Kaplan University offers individuals interested in pursuing managerial and leadership positions in fire and emergency services organizations, emergency preparedness agencies, and emergency medical services, the Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management Program. The Advanced Start Option allows associate degree holders to advance into a four-year degree at a faster pace. Bachelor degree holders from other fields can also consider this program particularly those who desire a career change towards the field.

Students are required to complete one hundred eighty (180) credits for a regular bachelor’s degree. Through qualified transfer credits from previous learning, students can complete the Advanced Start Option in ninety (90) credits. Students will acquire learning in fire fighting and prevention, disaster response, safety risk management, and community risk reduction. The curriculum also covers the essential management and administrative functions performed in related agencies.

Some of the Required Courses are Terrorism, WMD and Disaster Response Methodology; Advanced Principles of Firefighter Safety and Survival; Community Risk Reduction for Fire and EMS; Fire Prevention Organization and Management; Political, Ethical, and Legal Foundations of EMS; Leadership and Management; Safety Risk Management for Fire and EMS; Bachelor’s Capstone in Fire and Emergency Management; Fire Behavior and Combustion; Fire Prevention Practices; Strategy and Tactics; Arts and Humanities Course; and Open Electives. Tuition cost is $ 425.00 per credit for an estimated total program cost of $ 38,250.00. Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Possible job positions are chief and mid-level fire service personnel, emergency program manager and director, and emergency planner. The program is also open to emergency service personnel seeking additional administrative and management knowledge, skills, and understanding.