Photo of Casper College student in the early childhood education program working with children.

Online Fire Science Program

The fire science program at Casper College provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for fire service employment or job advancement within the profession. This is also a transfer program; students can continue on to a four-year school and earn a bachelor’s degree in fire science management.

What are the features and benefits of an online degree from CC?

  • The opportunity for career/volunteer firefighters to earn their associate degree online, fitting coursework around their busy schedule.
  • The knowledge students gain will help them throughout their careers, not only in the day-to-day work routine, but also through promotions.
  • You will learn alongside a network of peers from fire departments throughout the region.

Students will learn about

  • Fireground strategy and tactics.
  • The five types of building construction and the dangers they present to firefighters.
  • Fire investigation, and using the scientific method to come up with the correct conclusion.
  • Fire prevention. Students will also be required to perform a “fire inspection” with a fire or building inspector in their area.
  • Managing a fire department, including policies, budgeting, hiring, and discipline.
  • Students also work on an internship project that will benefit their fire department. If possible, students complete “ride-alongs” with fire departments in their area.

About the online learning environment

Casper College uses a learning management system, called MyCCMoodle, for all its online courses. Course syllabus, calendar of activities, resources, assignments and quizzes, discussions, and grades can be accessed through MyCCMoodle. Learn more about getting started online.

FAQs

How much time can I expect to spend on each fire science class?

The average time is 2-4 hours a week, per class.

Most classes are forum-based, meaning that the instructor asks a question about something related to a fire service issue. Students are asked research the answer, writing a response based on their experience with a fire department as well as what the textbook states.

The academic catalog mentions community service. Are there other options for online students?

As an online student, you can instead receive credits for past training, such as Firefighter I, Hazardous Material, Wildland Firefighting or EMT training. You will be required to show a certificate of completion.

What are the special admission requirements, if any?

There are no pre-reqs for this program.

What courses would I take?

For requirements and more information about this program, view its listings in the academic catalog:

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree

Certificate

Steps to starting an online degree program at CC

  1. Apply for admission as a first-time or transfer student (same process for on-campus and online students).
  2. Apply for financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships.
  3. Make an appointment with an advisor and register for classes. A phone call advising appointment is what most online students do. Meeting your advisor in-person at Casper College is also an option if you live nearby and it works for your schedule.
  4. Go through the online orientation module (1-3 hours).
  5. Begin classes!

You may also be interested in…

Visit the main fire science program page.

Learn more about getting started online.

Contact Info

Rachel Wright

Academic Assistant, School of Business and Industry​

Rachel Chadderdon

Dean, School of Business, Industry, and Workforce Development

Justin Smith

Department Chair; Fire Science Instructor