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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 include more information on 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.

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

This course provides an overview to fire protection and emergency services; career opportunities in fire protection and related fields; culture and history of emergency services; fire loss analysis; organization and function of public and private fire protection services; fire departments as a part of local government; laws and regulations affecting the fire service; fire service nomenclature; specific fire protection functions; basic fire chemistry and physics; introduction to fire protection systems; introduction to fire strategy and tactics; life safety initiatives. FESHE course code: (C0273)
This course provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire alarm systems, water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers. FESHE course code: (C0288)
This course explores the theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled. FESHE course code: (C0276)
This course provides a foundation of theoretical knowledge in order to understand the principles of the use of water in fire protection and to apply hydraulic principles to analyze and solve water supply problems. FESHE course code: (C0277)
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: history and philosophy of fire prevention; organization and operation of fire prevention bureau; 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. Prerequisites: FSA 202 Principles of Emergency Services. FESHE course code: (C0275)
This course introduces the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural and behavior change throughout the emergency services. FESHE course code: (C0281)
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 lo 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)
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:

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.
Overview of the U.S. Constitution and its relation to state laws; the nature of torts against fire services agencies and individuals; a fire department’s responsibilities based upon state laws; court cases which have impacted department operations and their effects upon such operations; fire department compliance with hazardous materials right-to know legislation; and identification of five current legal issues which could impact fire department operations (such as sexual discrimination and privacy issues). 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.
A labor relations course that will introduce the student to the complex world of collective bargaining. It will review the history of the labor movement in the United States and give diligent consideration to the National Labor Relations Act. Additionally, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Railway Labor Act and Public Sector Labor cases will be studied. Student must have at least junior standing to register for this course.

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.