Why study Fire Science?

The open-learning B.S. in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology degree program at the University of Cincinnati focuses on practical, applied learning techniques. The open-learning method allows you to schedule academic and professional development efforts around duty assignments. While adding a high degree of flexibility and convenience to your professional development, the program maintains the level of quality and effectiveness consistent with a traditional approach. Fire service personnel who have earned an associate degree in fire science technology or related discipline earn credit toward a bachelor’s degree while upgrading professional skills. 

Fire service credit courses are taken in a distance-learning format. Written assignments and projects provide a continual indication of progress and form the basis of an ongoing relationship between professor and student. Courses outside the fire service requirements and fire service electives required for the bachelor’s degree may be taken either by attending a local institution or by continuing the open learning method through various distance-learning programs. All courses must be pre-approved by appropriate department heads. 

The Open Learning Fire Service program is available through seven participating regional institutions in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, National Fire Academy, Degrees at a Distance Program (DDP). The region served by UC includes Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Career Possibilities

Many fire service personnel prepare for promotion or advancement in existing careers by pursuing the open learning bachelor of science degree. Graduates may also begin new careers in the fields of:

• Fire insurance
• Fire protection engineering
• Industrial safety.

Major Maps

• Guide: Fire Science (BS) Curriculum

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students may receive college credit by developing a portfolio assessment for prior learning experiences, state training and military training.

Residency workshop programs are offered giving students an opportunity to complete an entire course in five days. Many students have found that this is an excellent way to accelerate the completion of their degree while having an opportunity to network with other fire professionals throughout the country.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to the FSET bachelor's degree program must:

Have an associate's degree in fire science (or the equivalent), or be a graduate of an accredited high school with the following units:

• English (4 units)
• Mathematics, including algebra, geometry and optional pre-calculus or calculus (4 units)
• Science, including Chemistry and Physics (3 units)
• Social sciences (3 units)
• Electives (5 units)

Students who have earned 30 semester credits or higher (Associate's Degree preferred) will be considered for the bachelor's degree program. Students with fewer credits will be considered for the associate's degree program. Students with a lot of experience may submit documentation for bachelor's degree consideration.

Transferring to UC Requirements

Transfer students in good standing from accredited colleges and universities will be considered for admission to the college at the first, second and third-year levels. The degree requirement of professional practice experience normally precludes acceptance beyond the third-year level. For further detailed information such as required grade point average, please refer to the Transfer Students page.

For more information, visit the Transfer and Transition Advising Center. 

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application. 

Transfer Articulation Agreements & Pathways 

UC has developed clear pathways (articulation agreements) between select associate degrees at partner institutions and compatible bachelor’s degrees at UC. Each pathway includes a Transfer Degree Map that offers a semester-by-semester course comparison to assist with your transfer planning. 

The following institutions have Transfer Degree Maps for this major: 

• Lorain County Community College 
• Central Ohio Technical College 

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Students changing majors from outside programs or colleges within UC, please visit the Transition Students page.

International Student Requirements

For additional information on international requirements, visit UC’s International Admissions page.

Application Deadlines

First-year students must begin the program during fall semester. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. High school students who wish to be considered for scholarships must apply by December 1 of their senior year in high school.

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the National Fire Academy (NFA/FEMA).