Best institutions to study Fire Science/Fire-fighting
A program focusing on the theory and practice of fires and fire-fighting.
275 U.S. institutions graduated 10,359 Fire Science/Fire-fighting students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 43.0203, a specialization of Fire Protection (CIP 43.02), and leads most directly to the Fire Inspectors and Investigators occupation (BLS SOC 33-2021).
About Fire Science/Fire-fighting programs
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.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Fire Science/Fire-fighting program, part of the broader Fire Protection field, focuses on the theory and practical aspects of fire and fire-fighting. It is designed for individuals seeking to pursue careers in firefighting, fire inspection, and related protective services, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to effectively respond to fire emergencies.
Students in this program will gain insights into fire chemistry, fire codes, building construction, and fire prevention techniques. Coursework includes training in fire hydraulics, emergency medicine, and equipment operation, fostering critical skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication.
Credentials awarded
What Fire Science/Fire-fighting graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year6,494 graduates / yr · 161 institutions63%
- Associate's degree2,044 graduates / yr · 153 institutions20%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years843 graduates / yr · 54 institutions8.1%
- Award of less than 12 weeks777 graduates / yr · 22 institutions7.5%
- Bachelor's degree158 graduates / yr · 9 institutions1.5%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years25 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
- Master's degree13 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate5 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Fire Science/Fire-fighting completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 8,250 |
| 2013 | 8,611 |
| 2014 | 8,420 |
| 2015 | 8,500 |
| 2016 | 8,148 |
| 2017 | 7,943 |
| 2018 | 8,608 |
| 2019 | 8,180 |
| 2020 | 7,512 |
| 2021 | 8,100 |
| 2022 | 8,320 |
| 2023 | 8,414 |
| 2024 | 9,863 |
| 2025 | 10,359 |
Top 50 institutions for Fire Science/Fire-fighting, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, ALPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 714 | 33% | $15,554 | $75,326 |
| 2 | East Los Angeles College Monterey Park, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 315 | 37% | — | — |
| 3 | Miami Dade College Miami, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 241 | 46% | — | — |
| 4 | Red Rocks Community College Lakewood, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 210 | 32% | — | — |
| 5 | Seminole State College of Florida Sanford, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 210 | 41% | — | — |
| 6 | Lone Star College System The Woodlands, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 200 | 21% | — | — |
| 7 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 178 | 34% | — | — |
| 8 | Austin Community College District Austin, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 167 | 20% | — | $47,024 |
| 9 | Shasta College Redding, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 154 | 23% | — | — |
| 10 | Valencia College Orlando, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 148 | 48% | — | $45,657 |
| 11 | Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 137 | 37% | — | $49,810 |
| 12 | Hutchinson Community College Hutchinson, KSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 131 | 53% | — | $51,007 |
| 13 | First Coast Technical College Saint Augustine, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 124 | 77% | — | — |
| 14 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 123 | 17% | — | $39,283 |
| 15 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 120 | 40% | — | — |
| 16 | Apollo Career Center Lima, OHPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 119 | 59% | — | — |
| 17 | Sinclair Community College Dayton, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 118 | 41% | — | — |
| 18 | William T McFatter Technical College Davie, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 114 | 66% | — | — |
| 19 | Madisonville Community College Madisonville, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 114 | 49% | — | — |
| 20 | Moreno Valley College Moreno Valley, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 114 | 34% | — | — |
| 21 | Clark State College Springfield, OHPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 106 | 22% | — | — |
| 22 | North Central Texas College Gainesville, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 102 | 35% | — | — |
| 23 | Columbus State Community College Columbus, OHPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate's | 101 | 28% | — | — |
| 24 | Suncoast Technical College Sarasota, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 100 | 50% | — | — |
| 25 | Volunteer State Community College Gallatin, TNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 98 | 28% | — | — |
| 26 | Pueblo Community College Pueblo, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate's | 96 | 31% | — | — |
| 27 | San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 94 | 30% | — | — |
| 28 | Tyler Junior College Tyler, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 93 | 27% | — | — |
| 29 | Palm Beach State College Lake Worth, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 91 | 41% | — | $46,698 |
| 30 | Rio Hondo College Whittier, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 86 | 25% | — | — |
| 31 | Elgin Community College Elgin, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 86 | 41% | — | — |
| 32 | Florida SouthWestern State College Fort Myers, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 83 | 39% | — | — |
