Associate of Science
in Fire Science

HomeBitonte College of Health & Human ServicesAssociate of Science in Fire Science

Why Study Fire Science at YSU?

100% Online Format: Built for Working Professionals

Standards of Excellence: FESHE Approved Program

Credential Credit: Earn College Credit for Prior Certifications

No Application Deadline: Classes Start Every 7 Weeks

Program Overview

Youngstown State University’s online Fire Science program prepares students for rewarding careers in fire and emergency services. Whether you’re new to the field or a current firefighter seeking advancement, this program builds the knowledge and leadership skills needed to serve and protect your community.

What You’ll Learn

Through engaging, online coursework, you’ll gain a solid foundation in:

  • Fire behavior, combustion, and firefighting tactics
  • Building construction and its impact during fire events
  • Fire prevention and community risk reduction
  • Legal, ethical, and safety principles in emergency services
  • Fire service leadership, management, and operations

You’ll also complete general education courses in communication, sociology, and organizational behavior to support well-rounded professional growth.

Graduates of YSU’s Fire Science program are prepared for a wide range of roles in fire and emergency services. These include positions such as firefighter, fire officer, fire inspector or investigator, emergency services supervisor, and risk reduction or training specialist. Whether you’re entering the field or looking to move into leadership, this degree supports career advancement in both public and private fire service settings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% job growth in firefighter roles through 2030, with over 27,000 openings expected annually.

Program Advisory Board
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Carl DeCarlo, Program Director of Fire Science at YSU

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Carl DeCarlo
Program Director

cdecarlo01@ysu.edu

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Fire Science Curriculum

A blend of classroom knowledge and real-world emergency response training.

YSU’s Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science is a 60-credit hour degree designed to prepare students for careers in fire protection, investigation, prevention, and emergency services. The program includes a mix of fire-specific technical courses, general education, and hands-on training.

Program Overview

  • Intro to Fire & Emergency Services
  • Principles of Emergency Services
  • Building Construction for Fire Protection
  • Fire Behavior and Combustion
  • Fire Protection Systems
  • College Writing, Math, and Natural Sciences

Second Year:

  • Fire Prevention
  • Fire Protection Hydraulics & Water Supply
  • Strategy and Tactics
  • Fire Administration
  • Legal Aspects of Emergency Services
  • Ethics, Public Speaking, and Social Science Electives

Many courses align with National Fire Academy FESHE model curriculum standards, making this degree ideal for students pursuing firefighter, inspector, investigator, or command-level roles.

View the Full Curriculum

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Fire Science Program will be able to:

  • Understand the core principles of fire protection and emergency services.
  • Analyze fire behavior and combustion principles.
  • Assess the impact of building construction on fire incidents.
  • Identify fire prevention techniques and community risk reduction strategies.
  • Recognize the legal aspects pertinent to fire and emergency services.
  • Comprehend principles of occupational safety and health in the industry.
  • Execute firefighting tactics and strategies effectively.
  • Apply leadership and management principles in a fire service context.

What to Expect

  • Describe the basic principles of fire protection and emergency services.
  • Analyze the principles of fire behavior and combustion.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of building construction types and the associated impact by incidents of unwanted fire.
  • Identify the principles of fire prevention and community risk reduction.
  • Describe the legal aspects of fire and emergency services.
  • Comprehend the principles of occupational safety, survival, and health in fire and emergency services.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of firefighting tactics and strategy.
  • Describe the principles of fire and emergency services leadership and management.

Program Benefits

  • Flexible Learning: Online course delivery allows students to access course material and complete assignments on their own schedules.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Students will study a wide range of topics, including fire behavior, fire prevention, incident command and control, and firefighter health and safety.
  • Holistic Education: The program includes additional studies in written communication, sociology, and organizational behavior to ensure a rounded education.
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