Fire Science, B.S.
About This Degree
Completion of this major prepares one to assume the responsibilities of a firefighter, and ultimately, those of a fire officer.
The requirement for admission to this degree-track is a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0.
New: enroll in this program and NJCU will grant up to 15 credits toward the degree for qualified New Jersey Division of Fire Safety professional certifications! Learn more.
Charge Ahead With a B.S. in Fire Science
Now Ranked #3 in the Nation
A Bachelor of Science degree is an increasingly valuable asset if you would like to advance in the fire science field.
NJCU offers the only university-based fire science program in New Jersey and one of a handful in the country. The curriculum is designed to develop outstanding career fire officers and fire service professionals.
Here, you'll:
- Learn from renowned experts in firefighting specialties
- Choose to study online, in-person at our main campus in Jersey City, at NJCU at Fort Monmouth—or a HyFlex combination of online and in-person—to meet your busy schedule.
- Take part in career-oriented internships
- Study with textbooks used for civil service promotional exams
- Benefit from our open-door policy for one-on-one student advisement and assistance
- Get personal help navigating fire services job opportunities for NJCU students and alumni
- Save money at one of the least expensive universities in the state
Alumni Success Stories
Carlo Palumbo, Department Chief, Springfield N.J. Fire Department
“NJCU gave me the edge I needed to be successful in my career. I was well prepared for my promotional exams and the program helped me to grow as a leader.”
John Reith, Warden, N.J. Forest Fire Service
“Without the education, and support from the faculty and staff, as well as the fellow students that met in the Fire Science program, I would not hold the position that I do today."
Adam C. Nichols, Fire Officer, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service
“The knowledge gained from the NJCU Fire Science program created the basis for my career and promotional growth.”
Where NJCU Alumni Find Jobs
N.J. Fire Departments | Fire Departments Across the U.S. | U.S. Fire Administration | Port Authority of NY & NJ | Universities and Colleges | Medical Centers | N.J. County | OEM | Norfolk Southern Railroad | N.J. Division of Fire Safety | Fire Protection & Suppression Companies | Insurance Companies | N.J. State Forest Service | Fire Equipment Sales
Study With Leading Fire Experts
Walter Nugent
Chairperson and Professor
Retired Deputy Chief, Township of Maplewood Fire Department
A seasoned leader, Walter Nugent began his career as a volunteer at the North Arlington Fire Department in 1986 before joining the Maplewood Fire Department in 1994. There, he rose through the ranks, serving as captain and later deputy chief, the position he held until his retirement in the spring of 2019. Since 2017, Nugent has served as an adjunct Fire Science professor at NJCU, where he is also an alumnus. Nugent earned a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science from NJCU and a Master of Public Administration from Kean University. He also holds multiple New Jersey fire service and construction inspection licenses and certifications. Nugent is a Certified Fire Investigator with the International Association of Arson Investigators and a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator with the National Association of Fire Instigators (NAFI).