Eastern Oregon University on April 11, 2025, hosts the Oregon Legislature's Joint Ways & Means Roadshow Hearing, giving locals the opportunity to speak to state lawmakers about Oregon’s 2025-27 budget priorities. (Eastern Oregon University/Contributed Photo, File)

Eastern Oregon University has been recognized as one of the nation’s best schools for an online bachelor’s degree in fire science.

OnlineU, which has been issuing higher education rankings since 2004, ranked EOU’s online fire services administration program second nationwide for starting salaries among online fire science programs. Graduates of the EOU program earn a median salary of $94,819 during their first four years.

OnlineU evaluates programs by comparing alumni salaries, affordability, and student satisfaction. Its rankings are based on research into of tuition, alumni reviews, and salary data.

“My experience as an online student has been truly amazing,” said Jason DeMartile, a 2018 graudate of the program. “All of my instructors have been helpful and encouraging. … The staff in admissions, registrar’s office, tech support, and professors get an A++. EOU is very affordable.”

EOU’s fire services administration degree follows the National Fire and Emergency Service higher education initiative’s model curriculum and is taught by experienced fire chiefs. The program also includes a wildland track, offering specialized training for wildland firefighters seeking to advance their careers. Graduates prepare for leadership roles, such as fire inspector, emergency manager, or fire chief, and meet standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.

For more information about EOU’s fire services administration program, visit eou.edu/fire-services-administration.