Undergraduate

Fire Service Administration

Prepares students to lead progressive agencies into the future by focusing on academically challenging, authentic learning experiences addressing a wide breadth of contemporary industry topics.

2026

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Location

Online

Courses

23*

Credit

120 hrs.*

Full-time

Varies (Transfer up to 90 credits)

Part-time

Varies (Transfer up to 90 credits)

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College of Professional Studies

The online B.S. Fire Service Administration program at the UNH College of Professional Studies offers a flexible and affordable option for firefighters to advance their career and become leaders in the fire service field. Listen to alumni success stories and hear from experienced faculty about the valuable skills, knowledge, and opportunities that set this program apart.

This bachelor's completion program requires an earned associate degree from a regionally accredited college in Fire Science or a related field and certification as an NFPA 1001 Firefighter II from a ProBoard- or IFSAC-accredited agency.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

College of Professional Studies

What is Fire Service Administration?

The Bachelor of Science in Fire Service Administration degree prepares fire service professionals with the leadership, management, and administrative knowledge and skills essential to advance in the fire service field.  The program integrates knowledge and skills necessary to mitigate the ethical, moral, social, and situational challenges of fire and emergency services.  Entry into this program requires a conferred Associate Degree in Fire Science or an approved field, and certification as an NFPA 1001 Firefighter II issued by a Pro Board or IFSAC-accredited agency.

Why study Fire Service Administration at UNH College of Professional Studies?

Today more than ever, firefighters are pursuing bachelor’s degrees online to move their careers forward affordably and conveniently. If you’ve been holding back because it’s been a few years since you were last in school, or you’re anxious about managing courses with a busy life, you’ll find that UNH College of Professional Studies was built for you!

Potential Career Areas

Firefighter
Fire Inspector/Fire Marshal
Fire Investigator
Emergency Management Director
Fire Officer
Chief Fire or EMS Officer
Deputy or Assistant Fire Chief
Fire Chief
Fire Instructor
Fire Professor
Safety Manager

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Fire Service Administration degree prepares fire service professionals with the leadership, management, and administrative knowledge and skills essential to advance in the fire service field. The program integrates knowledge and skills necessary to mitigate the ethical, moral, social, and situational challenges of fire and emergency services. Entry into this program requires a conferred Associate Degree in Fire Science or an approved field, and certification as an NFPA 1001 Firefighter II issued by a Pro Board or IFSAC-accredited agency.

Degree Plan

This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence - For students with conferred associate degree

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
FSA 603	Principles of Emergency Services	4
COM 590	Professional Communication	4
FSA 605	Fire Service Ethics	4
FSA 610	Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services	4
	Credits	16
Spring
FSA 635	Political and Legal Foundations for Fire Protection	4
FSA 665 or BEHS 665	Command and Control of Large-Scale Incidents or Disaster Management	4
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
FSA 710	Personnel Management for the Fire Service	4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
FSA 685	Fire Prevention Organization and Management	4
FSA 760	Fire and Emergency Services Administration	4
MTH 504	Statistics	4
	Credits	12
Spring
IDIS 601		4
FSA 740	Applications of Fire Research	4
	Credits	8
Third Year
Fall
COM 665 or COM 710	Media and Strategic Communication or Managerial Communication	4
FSA 797	Integrative Capstone: Research Project in Fire Service Administration	4
	Credits	8
	Total Credits	60

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 120 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 30 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0 is required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.

*GPA: Major and any state certification GPA requirements may be higher and are indicated in program details.

A minimum grade of C- is required in all Major coursework. Some programs may have higher grade requirements for Major coursework as noted in the Major requirements section below. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor, and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor. Please note that Option requirements are considered part of the Major. Students must complete 16 upper-level credits in majors within the College of Professional Studies, Online.

General Education Program Requirements

A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor.

All General Education requirements must be taken prior to the capstone.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems		4
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World		4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression		4
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
IDIS 601A	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy	4
or IDIS 601B	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer
or IDIS 601C	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities
Total Credits		40

Writing Program Requirements

All bachelor's degree candidates are required to complete four writing intensive courses as part of the University Writing Program Requirements as follows:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process
One Writing Intensive course in the Major
One Writing Intensive course at the 600-level or above
One Additional Writing Intensive Course

Writing Intensive courses are identified with the label "Writing Intensive Course" in the "Attributes" section of the course description and/or a W following the course number.

