What Is the Fire Administration Track in a Professional Studies Degree?

Are you a current fire service professional? Do you crave career advancement but have no idea where to start? And with years of work experience under your belt, do you still dream of finishing your bachelor’s degree?

If any of these just described you, then consider completing the fire administration track through the University of Cincinnati’s online degree in professional studies. However, you may be wondering: what is the fire administration track in a professional studies degree?

Once we’ve answered that question, you’ll see why a fire administration degree is the key to unlocking your full potential in the fire service industry.

Key Takeaways

• • The fire administration track allows current fire service professionals to fast-track their career progression and make a difference in fire and emergency safety.
  • By allowing students to earn credit for prior work experience, the professional studies degree is transfer-friendly and ensures students can complete their online bachelor’s degree faster than ever before.
  • A degree in fire administration helps open doors for high-level positions and promotion opportunities in the fire service industry.

Understanding the Fire Administration Track 

First and foremost, the fire administration track is geared toward current fire service professionals who want to take the next step in their career. Beyond the basics of fire prevention, fire safety, and emergency response, the track’s coursework develops student’s management and communication skills. This makes the program advantageous for students interested in administrative roles as company or chief officers, where advanced emergency management skills are a must.

What Is a Professional Studies Degree?

The Bachelor of Arts in professional studies stands out as the University of Cincinnati’s most customizable program. Foundational courses in professional studies will help you foster your skills in team building, communication, and conflict resolution. After that, it’s up to you to carve out your degree path. A professional studies degree is ideal for students with transfer credits or prior work experience—both will count toward your degree and help you graduate faster!

Worried about taking classes that won’t actually help you fulfill your goals? A professional studies degree may be the answer. Build a curriculum that aligns with your interests and career aspirations. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to prioritize your education when you’ve played a role in shaping it.

Who Is the Fire Administration Track For?

To be admitted into the fire administration track, students must currently work in the fire industry or have previous fire industry experience. For a full list of admission requirements, visit the professional studies webpage. If you’re a fire and emergency services professional hoping to rise through the ranks, then look no further: this track will equip you with the skill set you’ll need to manage a fire department.

A Pathway for Degree Completion 

Since the fire administration track is housed within the professional studies program, it is perfect for students who are seeking a bachelor’s completion program. Finishing your bachelor’s degree this way has numerous benefits, such as:

1. More opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an individual with a bachelor’s degree earns 66% more on average than someone with some college but no degree. By completing your bachelor’s degree, you’ll have access to additional career opportunities and higher-paying positions in your field.
2. Credit for prior work experience. At UC, we want you to benefit from the work experience and college credit you bring to the table. The professional studies program allows you to fulfil degree requirements through these past experiences.
3. Finish your degree faster. Since you can earn academic credit for prior work experience and college credit, you can complete your bachelor’s degree much faster!

Why Pursue the Fire Administration Track?

Perhaps you’ve decided that you want to finish your bachelor’s degree through UC, but you still aren’t sure how the fire administration track will benefit you. Let’s look at how invaluable getting further education in fire administration can be—even for the most seasoned fire services professional.

Career Opportunities and Advancement

The fire administration program prepares students to assume fire chief or lieutenant positions through leadership-focused coursework. However, graduates may also consider careers outside of fire service, such as in government or public administration. The core professional studies curriculum along with the track’s emphasis on administrative skills makes this a versatile degree program. 

When taking on these higher-level positions, your earning potential also skyrockets. While salaries vary by location, in the United States the average reported salary for a fire chief is $122,615. This is more than double the 2023 median pay for firefighters, making a bachelor’s degree in fire administration well worth the investment.

Building Strategic Skills in Fire Administration

Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, the fire administration track goes beyond the basics. The curriculum ensures competency in human resources, finance, collaboration, and other aspects of fire service leadership. However, these transferable skills will also serve you in the workforce regardless of the industry or specific job.

If you choose not to stay in the fire service profession, you will still find yourself primed to succeed in other roles, or in a graduate or doctoral program. You won’t be boxed into one job and can pursue a wide range of paths.

Fire Administration Certificate

Not interested in a bachelor’s degree but still hoping to enter the fire administration field? A certificate in fire administration may be perfect for you! It provides a foundation in fire administration that will serve you well.

This certificate differs from the bachelor’s degree track in several key ways:

• Online non-degree certificate program
• Requires a high school diploma/GED
• Must have some fire industry experience

For more information on the certificate, visit the curriculum webpage.

Want to Learn More about UC’s Program in Fire Administration? Contact Us Today!

The College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies (CCPS), which houses the fire administration track, is dedicated to streamlining the credit transfer and prior learning assessment process. At UC, we want you to focus on building new skills, not relearning information you already know. You can take the next step in your fire service career by applying today!

With your bachelor’s degree in fire administration, you will make a direct impact on emergency services and save lives—and we want to help you make that happen. If you still have questions, contact your personalized Enrollment Advisor. The UC Online staff is committed to supporting you from the day you apply to the day you walk the graduation stage!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What degree is best for firefighting?

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, firefighters typically are trained at a fire academy. While a bachelor’s degree is not required to become a firefighter, a degree in fire science, fire administration, or emergency medical services will be beneficial.

Do you need a degree to be a fire investigator?

Most fire investigators, a type of fire inspector, will need a high school diploma/GED and work experience as a firefighter (or a related job). While not always required to become a fire investigator, an associate or bachelor’s degree will make you a more competitive candidate—particularly if your degree is criminal justice-related.

Do I need to become an EMT to work as a firefighter?

Yes, many fire departments may require firefighters to obtain an EMT certification. This usually requires completion of a post-secondary program.