B.S./B.A. in Fire Services Administration: Curriculum
Curriculum Details
180 total credits required
The online bachelor’s in fire services administration degree prepares students for an administrative role through coursework taught by current and veteran fire chiefs. The four-year program covers principles of emergency services, fire behavior, strategy and prevention. Upper-division courses further explore administration, analysis and management.
We also offer an optional, 24-credit Wildland track for wildland firefighters seeking to meet Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) GS-401 Fire Management Specialist position supplemental standards.
Our program has been ranked as one of the best online programs by Best Degree Programs, and achieved the top 10 of 2019 Most Affordable Online Fire Science Degrees by OnlineU. Combined with our accreditations and certifications, you will be prepared for an administrative career in the fire industry.
Multiple Degree Paths
Use electives to define the degree you earn. Earn your B.A. by selecting credits in a foreign language, or your B.S. with science credits.
Transfer Information
EOU offers a generous transfer policy for course credits to make it even more affordable and accessible to learn. The online bachelor’s in fire services administration program allows up to 135 credits from previous college coursework, with up to 45 earned through CLEP, ASL, APEL or another approved experiential learning program to be transferred into EOU. All EOU majors require a minimum of 20 EOU credits.
Students who pursue the optional Wildland track can also receive transfer credit for Wildland Interface Fire Fighter (FFT2) and/or Advanced Wildland Interface Fire Fighter (FFT1) certification. Certifications must comply with National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards to apply.
Required Courses
Credits
This course explores the theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread and are controlled. FESHE course code: (C0276)
This course provides the principles of fire ground control through utilization of personnel, equipment and extinguishing agents. FESHE course code: (C0279)
This course provides fundamental knowledge relating to the field of fire prevention. Topics include the history and philosophy of fire prevention, the organization and operation of the fire prevention bureau, the use and application of codes and standards, plans review, fire inspections, fire and life safety education, and fire investigation. FESHE course code: (C0286)
This course provides the components of building constriction related to firefighter and life safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations and operating at emergencies.
This course is designed to be a progressive primer for students who want more knowledge about fire and emergency services administration. The course demonstrates the importance of the following skills that are necessary to manage and lead a fire and emergency services department through the challenges and changes of the 21st century: Persuasion and influence, accountable budgeting, anticipation of challenges and the need for change and using specific management tools for analyzing and solving problems. A central part of the course focuses on how the leadership of a fire and emergency services department develops internal and external cooperation to create a coordinated approach to achieving the department’s mission. Student must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course. FESHE course
code: (C0271)
This course examines the technical, investigative, legal and social aspects of arson, including principles of incendiary fire analysis and detection, environmental and psychological factors of arson, legal considerations, intervention and mitigation strategies. Student must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course. FESHE course code: (C0285)
This course examines relationships and issues in personnel administration and human resource development within the context of fire-related organizations, including personnel management, organizational development, productivity, recruitment and selection, performance management systems, discipline and collective bargaining. Student must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course. FESHE course code: (C0266)
The budget process, taxation and assessment, operations planning, financial aid and grant programs, allotment of resources, analysis of expenditures and productivity; management information systems.
This course examines the legal aspects of the fire service and the political and social impacts of legal issues. This course includes a review of the American legal system and in-depth coverage of legal and political issues involving employment and personnel matters, administrative and operational matters, planning and code enforcement and legislative and political processes with regard to the fire service. Student must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course. FESHE course code: (C0258)
This course examines the factors that shape fire risk and the tools for fire prevention, including risk reduction education, codes and standards, inspection and plans review, fire investigation, research, master planning, various types of influences and strategies. Student must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course. FESHE course code: (C0264)
This course provides a theoretical framework for the understanding of the ethical, sociological, organizational, political and legal components of community risk reduction, and a methodology for the development of a comprehensive community risk education plan. Student must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course. FESHE course code: (C0287)
This course examines concepts and principles of community risk assessment planning and response to fires and natural disasters, including the National Incident Management System-Incident Command Systems (NIMS ICS) mutual aid and automatic response, training and preparedness, communication, civil disturbances, terrorist threats/incidents, hazardous materials planning, mass casualty incidents, earthquake preparedness and disaster mitigation and recovery. Student must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course. FESHE course code: (C0296)
Choose One for Capstone:
Credits
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the structure and function of local government in the United States by examining the legal, political, social and economic factors influencing local policies and relationships with communities of interest. The role of citizens, films, states and federal authorities in shaping the public agenda are critically examined to gain an understanding of decision-making processes. Student must have at least junior standing to register for this course.
This course covers the processes and steps used to develop a cost effective delivery system of public services. This delivery system is designed to provide the level of service/protection that a community desires and is based upon acceptable risks and costs. Prerequisite: Must be professional firefighters, fire related emergency services professionals or have the major of FSA. Student must have at least junior standing to register for this course.
Choose 24 Credits from the Following:
Credits
- ASL – Agency Sponsored Learning credits (up to 45) can be awarded for prior experience, resulting in discounted tuition and shorter time to graduation. Submit certifications and training courses you may have completed for ASL credit consideration. We welcome NWCG, such as Engine, Crew, Heavy Equipment Bosses, STEN, TFLD, CRWB, ENGB, FELB, FIRB, HEQB, etc.
- FSA 336 – Managerial Issues in Hazardous Materials
- FSA 339 – Analytical Approaches to Public Fire Protection
- FSA 340 – Fire Dynamics
- FSA 345 – Multiculturalism in Emergency Services *Credits: 4
- FSA 360 – Aviation Management in Fire Suppression
- FSA 405 – Fire Service Ethics
- FSA 409 – Practicum *Credits: 1-15
- FSA 410 – Selected Topics *Credits: 1-6
- FSA 413 – Fire Related Human Behavior
- FSA 440 – Fire Protection Structures & Systems Design
- FSA 490 – Applications Of Fire Research
- EMSA 305 – Foundations of EMS Systems
- EMSA 307 – EMS Risk Management & Safety
- EMSA 309 – EMS Communications Management
- EMSA 311 – Management of Emergency Medical Services
- EMSA 313 – Legal, Political & Regulatory Environment of EMS
- EMSA 315 – EMS Education
- EMSA 317 – EMS Quality Management
- EMSA 405 – Finance of EMS Systems
- EMSA 407 – EMS Public Information & Community Relations
- EMSA 411 – Analytical Approaches to EMS
- EMSA 413 – Management of Transport Services
- EMSA 415 -Community Risk Reduction – EMS
- Upper Division courses in ACCT, BA, ECON, COM, PSY, SOC, POLS, WR
*Most courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise noted
**Oregon students are recommended to choose support courses that fulfill Oregon DPSST FO IV requirements (NFPA 1021 FO IV requirements adopted by the Oregon Legislature)
Get in Touch
We are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact an enrollment counselor at 855-805-5399 or complete the request for information form and we will be in touch.