Division of Online and Continuing Education

Course 1: Speech Communication

This module will be an introduction to the theory and practice of oral communication through an understanding of interpersonal, intercultural, intergenerational & other methods of communication present in a myriad of settings within the fire service & the public venue. Included will be discussions regarding the development of oral presentations, identification of personal styles & barriers, improvement of skills, along with practical applications assigned throughout the course.

Course 2: Improving Your Writing

This module will allow students to gain perspective on the importance of effective written communications within the fire service. The need for effective technical writing skills is at an all-time high as fire service administrators are frequently charged with writing reports, memorandums, and seeking grant funding as a means of justifying or expanding expenses and programs. This course will focus on how to effectively construct reports, memos, and multimedia presentations by examining both effective and ineffective samples of writing. Additionally, learners will be given knowledge on how to critique and empower others through regular, critical evaluations of reports within their own organizations.  A combination of lecture, breakout sessions, and groupthink will be used to facilitate learning. Participants will be provided with a resource guide that can be used to perfect their own writing skills during future applications.

 Course 3: Leadership in the public sphere

This module will be an introduction to the science and art of leadership through an understanding of organizational design, effective communication, leadership theory, leadership styles, leadership traits, team building, mentoring, human resources, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, safety, and training. Included in the course will be individual and group exercises.

Course 4: Personnel Administration

This module will focus on the skills, knowledge, and abilities that chief fire officers need to know when managing personnel. The course specifically covers public sector administration and describes various elements of personnel management in the fire service. Improve your understanding of hiring, managing and appraising employees.

Course 5: The budget process

This module will be an introduction to the practice of sound fiscal management through the comprehension of good business practices, strategic fiscal planning, effective leadership, capital purchase projections, audit readiness, fiscal internal controls, effectively communicating requirements to elected officials, forging relationships with key community leaders, determining and prioritizing department needs, proactively managing the budget, writing effective grant proposals, and developing fiscal awareness in your department.  Included in the course will be individual and group exercises.

Course 6: Risk Assessment and Strategic Planning

Course Description: This module will provide students with a basic understanding of risk management and strategic planning processes as applied to the fire service setting.  As fire departments continue to grow and develop, both of these areas are vital to the continued health of the members and the department as a whole.  The course will use a hybrid presentation model, including pre-course assignments, lecture, follow-up online discussions and final project assignments.