Fire service management is an increasingly complex and competitive field. To become a fire chief or other high-ranking fire service officer, you must have the administrative and people skills of an effective leader along with the knowledge to anticipate and plan for fire-related emergencies.

The Fire Service Administration specialization of the online MPA degree focuses on the strategic and critical thinking skills necessary to lead public agencies that are involved in fire service, protection, prevention, and education. Our students are experienced firefighters, officers, fire chiefs, and other fire-service professionals, who often need an advanced degree to be considered for a promotion or entry into management positions.

Anna Maria College's MPA degree with a specialization in Fire Service Administration reflects the College's long and respected history of educating fire service professionals. The specialization is comprised of four courses that cover the basics of emergency management, techniques for risk assessment, employee motivation, and dealing with the public:

• EPR 601 Essentials of Emergency Management

• EPR 619 Hazard Analysis, Mitigation, and Sustainability

• FRS 608 Performance Management for Local Government

• FRS 695 Customer Service: Creating a Customer Friendly Organization

These courses compliment the core curriculum of public administration classes. Go to the complete curriculum for the MPA with a specialization in Fire Service Administration.

Careers in Fire Service Administration

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in the fire service will increase by 19 percent from 2008 to 2018¹, but the competition for jobs will be fierce. The online MPA with a specialization in Fire Service Administration offers you the advanced skills and knowledge to move into management positions such as:

• Fire Department Chief

• Fire Marshal

• Director of Fire Prevention and Education

• Deputy Chief

• Battalion Chief

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average salaries for fire chiefs ranged from $78,672 to $104,780 in 2008, considerably more than a fire lieutenant, who earned an average of $50,464 to $60,772. Clearly, an advanced degree can be a prudent investment if you are interested in pursuing leadership positions in the fire service.

To move up in the ranks in the fire service field, an advanced degree is a virtual prerequisite. By earning your online MPA degree with a specialization in Fire Service Administration at Anna Maria College, you can feel confident in receiving an education that will enhance your career. Take the first step. Fill out our information request form or call 877-265-3201 to speak to an Admissions Advisor.

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, accessed 1/31/2011, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos329.htm#outlook.