Online Fire Administration Certificate
Have experience as a fire service professional? Looking for career advancement in your career? The Certificate in Fire Administration is geared to help you do just that and allows current fire service professionals to fast-track their career progression and make a difference in their community.
What is a Certificate in Fire Administration?
As the complexity of emergency response, fire prevention, and emergency services management increases, there is a significant demand for professionals who possess advanced knowledge in these areas. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and leadership skills to address challenges, preparing them for careers in leadership roles within the fire industry.
A degree in fire administration helps to open the door for higher-level positions and promotion opportunities within the industry. This certificate can be completed as its own program of study.
However, for students also seeking to complete their bachelor’s degree, the Certificate in Fire Administration curriculum can also serve as a focus track for the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies Program.
Fire Administration Certificate Program Highlights
High Quality Education
With the Certificate in Fire Administration, graduates will receive a specialized curriculum that aligns with the fire industry, allowing them to acquire the necessary skills to be more competitive for a leadership role in the fire industry. Such leadership roles include:
- Fire Inspector
- Fire Marshal
- Fire Captain
- Fire Chief
- Fire Prevention Specialist
- Emergency Services Manager
Flexibility
- 100% Online
- Student Success Support & Resources
- Financial Aid
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
The online Fire Administration Certificate is 15 credit hours. The minimum number of credit hours can vary based on previously earned credits, and/or the level of placement into required coursework.
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| FST3019 | Building Construction for Fire Protection The student is introduced to the principles, methods, techniques and terminology used in building construction and how building construction relates to fire protection and fire safety. The elements of construction and engineering design of structures relating to fire protection is emphasized. Structural components and structural collapse are studied as well as case studies in fire and life safety. The different classifications of buildings and how building construction and codes affect fire and life safety are discussed. |
3 |
| FST3085 | Political and Legal Foundations for Fire Protection 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. |
3 |
| FST3092 | Budget, Finance, and Effective Communication This course introduces principles and practices of budget and finance, and combines them with the methods and techniques of both oral and written communication. The course is intended to prepare students for tasks and challenges related to fire service financial management, and to effectively communicate those business-related matters either through presentations or documents. |
3 |
| FST4081 | Personnel Management for the Fire and Emergency Services 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. |
3 |
| FST5044 | Leadership and Ethics in Fire and EMS This capstone course will develop critical thinking, personal competency, relationship management skills, and ethical decision-making to assist the student in achieving a leadership position in a public service environment. Through this educational experience, the student will learn self-awareness, self-control, social awareness, and relationship management skills necessary to manage and lead oneself and other individuals in an ever-changing, modern, and dynamic Fire and EMS industry. |
6 |
All applicants will be screened by the Program Director, who will ensure applicants meet the eligibility criteria.
Prerequisites
- Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Applicants must have a minimum of four years fire industry experience.
- Applicants should include a personal statement describing their educational and professional background and a statement of their career goals.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $50.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $100.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Summer 2026 for all applicants
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- are currently serving in the US armed forces
- are veterans of the US armed forces
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Our staff will review your application based on the following:
After submitting your application form, all applicants are required to have official transcripts sent directly to University of Cincinnati in order to be eligible for admissions review.
- First-Year and Transfer Applicants with Fewer Than 24 Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from your high school and all prior colleges (if applicable) for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- Transfer Applicants with 24+ Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from all prior colleges for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- You are exempt from the High School transcript requirement, this item will be removed from your application checklist once your college documents are received.
Please review the section below for guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Online transcript request systems are the preferred method to deliver official transcripts electronically. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly to determine their ordering process.
If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your prior school to the following address:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 Spring 2027 |
March 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 November 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 January 11, 2027 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
Ready to get started?
We offer over 130 degrees from undergraduate to doctoral programs. Each program is supported by a team of Enrollment Services Advisors (ESAs) who are here to help answer any questions you have.