BOWLING GREEN, O.— The first class (fall 2011) of the Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration (FIAD) degree at Bowling Green State University filled and applications are currently being accepted for the fall 2012 cohort.
“Our first cohort is a group of dedicated fire professionals who are committed to earning their bachelor’s degree to advance their careers and contribute to their departments in meaningful and tangible ways,” said FIAD adviser Dr. Melissa Miller, an associate professor of political science.
The online degree program, one of only a few in the country with an administrative focus, emphasizes communication skills, legal aspects of fire and emergency management, public health, interagency coordination of large-scale events, strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, applied research and analysis.
The program allows fire and emergency professionals who have an associate degree or the equivalent plus work experience to complete a four-year degree. It is jointly administered by the Department of Political Science and Continuing and Extended Education (CEE).
According to former Toledo Fire Chief Michael Wolever, “Today’s chief officers deal with urban planning and development, labor law, contract negotiations and compliance, state and federal grants, the administration of fire departments in a shrinking and changing economy, and many other issues.”
The degree-completion program was a natural extension of BGSU’s longtime efforts to provide advanced training and professional development for Ohio’s firefighters and fire administrators, said Ann Light, Director of State Fire School and Recruitment Advisor for the FIAD program. “BGSU has hosted State Fire School for over 35 years, which has been attended by thousands of emergency personnel. We’re happy to fill the need for additional education.” She added, “The development of this curriculum spans nearly 10 years and would not have been possible without the generous support of the chief officers who gave their input. It is truly a dream come true to see it come to fruition with such an outstanding group of students.”
Similarly, the program is a good fit with the political science department, Miller said. “The new Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration dovetails nicely with our department’s Master of Public Administration degree program.”
Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Podlogar of Lawrence Township said, “An online program is about the only way I could finish a degree.” Like most fire and emergency personnel, he works rotating shifts of 24 hours on and 48 hours off, and holds a second job. Podlogar is also the coordinator of emergency services for Massillon. “The fire administrator classes are relevant to both my jobs,” he said.
Applications are being accepted for fall 2012. Candidates must have earned an applied or technical associate degree, or equivalent, and have related work experience. More information can be found at www.bgsu.edu/fiad or email Ann Light at fiad@bgsu.edu