M.S. in Technology

Fire Service Administration concentration

Note: This program is currently being revised to integrate its most important aspects into a broader and more flexible degree program built around the general context of public safety, including environmental and emergency management. You can direct questions about this program to cti-dean@asu.edu.

 

The Master of Science in Technology degree with a Fire Service Administration concentration prepares students for executive-level positions such as fire chief, fire marshal, or other professional positions that require an advanced degree. Courses focus on the advanced study of fire administration and leadership.

The M.S. in Technology degree is a 33-semester-hour program. Each course is three semester hours and students are expected to take a total of 11 courses. Students may select from a list of courses, two of which are required. Students also have the option to complete a Cognate in Emergency Management within the M.S. in Technology degree. This is accomplished by completing nine hours of emergency management course work.

The M.S. in Technology degree requires students to complete an applied research project. Students work with a faculty member and a graduate committee to complete the written document and oral defense of the research work.

 

What You Can Do With This Degree

Graduates of this program are able to perform the functions of a fire chief in any size public sector fire department, administer fire-related programs in the private sector, and conduct meaningful research applicable to fire service programs.

 

Applied Project Option

  • Technical concentration: 12 semester hours
  • Technical Concentration Electives: 9-15 semester hours
  • Optional Related Electives: 0-6 semester hours
  • Research seminar and writing: 3 semester hours
  • Total minimum for degree completion: 33 semester hours

Of the minimum 33 semester hours required for this degree program, a minimum of 15 semester hours must be 500-level courses and part of the approved program. Specific credit requirements vary within each department.

 

Courses Associated With This Degree

Click on each sample course name for more information.

FSA 502 Managing Change in the Fire Service

  • Description: Dynamics of organizational change and the effect change has on the delivery of fire services to the community.

FSA 522 Leadership in the Fire Service

  • Description: Leadership theories analyzed in a variety of contexts within public and private organizations, then applied to the leadership challenges in the fire service.

FSA 530 Public Policy in the Fire Service

  • Description: Public policy and the fire services' role in the making of public policy in the community.

FSA 551 Fire Prevention and Public Fire Education

  • Description: Managing fire prevention organizations and administering fire prevention programs in a contemporary society.

FSA 552 Emergency Medical Services Administration

  • Description: Focuses on the variety of special emergency services operations provided by contemporary fire departments.

FSA 598 Advanced Fire Service Administration

 

Delivery System

ASU Fire Service Programs are designed to meet the student’s needs in several important ways.  ASU believes that students should have flexibility, convenience, and choice in the courses that they take and how they take them.  Students have two options for taking courses and completing their degree:

  1. Completely Online: Students may complete the M.S. in Technology degree completely online.  This includes all applied project requirements.
  2. Hybrid: Students may choose to take classes that are delivered partly online and partly in a classroom.  Hybrid fire courses are offered at various locations throughout the State of Arizona.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to earn an M.S. in Technology degree?

Full-time students can earn the M.S. in Technology degree in two years.  Part-time students typically earn their degree in three to four years depending on the number of courses they take each semester.

Can I enroll in the M.S. in Technology degree if I am not in the fire service?

Yes.

Can I transfer credits into the M.S. in Technology degree?

Students may transfer up to six hours of graduate (500 level or above) credit.  Credits must be related to fire service administration.