Offered on campus and online, BS in Fire Science integrates liberal arts education and strong career preparation. The curriculum is focused upon the fire service administration and reflects the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined within the National Fire Academy and the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Model Curriculum. Strong emphasis is placed on the dynamic aspects of public sector emergency services leadership and administration.  

The fire science program is taught by experienced emergency services professionals who are distinguished leaders and educators in emergency services. Fire Science students are eligible (but not required) to complete EMT-Basic or Paramedic Certificate training as part of their education at Anna Maria College. In addition to their academic experience many students take advantage of opportunities to work as call firefighters for local fire departments during their time at Anna Maria College. 

If those students do not already have their Firefighter I/II certifications, some local fire departments will sponsor our students to attend the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy where they can earn their FF I/II certification and begin working as call firefighters in that community. Students also participate or observe live fire exercises as part of courses such as Fire Investigation or Fire Protection Systems. In keeping up with new technology students are trained on how to utilize drones in emergency situations. In collaboration with the Massachusetts State Dispatch 911 training program, the College is one of the very first to offer Dispatch 911 training and certification on campus. 

Fire science students can work as interns for a number of state and local agencies gaining valuable experience in program management and administration in the fire service. The goal of the fire science program is to produce well-rounded emergency services professionals who have the necessary foundational knowledge, training, and certifications to have a competitive edge in obtaining professional emergency service employment.

A two-year completer program is available in an online format consisting of six exploration courses, ten fire science courses and four electives (a total of 60 credit hours) is available to students who have already completed a minimum of 60 credits. These 60 credits can come from an associate’s degree from a related field or prior qualified coursework. 15 additional transfer credits may be granted to students with one or more of the following:

• State or national EMT
• FFI/II ProBoard/IFSAC Certified
• Acceptable credits from a regionally accredited four year institution
• ACE approved courses taken at The National Fire Academy