Master's in Fire Service Leadership
The professionalization of fire service leaders has led to an increasing expectation of fire service leadership degrees among fire chiefs and those competing for leadership positions. While that does not mean that all fire service leadership positions will require a master's degree in the field, such a degree can improve the chances of being selected for these positions. Degree programs are targeted at mid-career professionals who are looking for ways to develop their standing and increase their possibilities for promotion.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Master's degrees in fire service leadership can be used to fulfill educational requirements for promotion to leadership positions
- Fire service leadership master's degree programs provide training in skills necessary for developing and maintaining effective leadership in the fire services field
- These master's programs can offer thesis options that train professionals in research and publication
Cons
- Because of the requirements of the field, fire service workers do not have normal office hours, which can make finding the time to earn a degree more challenging
- The slower-than-average growth of this field may strengthen competition for leadership positions
- Not all leadership positions require master's-level education, and these degrees do not guarantee selection for leadership roles
Courses and Requirements
Coursework in fire services leadership is not completely standardized, but there are a number of areas that programs generally address, such as methods and theory of leadership, crisis management, strategic planning and finance. Fire service professionals may also select programs, or options within programs, that provide training on research methods and publication expectations, usually in association with thesis options. Topics that may be covered include:
- Fire services strategic planning
- Emergency and fire services leadership
- Budgeting and finance in the public sector
- Crisis management and public services
Online Degree Options
Online programs that offer master's degrees in fire service leadership are available, and these programs can be beneficial to career professionals, especially as they make these options available to students asynchronously and at a distance. Because of the requirement that fire services be on call 24/7, scheduling regular times for coursework can be particularly difficult.
Stand Out with This Degree
As a professional looking to stand out with this degree, you may seek out opportunities for developing your leadership skills either through your current employers or through the program itself. Building good relations with instructors can expand your professional network, as can connecting with other students who are also seeking such leadership positions. Seeking out leadership internships can provide you with opportunities to strengthen and reinforce the training in the program.
Degree Alternatives
Students looking to learn the skills necessary for leadership in the fire services may also seek out master's programs offering degrees in public administration. These programs generally address a broader audience than just the fire services, and may have concentrations for firefighting, police work, social work, other emergency services and homeland security. In a public administration program you can study such topics as crisis management and working with the public to prepare for crises.
