K
  • Note: For certain locations, program enrollment is onsite with online instruction.

  • This program is offered online.

  • Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management

    The general public and government appointees are demanding higher levels of training and education for those who lead our nation's first response teams to catastrophic disasters, terrorist incidents, and typical emergencies. This degree program is designed for emergency services personnel who want to increase their administrative and management knowledge as well as occupational and life safety awareness. It also prepares students to face new challenges in technology, human resource management, and fiscal responsibility.

    Official Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Institution

    Kaplan University is recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration as an official Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) institution. The fire and emergency management program closely follows the FESHE model.

    Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management Program Highlights

    Since 1999, Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) leaders labored to produce a standardized undergraduate curriculum that is national in scope, content, and outcome. Fire-related and EMS management courses were developed for colleges and universities to use as a model when developing curriculum. All the courses share common titles, catalog descriptions, outlines, and content, which provide a national core of knowledge and competencies as suggested by FESHE. This degree program closely follows the FESHE model and is designed to:

    • Give graduates administrative and management knowledge as well as a solid baccalaureate foundation
    • Provide current information regarding technology, human resource management, and fiscal responsibility in preparation for leadership roles
    • Teach occupational and life safety awareness
    • Impart learning in ethics, global awareness, operations, psychology, and research methods

    What are the Career Opportunities?

    Those who complete the program and earn their Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management can look to pursue managerial positions and leadership roles in fire and emergency services organizations, emergency medical service and emergency preparedness agencies.* Career opportunities may include chief and mid-level fire service personnel, emergency planners, and emergency program managers or directors.

    Fast Track to Your Degree

    Eligible students in this bachelor's degree program who want to continue on to pursue a master's degree within the School of Criminal Justice or School of Legal Studies may be interested in the accelerated master's degree option. Students complete graduate-level courses within this undergraduate plan of study. Once accepted to the master’s degree program, students transfer in the graduate courses and matriculate into a shortened degree plan. This accelerated option allows students to complete both their bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time and at a lower cost than completing both programs separately. Accelerated options are offered for the following programs:

    Advanced Start Option

    If you already have an associate's degree from another accredited institution, our advanced start program may help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management in as little as two years.† 

  • Kaplan University offers multiple start dates, giving you greater flexibility with your education, life, and work schedules.

    Jul 03

    Online Start Date
    Jul 03, 2013

    Jul 31

    Online Start Date
    Jul 31, 2013

    Sep 18

    Online Start Date
    Sep 18, 2013

    View the Academic Calendar

  • Curriculum: Standard Track

    Core

    100/200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5  Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    100/200 LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    Major

    FS 100: INTRODUCTION TO FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES (5 Credits)

    This course introduces students to careers in fire and emergency services and the Kaplan University fire and emergency management programs. The field of study, skill sets, and professionalism will be discussed. Students will learn about the historical background of the modern fire service while learning research skills for the future. This course is designed to acclimate the fire science and emergency management student to Kaplan University while providing a solid foundation for success in the fire and emergency services profession.

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 105: FIRE PREVENTION PRACTICES (5 Credits)

    This course examines fire avoidance measures, including fire prevention education, fire safety inspection, fire code enforcement, and fire investigation. Students will gain an overview of the procedures and principles of inspections commonly conducted for control of structures, occupancy, or combined purposes.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management 

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 120: INTRODUCTION TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (5 Credits)

    This course covers the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Topics include organizing for emergency management, coordinating for community resources, and the roles of government agencies at all levels. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of comprehensive and integrated emergency management.

    Prerequisites Required:

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 202: PRINCIPLES OF EMERGENCY SERVICES (5 Credits)

    This course examines the fundamentals of occupational health and safety for emergency service agencies. Students will gain knowledge of risk evaluation and control policies for fire stations, emergency vehicles, and training sites, as well as for incidents involving fire, hazardous materials, and other EMS responses. Students will also gain knowledge of the basic principles and history of firefighter life safety initiatives.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management 

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 205: ETHICS FOR THE FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES (5 Credits)

    This course provides an understanding of the types of ethical issues that can arise in the fire and emergency services. Students will examine philosophical concepts as they relate to modern ethics. The course will also provide an overview of various approaches to the ethical situations faced by fire and emergency service organizations.

    Prerequisites Required:

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 208: LEGAL ASPECTS OF EMERGENCY SERVICES (5 Credits)

    This course explores the legal issues that relate to emergency services, such as arson law and legal responsibilities of emergency services officers, as well as criminal and civil law. Students will gain an understanding of laws that impact emergency services management at both the state and local levels. The course also examines recent case law and legal decisions that impact emergency services agencies.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management 

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 220: PREPAREDNESS AND PLANNING FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (5 Credits)

    This course analyzes the rationale for and methods related to all-hazards emergency preparedness and planning. Topics include preparedness strategies, planning concepts and processes, public awareness programs, and training and exercise programs.

