Fire Science Courses: Masters in Fire Science and Administration

The M.A. in Fire Science and Administration program consists of eight required courses and four electives, as well as a two-part thesis project.

Required Courses

GRS 600 Ethical Theory (The Ethics Edge, ICMA)

Examines the intellectual and theoretical perspectives that form ethical theory and practice within the Judeo-Christian and liberal arts traditions. Specific attention is given to the significance of the dialogue between faith and reason in the development of ethical theory from the ancient period through the present.

FRS 602 Organizational Theory and Behavior for the Public Sector

The study of the fundamental theory of the management development process and the analysis of employee behavior patterns.

FRS 604 Executive Leadership in the Public Sector

This course focuses on the study and analysis of human behavior patterns. Special consideration is given to the role of the emergency services department management team member as a leader and motivator of people.

FRS 606 Local Government Financial Management

This course will help the student to take off the green eyeshade of the financial manager and see the bigger picture as it pertains to watching demographic changes, economic conditions and shifts in federal, state and local relations.

EPR 619 Hazard Analysis, Mitigation, and Sustainability

This course builds a conceptually sound basis for identifying potential causes of emergency events, estimating their probability and severity, evaluating community vulnerability, systematically identifying mitigation strategies, and selecting from among options. Methods for studying new or rare threats for which there are scant data are included. The essential links between sustainable development and effective hazard mitigation are stressed.

EPR 601 Essentials of Emergency Management

This course provides and introduction to the student of emergency management, its history, and current functions in the public and private sectors. Key theories, concepts, and ethical considerations are introduced. It illustrates the need for integrated, collaborative operations; the ground in data and analysis; and the focus on prevention and continuous improvement.

FRS 610 Emergency Services Strategic Planning

Through the utilization and application of risk assessment and master planning concepts, this program will guide the student through the process of problem identification and comparative analysis. This course will focus upon identifying the benefits and the development of a long term planning effort within the student's local jurisdiction.

FRS 608 Performance Management for Local Government

This course will take the student through a brief overview of service performance measurement, and then delves into successful service performance management practices. It reviews successful results from local governments, a step-by step approach for establishing a system designed to get results, and the importance of tying performance measures to the nuts and bolts of the service delivery system.

Electives

FRS 640 Emergency Services Communications and Technology

This course focuses on the development of written communication and presentation skills necessary for success within public sector organizations. Emphasis will be placed upon problem analysis, the utilization of data, and the development of a comprehensive program to market the organization to its constituents.

FRS 685 Critical Incident Stress Management for Emergency Services

Explores the issues of psychological recovery of first responders from exposure to overwhelmingly distressing events. The course reviews the consequences of inadequately addressing and treating the impact of such events. Methods for identifying the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and appropriate strategies for its prevention and treatment are discussed.

FRS 690 Multiple Agency Coordination and Management

This course provides the student with understanding of the unified command function and focuses on how to build relationships that will result in successful multi-agency activities and cooperation. Although some attentions will be focuses on emergency operations, emphasis will be placed on strategies to develop non-emergency partnerships, teamwork, and coalitions that will benefit the community.

FRS 695 Customer Service: Creating a Customer Friendly Organization

This course allows the student to develop a customer service program specific to their respective community. Through case analysis and examination of practices within other public and private sector agencies, customer service will be examined as a foundational philosophy that is a critical component of a dynamic emergency services organization.

Required Research and Masters Thesis Work

FRS 710 Fire Science Applied Research I (Thesis Seminar)

Part one of a two-part applied research course. Prepares students to choose, explore, and begin writing a topic related to emergency services and administration. Each student will produce a thesis of acceptable length, reflecting scholarly research which will be accepted by the department faculty. Adhering to the guidelines of the American Psychological Association and the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, students work methodically to produce the preliminary chapters of a scholarly manuscript.

FRS 711 Fire Science Applied Research II

This course continues FRS 710. In this part of the course, students complete their thesis by writing results, discussion, and recommendations. The course also supports students as they revise previous chapters. A second milestone is the defense of the thesis before the students' peers and members of the graduate faculty.

Transfer Credit (6)

A maximum of 6 credits in transfer may be accepted from the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.

Take the first step toward earning your master's in Fire Science and Administration at Anna Maria College Online. Fill out our Information Request Form or call 1 (877) 265-3201 to speak with an Admissions Advisor.