bgsu.edu/fiad
Introduction
The fire administration major is an online degree-completion program that will prepare upper-level administrators in public and private sector fire and emergency management services to face the challenges of an increasingly complex profession. The curriculum includes budgeting, law, ethics, personnel management, emergency management, public administration, data analysis, strategic planning, and applied research. Students are challenged to think critically, communicate clearly and effectively, actively engage in their communities, and apply their knowledge and skills. The degree combines BG Perspective requirements with a core curriculum that includes a technical and/or applied cognate.
This degree has 36 hours (12 courses) required for the major and 7 of other required courses in computer science, math, communications, psychology, and accounting. This degree also requires a 36-hour cognate (area of technical and/or applied courses), which typically is transferred from an accredited associate degree. Combined, these technical and/or applied courses must demonstrate proficiency in a recognized technical area.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in fire administration are expected to:
- Demonstrate critical, professional, and personal skills such as independent thinking, communication skills (oral, written and listening), ability to work effectively within groups, and a commitment to continuous learning;
- Demonstrate strong problem solving and creative thinking skills;
- Lead strategic planning efforts and manage organizational change with a demonstrated understanding of its impact on budgets and human resources;
- Interpret the scope of authority and responsibility of all levels of administration and interact appropriately within the organization and external community;
- Recognize ethical issues in a variety of settings, examine different perspectives and consider the ramifications of alternative actions; and
- Demonstrate the ability to integrate applied/technical cognate and major courses in fire administration.
Admission
Admission to this program is limited to those with an earned technical and/or applied associate degree (or equivalent) and related work experience. Admission to the program is a two-part process: admission to BGSU, followed by admission to the Fire Administration program. Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the program.
Courses taken at a college or university on the quarter system will transfer as fewer hours than the BGSU equivalent. Some students must take additional courses in their degree program to earn the required 122 semester credit hours. A minimum of 40 hours of credit must be at the 3000 or 4000 level.
