A: You’ll find many of the answers on our General FAQ Page. You can also call 877-265-3201 to speak with a Program Manager right away, or request more information and we’ll contact you.
*Note: For B.S. in Fire Science students, transcripts with transfer credits from other institutions will be posted but will not appear on the Anna Maria College transcript until three Anna Maria College courses are successfully completed.
Anna Maria College was approved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to participate in SARA, and became a SARA institution in 2021. At this time, only California is not a member state. If you reside in California and are interested in taking an online class at Anna Maria College, or for more information about our participation in SARA, click here.