Listed as one of the best universities in the nation by "U.S. News & World Report," the University of Cincinnati is one of seven colleges nationwide that offers a bachelor's degree that coincides with the National Fire Association's distance learning program. UC's program is designed to prepare firefighters for an executive-level position as chief officer. The university also offers an associate degree in fire science technology.
In 2011, the University of Florida was ranked 17th among the top national universities and ranked fourth on the Princeton Review's list of the best 373 colleges. The university's distance learning program, which leads to a bachelor's degree in fire and emergency services, prepares students for careers in firefighting, as well as other emergency-related positions, such as EMS technician. Students must obtain an associate degree to gain admittance into the distance learning program, which consists of two years of online classes. In addition, the college has a non-degree program that provides students with an executive fire and emergency services certificate upon completion.
Located in West Haven, Connecticut, the University of New Haven ranked 99th on the "U.S. News & World Report" 2011 list of the top colleges. Students interested in a firefighting career can pursue a bachelor's degree in Fire Science with a concentration in areas such as fire administration, fire and arson investigation and fire science technology. This university's program requires completion of 123 credit hours and prepares students for positions including forest fire specialist, firefighter and fire investigator.
Located in New York, John Jay College focuses on careers in criminal justice, forensics and fire science. The college offers a bachelor's program in fire science, which requires completion of 48 credit hours. The curriculum includes basic courses, such as life safety in building construction, fire dynamics and fire safety administration. After completing the basic courses, students must choose four advanced classes in fire investigation or fire protection to finish the bachelor's program. The college also offers a 33-credit-hour bachelor's degree in fire and emergency services.