    Prerequisites Required:

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 225: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSE (5 Credits)

    This course provides an overview of the response phase of emergency management including government policies related to disaster response. The content will include the purpose of the National Response Plan. 

    Prerequisites Required:

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    CJ 307: CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN TERRORIST ATTACKS AND DISASTERS (6 Credits)

    This course will cover the methodology and rationale behind the unified response to a terrorist, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), or disaster incident within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS). Students will explore the management and incident command response to terrorist, WMD, or disaster events, including elements of logistics, budgeting, prioritization, staffing, and support. Students will examine these methodologies from the perspective of crisis management and consequence management.

    Prerequisites Required: CJ 101

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 304: COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION FOR FIRE AND EMS (6 Credits)

    This course analyzes theories for understanding ethical, social, organizational, political, and legal aspects of community risk reduction for fire and EMS agencies. Students will learn to utilize common methods for developing effective and comprehensive community risk-reduction plans.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management 

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 320: RECOVERY PRACTICES IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course describes how people, groups, organizations, communities, and governments manage disasters in the immediate aftermath and recover from their effects, including social, physical, business, and infrastructure problems as well as intra- and interorganizational planning. 

    Prerequisites Required: FS 120

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 401: FIRE PREVENTION ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course explores the modern management and planning techniques that are utilized to organize a fire department. Students will examine fire department organization and management through community risk reduction, codes and standards, inspections, plan review, incident investigation, fire prevention research, and the relationship of master planning to fire prevention.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management 

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 402: POLITICAL, ETHICAL, AND LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF EMS (6 Credits)

    This course explains various aspects of the govern¬ment's role in public safety, as well as the American legal system, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) operations, employment and personnel issues, and emergency officials' roles. The course also discusses legislative and political influence in fire and EMS.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 403: LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course examines the knowledge and skills needed to become a responsible leader and manage a crew of firefighters. Topics include leadership and management, specifically managing budgets, personnel, and standard operating procedures. The course also analyzes challenges related to the creation of a team environment, situational leadership, and ethical decision making.

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 414: PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT FOR FIRE AND EMS (6 Credits)

    This course examines fundamental issues in personnel administration and human resource development in fire and EMS agencies. Students will explore concepts and responsibilities such as management, organizational development and training, employee recruitment, selection, and productivity, as well as performance management and labor relations.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management 

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 420: MITIGATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course describes the methods and techniques used to lessen the potential impact of disasters and improve readiness to respond. Included are the principles related to mitigation as they pertain to sustainability and building resilient communities. Students will design a risk assessment plan. 

    Prerequisites Required: FS 120

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 425: DISASTER POLICY IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course focuses on the administrative roles of local, state, and federal governments in times of disaster and the importance of intergovernmental relations. The policymaking process and the historical evolution of disaster policy are reviewed.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 120

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    FS 499: BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN FIRE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course is designed as the culminating experience of the bachelor's degree program in fire and emergency management. This course consists of a series of assignments that integrate concepts from the fire and emergency management curriculum. The assignments are designed to test application and critical thinking skills as students work through fact-based scenarios and analyze issues affecting contemporary practice.

    Prerequisites Required: Last term or permission of the Dean

    Total Major Credits: 100
    Total Program Credits: 180

    Electives

    OPEN ELECTIVES (47 Credits)

    Total Electives Credits: 47
    Total Program Credits: 180

    Prior Degree

    Total Prior Degree Credits (90 Credits)

    Total Prior Degree Credits: 90
    Total Program Credits: 90

    *Comparability is determined by a course-by-course examination of the prior associate's or bachelor's degree against the core requirements of a Kaplan University associate’s degree.

    Prerequisites

    FS 105: FIRE PREVENTION PRACTICES (5 Credits)

    This course examines fire avoidance measures, including fire prevention education, fire safety inspection, fire code enforcement, and fire investigation. Students will gain an overview of the procedures and principles of inspections commonly conducted for control of structures, occupancy, or combined purposes.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management 

    Total Prerequisites Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 120: INTRODUCTION TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (5 Credits)

    This course covers the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Topics include organizing for emergency management, coordinating for community resources, and the roles of government agencies at all levels. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of comprehensive and integrated emergency management.

    Prerequisites Required:

    Total Prerequisites Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 220: PREPAREDNESS AND PLANNING FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (5 Credits)

    This course analyzes the rationale for and methods related to all-hazards emergency preparedness and planning. Topics include preparedness strategies, planning concepts and processes, public awareness programs, and training and exercise programs.

