BGSU offers new degree in Fire Administration

BOWLING GREEN, O.—Bowling Green State University has received approval from the Ohio Board of Regents to offer a unique online Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration (FIAD) degree. One of only a few such degree programs in the country, FIAD emphasizes communication skills, legal aspects of fire and emergency management, public health, interagency coordination of large-scale events, strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, critical thinking, applied research and analysis.

According to Toledo Fire Chief Michael Wolever, a degree in fire administration is a must for any chief officer. “Today’s chief officers deal with urban planning and development, labor law, contract negotiations and compliance, state and federal grants, the administration of fire departments in a shrinking and changing economy, and many other issues. This program of study will prepare candidates to handle the challenges facing chief officers today and in the future.”

Dr. Jeffrey Peake, interim chair and associate professor of political science, helped implement the degree. “A Bachelor's of Science in Fire Administration from BGSU will provide fire professionals the aptitudes and broad academic knowledge necessary to succeed as a leader in the fast-paced and ever-changing public management environment,” he said. “Academic rigor is the touchstone of the program. The Department of Political Science is committed to the program's success and to the success of its students.”

“This online degree is also an important component of BGSU’s strategic direction to support economic development initiatives,” added Dr. Michael Ogawa, founding vice president for research and economic development. “It meets a market demand for a job-specific four-year degree in the area of fire administration, while at the same time providing fire servicemen and servicewomen the opportunity to advance their careers.”
 
Applications are being accepted for fall 2011. Candidates must have earned an applied or technical associate degree or equivalent and have related work experience. More information about the FIAD degree can be found at www.bgsu.edu/fiad.

For more information, contact Ann Light, recruiting adviser for Continuing and Extended Education, at 419-372-8181 or fiad@bgsu.edu, or Dr. Melissa Miller, assistant professor of political science, at 419-372-2923 or melissam@bgsu.edu.

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(Posted May 03, 2011 )