Major Requirements

Prerequisite: Must have completed an Associate Degree or equivalent in Fire Science field.

Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete the majority of their required major courses along with CRIT 602 Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking and IDIS 601 Interdisciplinary Seminar. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. Academic Advisor approval is required for registration to be processed.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Major in Fire Service Administration
Intermediate Courses
FSA 603	Principles of Emergency Services	4
COM 590	Professional Communication	4
COM 665	Media and Strategic Communication	4
or COM 710	Managerial Communication
FSA 605	Fire Service Ethics	4
FSA 610	Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services	4
FSA 635	Political and Legal Foundations for Fire Protection	4
MTH 504	Statistics	4
FSA 665	Command and Control of Large-Scale Incidents	4
or BEHS 665	Disaster Management
Advanced Courses
FSA 685	Fire Prevention Organization and Management	4
FSA 710	Personnel Management for the Fire Service	4
FSA 740	Applications of Fire Research	4
FSA 760	Fire and Emergency Services Administration	4
Integrative Capstone
FSA 797	Integrative Capstone: Research Project in Fire Service Administration	4
Total Credits		52

Electives

Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, option or minor. Students will need 120 credits total to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the Online Division of the College of Professional Studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate leadership skills and utilize administrative techniques related to the organizational management of fire and emergency services.
Integrate research, critical thinking, and analytical decision-making skills to address challenges faced in the delivery and execution of modern fire and emergency services.
Apply principles of ethics to evaluate fire and emergency services moral and social issues and make principle-based decisions.
Identify and prioritize public safety threats and hazards and develop fire and emergency service community risk reduction plans.
Conduct dynamic situational assessments and apply knowledge of risk reduction to develop strategic incident action plans that are consistent with professional standards and best practices to mitigate emergencies or disasters in the community.

Course Highlights

Fire Service Ethics
Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services
Political and Legal Foundations for Fire Protection
Fire Prevention Organization and Management
Personnel Management for the Fire Service
Applications of Fire Research
Fire and Emergency Services Administration
...and more!

Leadership: Make an Impact

The UNH College of Professional Studies takes a unique approach by focusing on individual leadership. It teaches students how to lead teams, communicate effectively, cultivate vision, and be agile decision-makers in any industry.

Key Benefits of UNH CPS Online

FESHE-Recognized Program

UNH’s Fire Service Administration program is recognized by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) initiative. This distinction ensures our curriculum meets national standards set by the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy, preparing graduates with the knowledge and leadership skills to advance in the fire and emergency services field.

Advantages

100% online courses – Learn from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
8-week terms – Move toward your goals faster.
Affordable tuition – Among the lowest in New England and nationwide.
Nationally ranked – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Regionally accredited – By the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
Generous transfer credit policy – About 89% of our students transfer in; we specialize in maximizing your previous college coursework and other college-level learning.
Credit for prior learning – Earn credit for relevant work experience, military training, and other learning outside the classroom.
Rolling admissions – Apply anytime and start in the term that works for you.
No GMAT or GRE required – Streamlined admissions process.
Expert faculty – Instructors are subject matter experts who share real-world experience to help you apply what you learn to your career goals.
Career advising for life – Available to all students, alumni, and even prospective students exploring their options.

Transfer Pathway

Whether you completed your associate degree or took a few courses, we have experience working with community college students nationwide and we are experts at maximizing your transfer credits. We are proud of our formal partnerships to support community college graduates through our Transfer Pathways.

Students pursuing an associate degree at a New Hampshire community college are encouraged to explore our Transfer Pathway below.

mount wachusett community college Transfer Pathway

Lakes region community college Transfer Pathway

Rhode Island Community College Transfer Pathway

Admission Requirements

Completion of our free, online application for admission
High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC
Associate degree in Fire Science or a related field
Certification as an NFPA 1001 Firefighter II issued by a Pro Board- or IFSAC-accredited agency

Connect with an Advisor

Get started by connecting with an advisor.

An advisor trained in our fire service administration program will contact you to learn more about your academic and career goals.