Bachelor of Applied Studies in Fire & Emergency Response Management

The online Bachelor of Applied Studies Fire & Emergency Response Management (FERM) program at UW Oshkosh prepares students to manage complex public health and safety organizations. The first of its kind in Wisconsin and developed by fire chiefs, it is designed for individuals who already have a related associate degree in fire or emergency services. UW Oshkosh’s online Fire and Emergency Response Management (FERM) program prepares students to manage complex public health and safety organizations.

Focus on developing advanced skills in leadership and communication, your FERM degree builds upon your professional and educational experience. Coursework includes fiscal management, emergency planning, administrative law, and management of emergency services.

Stand Out in a Crowded Job Market

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates there were 1,041,200 firefighters in the US in 2020. Of the total number firefighters, 364,300 (35%) were career firefighters and 676, 900 (65%) were volunteer firefighters. In 2020, 89,600 firefighters were female (9%).

The U.S. Fire Administration 2023 reports 762 registered fire departments in Wisconsin (registration is voluntary). In the state of Wisconsin, 79% of the fire departments are volunteer, 13.6% are mostly volunteer, 1.6% are mostly career and 5.9% of fire departments are career. This means that 92.6% of the registered fire departments in Wisconsin are volunteer or mostly volunteer.

There are two primary ways to qualify for admission into the Fire and Emergency Response Management program:

For Applicants with an Applied Associate Degree
Student must have an approved, regional-accredited associate degree in a related field.

For Experienced Professionals without an Applied Associate Degree
Applicants may apply for admission to the FERM program with documentation of the following credentials:

• Firefighter 1 and 2 or NEMT Basic, Advanced, IV Tech; or technical diploma and National Registry.
• Three years of full-time experience (career, paid-on-on call, or volunteer).
• Two letters of recommendation (one from applicant’s immediate supervisor and one from a colleague) that can be emailed from the workplace.