| 33 | St Petersburg College St. Petersburg, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 83 | 38% | — | $55,829 |
| 34 | Southwestern Illinois College Belleville, ILPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 80 | 36% | — | $77,935 |
| 35 | Daytona State College Daytona Beach, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 79 | 43% | — | $42,696 |
| 36 | Florida Gateway College Lake City, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 78 | 54% | — | — |
| 37 | Santa Rosa Junior College Santa Rosa, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 77 | 37% | — | — |
| 38 | Hillsborough College Tampa, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 77 | 34% | — | $50,331 |
| 39 | Eastern Florida State College Melbourne, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 76 | 52% | — | — |
| 40 | Marion Technical College Ocala, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 76 | 80% | — | $37,678 |
| 41 | Palomar College San Marcos, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 72 | 38% | — | — |
| 42 | Lake Technical College Eustis, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 72 | 47% | — | $33,942 |
| 43 | Madison Area Technical College Madison, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 72 | 29% | — | — |
| 44 | Del Mar College Corpus Christi, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 71 | 11% | — | — |
| 45 | Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center Choctaw, OKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 71 | 92% | — | — |
| 46 | University of Florida Gainesville, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 70 | 91% | — | $86,740 |
| 47 | Waubonsee Community College Sugar Grove, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 70 | 39% | — | — |
| 48 | McHenry County College Crystal Lake, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 66 | 37% | — | — |
| 49 | Knox County Career Center Mount Vernon, OHPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 64 | 100% | — | — |
| 50 | Aims Community College Greeley, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 62 | 40% | — | $44,470 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Fire Protection field (CIP 43.02) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 47 states & territories
Where Fire Science/Fire-fighting graduates come from. Each state links to all Fire Protection programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 33-2021, Fire Inspectors and Investigators, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Fire Science/Fire-fighting program can pursue careers as Fire Inspectors and Investigators, with an expected job growth of 3.8% and approximately 1,500 annual openings. The median wage for this occupation is $78,060, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 43.0203
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fire Inspectors and Investigatorsprimary SOC 33-2021 | $75,920 | +3.8% About as fast as average | ~1,500 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Firefighters SOC 33-2011 | $59,280 | +3.4% About as fast as average | ~27,100 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers SOC 33-1021 | $93,530 | +3.4% About as fast as average | ~6,500 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists SOC 33-2022 | $56,870 | +14.6% Much faster than average | ~300 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Fire Science/Fire-fighting programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
- Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
- Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
- Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.
- Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
- Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
Tools and technology used
Other Fire Protection specializations
The 6 other 6-digit CIP codes under Fire Protection (CIP 43.02).
- Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/CIP 43.0201
Technician 3,558 graduates / yr140 institutions - Fire Services AdministrationCIP 43.02022,008 graduates / yr46 institutions
- Wildland/CIP 43.0206
Forest Firefighting and Investigation 174 graduates / yr17 institutions - Fire Systems TechnologyCIP 43.0204partial data59 graduates / yr5 institutions
- Fire ProtectionCIP 43.0299partial data54 graduates / yr7 institutions
- Fire/CIP 43.0205
Arson Investigation and Prevention partial data47 graduates / yr5 institutions
Common questions
What types of degrees are offered in this program?+
Degrees include awards of less than 12 weeks, at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year, and Associate's degrees.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, writing, and effective communication.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a Fire Inspector, Firefighter, or First-Line Supervisor in firefighting and prevention.
What is the job outlook for fire science graduates?+
The job outlook is about average, with a growth rate of 3.8% and around 1,500 annual job openings.
What is the CIP code for Fire Science/Fire-fighting?+
Fire Science/Fire-fighting is CIP 43.0203 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Fire Protection (CIP 43.02). NCES defines it as: 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.
How many institutions offer Fire Science/Fire-fighting programs?+
275 U.S. institutions reported Fire Science/Fire-fighting graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 47 states & territories, awarding 10,359 credentials in the year. That is 63.7% of all Fire Protection graduates.
How much do Fire Science/Fire-fighting graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Fire Inspectors and Investigators occupation, which Fire Science/Fire-fighting most directly leads to, pays a median of $75,920 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Fire Protection field report median earnings of $47,467 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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