Columbia Southern University, one of the nation’s top online schools, is eager to help you blaze a path or advance your career in fire science administration!
Extending from a curriculum of fire prevention and fire protection, our associate and bachelor’s degree programs take a multi-professional approach to policy integration, management of organizations and human resources. CSU online fire science degrees offer comprehensive academic preparation in specialized fire service equipment and apparatus applications. We also feature undergraduate certificate programs in fire science.
Career opportunities in fire science may include:
- Firefighter
- Fire Captain
- Fire Chief
Online Fire Science Degrees at Columbia Southern University
Online Degree Programs Related to Fire Science
Get to Know Rick Lasky
Get to Know Rick Lasky
Even with a busy schedule, Columbia Southern University alumnus Rick Lasky was able to make education a priority.
Over the past 30 years, Lasky has achieved much including teaching for the University of Illinois-Illinois Fire Service Institute and the Illinois Fire Chiefs’ Association, receiving the 1996 International Society of Fire Service Instructors “Innovator of the Year” award for his part in developing the “Saving Our Own” program, serving as the co-lead instructor for the H.O.T. Firefighter Survival program at FDIC for more than 10 years and writing a book, “Pride and Ownership-A Firefighter’s Love of the Job.”
Before his retirement in 2011, Lasky served as fire chief of the Lewisville (Texas) Fire Department for 11 years. During his tenure as chief, the Lewisville Fire Department expanded to seven stations and implemented several community-focused programs.
He also finished his associate degree in fire science with CSU in 2011-- something he has wanted for many years.
The Illinois-native, who played professional baseball instead of going to college around age 18, has regretted not attending school during his younger years. However, after teaching and lecturing, Lasky’s interest in getting his degree rekindled.
“CSU had the best program for me and my busy lifestyle. I was a full-time fire chief who lectured on my days off. I have a wife and two children who are busy with sports and activities, too. So, I couldn’t make the move to take two or four years for college like those who are younger and have time. CSU’s online program was perfect for me,” said the 50-year-old.
However, as Lasky began his endeavor, major family illnesses disrupted his education goals. “I had to take a year off, and CSU had no problem with it. They supported me, they helped and they kept checking on me. Not in a pushy way, but concerned. They cared. The faculty and staff were really there for me.”
When he returned to classes, Lasky said CSU’s personal touch continued.
“My professors were awesome. For something that is online, there is so much more of a personal relationship. You wouldn’t think that you would have that kind of relationship online, but it happened. I know I got more support from Columbia Southern University than my son did from a major institution that he was actually at,” Lasky added.
Lasky is now teaching and consulting full-time and said his associate degree is helping. “It has enlightened me and made me a better person,” he said, adding that he is now working on his bachelor’s. “It has given me more confidence. I’m a fairly confident person and it has given me more confidence.”
See all the fire science related degrees at CSU
About CSU
Columbia Southern University, one of the nation’s first completely online universities, was developed to provide working adults with an alternative to the traditional university experience. Our mission is to change lives through education by offering affordable, flexible, quality academic opportunities and extraordinary service, enabling adults to maximize their professional and personal potential, and serve the communities in which they live and work.
Online associate, bachelor, master, doctorate and certificate programs are available in a variety of fields including fire science, criminal justice, business administration, information technology, human resource management and occupational safety and health.
CSU also offers:
- Accredited Programs
- Flexible Learning
- Textbooks Provided Through CSU Book Grant
- No ACT, SAT, GRE or GMAT Required
- TA and VA Benefits
- Complimentary Tutoring Services
See all the fire science related degrees at CSU
The National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program selection criteria has been revised to include consideration for CSU degrees. For additional details, please read a message from CSU President, Robert Mayes.
Accreditation
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Distance Education
and Training Council
1601 18th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
202-234-5100 |
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Columbia Southern University (CSU) is an accredited member of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. All CSU programs have been reviewed and approved by DETC.
Additionally, the Accrediting Commission of the DETC is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CHEA is a nonprofit organization serving as the national advocate for self-regulation through accreditation. Institutional membership is limited to nationally or regionally accredited colleges or universities.
Tuition & Financing
When comparing quality and cost, CSU is your best option. Our tuition is competitively priced to make achieving a quality education affordable and realistic for the average person.
The tuition rate for graduate courses per-credit hour is $250 for all active-duty military members (not applicable for CSU Learning Partners). The lower rate is offered to keep the tuition rate at the DoD cap of $250. CSU Learning Partners receive a tuition discount that is applied to the full tuition rate.
Federal Financial Aid
Federal Financial Aid offers grant and loan programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. CSU participates in several grant and loan programs available through Federal Student Aid. Most CSU students who meet the following criteria may be eligible to receive financial aid. For more information, visit the Financial Aid section of the website.
Military Educational Benefits
CSU is approved to offer DANTES, Tuition Assistance (TA) and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Additional education funding is available to those approved for TA and eligible for MGIB-Active Duty benefits. In addition, all service members receive an application fee waiver. Immediate family members of active-duty service members will receive the waiver and a ten percent tuition discount. For more information about military educational benefits, visit the military section of the website.
Scholarship Programs
There are many scholarship opportunities available for CSU students. For more information, visit the scholarship page.