    Prerequisites Required:

    Total Prerequisites Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Bachelor's Core

    300/400 LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Bachelor's Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 90

    300/400 LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Bachelor's Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 90

    300/400 LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Bachelor's Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Major

    CJ 307: CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN TERRORIST ATTACKS AND DISASTERS (6 Credits)

    This course will cover the methodology and rationale behind the unified response to a terrorist, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), or disaster incident within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS). Students will explore the management and incident command response to terrorist, WMD, or disaster events, including elements of logistics, budgeting, prioritization, staffing, and support. Students will examine these methodologies from the perspective of crisis management and consequence management.

    Prerequisites Required: CJ 101

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 304: COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION FOR FIRE AND EMS (6 Credits)

    This course analyzes theories for understanding ethical, social, organizational, political, and legal aspects of community risk reduction for fire and EMS agencies. Students will learn to utilize common methods for developing effective and comprehensive community risk-reduction plans.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management 

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 320: RECOVERY PRACTICES IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course describes how people, groups, organizations, communities, and governments manage disasters in the immediate aftermath and recover from their effects, including social, physical, business, and infrastructure problems as well as intra- and interorganizational planning. 

    Prerequisites Required: FS 120

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 401: FIRE PREVENTION ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course explores the modern management and planning techniques that are utilized to organize a fire department. Students will examine fire department organization and management through community risk reduction, codes and standards, inspections, plan review, incident investigation, fire prevention research, and the relationship of master planning to fire prevention.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management 

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 402: POLITICAL, ETHICAL, AND LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF EMS (6 Credits)

    This course explains various aspects of the govern¬ment's role in public safety, as well as the American legal system, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) operations, employment and personnel issues, and emergency officials' roles. The course also discusses legislative and political influence in fire and EMS.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 403: LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course examines the knowledge and skills needed to become a responsible leader and manage a crew of firefighters. Topics include leadership and management, specifically managing budgets, personnel, and standard operating procedures. The course also analyzes challenges related to the creation of a team environment, situational leadership, and ethical decision making.

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 414: PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT FOR FIRE AND EMS (6 Credits)

    This course examines fundamental issues in personnel administration and human resource development in fire and EMS agencies. Students will explore concepts and responsibilities such as management, organizational development and training, employee recruitment, selection, and productivity, as well as performance management and labor relations.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 100 or FS 120 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management 

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 420: MITIGATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course describes the methods and techniques used to lessen the potential impact of disasters and improve readiness to respond. Included are the principles related to mitigation as they pertain to sustainability and building resilient communities. Students will design a risk assessment plan. 

    Prerequisites Required: FS 120

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 425: DISASTER POLICY IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course focuses on the administrative roles of local, state, and federal governments in times of disaster and the importance of intergovernmental relations. The policymaking process and the historical evolution of disaster policy are reviewed.

    Prerequisites Required: FS 120

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    FS 499: BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN FIRE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (6 Credits)

    This course is designed as the culminating experience of the bachelor's degree program in fire and emergency management. This course consists of a series of assignments that integrate concepts from the fire and emergency management curriculum. The assignments are designed to test application and critical thinking skills as students work through fact-based scenarios and analyze issues affecting contemporary practice.

    Prerequisites Required: Last term or permission of the Dean

    Total Major Credits: 60
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Electives

    OPEN ELECTIVES (12 Credits)

    Total Electives Credits: 12
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Tuition & Fees: Standard Track

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    Standard Track Online &
    Learning Center     		Campus
    Cost Per Credit
    Number of Credits / Terms  
    Total Tuition Cost

    Tuition and Fees

    Some programs have additional associated fees that are not included in the price of tuition. Click here or check with an Admissions Advisor for more information. 

    Learn More about Kaplan University Tuition and Fees  

    Notice to Learning Center Students

    Kaplan University Learning Center students will only complete a portion of this program on site. You will need to complete at least 50% of the program requirements online, or through transfer credit awarded via prior learning assessment. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak with an admissions advisor.

    Scholarships and Grants

    Learn more about grants and Kaplan University Scholarships and that may help reduce the cost of your education.

    Kaplan University tuition reductions (including active-duty, spouse, and veterans military tuition rates; scholarships; grants; vouchers; and alumni and alliance reductions) cannot be combined. 

    Tuition Rates for Military Students and Spouses

    Kaplan University has significantly reduced many of our tuition rates and fees for active-duty servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans. Click here for more information.
     

  • Some states have additional curricular requirements. Check the University Catalog or speak with an Admissions Advisor.

  • * Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

    † Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and credits considered to be remedial, occupational, or specialized may not be accepted for transfer. Average completion time based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete. Refer to the University Catalog for our Transfer of Credit policy.

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