Nov 25, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Fire and Emergency Response Administration Extended Major, B.S.


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Department of Human Services and Counseling  

College of Health and Human Sciences  

  Available Program Format(s): In-Person  

About the Program


The mission of the MSU Denver Fire and Emergency Response Administration (FERA) degree program is to promote higher education and to enhance the value of the fire and emergency response professions in order to promote a safer community and to reduce the loss of life, property, and the number of physical and emotional casualties from fire and other life-threatening events. 

MSU Denver is one of only a few college and university programs in the country to carry the “Certificate of Recognition” from the National Fire Academy-Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education for every FESHE course offered by the university. 

Fire and Emergency Response courses at MSU are part of a nationally standardized curriculum based on the National Fire Academy-Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Model Curriculum and are intended to meet higher education criteria set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). 

Students with completed Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) certifications are awarded a block of 24 credits. These 24 credits are solely applicable to the Fire and Emergency Response Administration Extended Major and are not applicable to other B.S. or B.A. degree-granting programs at MSU Denver and cannot be utilized in any other way at MSU Denver.

Students can also receive a maximum of 24 credits towards electives with a paramedic certification (24 credits) or EMT Basic Certification (12 credits), Firefighter 1 (9 credits) and/or Hazardous Materials Operation Certificate (3 credits). These credits may be transferred to another program (major or minor) with permission from that department.

Student Outcomes


  •  Improve language, writing, and communication skills 
  • Exercise analytical and critical thinking 
  • Develop awareness of current global management issues in emergency services 
  • Develop a broad knowledge base of emergency services 
  • Apply management models compatible with the National Incident Management System 
  • Understand community risk reduction and mitigation efforts  
  • Understand the science and data behind  fire investigations and tactical operations 
  • Gain insight into human behavior during emergencies  
  • Acquire insight into modern political and legal limitations on emergency services 
  • Understand the need for ethical leadership

General Degree Requirements


To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements. 

Program Requirements


  • A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation. 
  • A grade of C or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits


Students should consult the General Studies Requirements  for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.  

  • Written Communication (6 credits) 
  • Oral Communication (3 credits) 
  • Quantitative Literacy (3 credits) 
  • Arts and Humanities (6 credits) 
  • Historical (3 credits) 
  • Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

 

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


  • Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement  for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.  
  • Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement. 

Electives: 12 credits


Students must select 12 credits from the following:

  • Any FER Course
  • Any HSP Course

Additional Requirements


Students must take a total of 24 credit hours from a regionally accredited Colorado Community College and/or possess a state or national certification in these areas.

9 credits          Firefighter I and/or

12 credits        EMT Basic Certificate and/or

3 Credits         Hazardous Materials Operation Certificate

or

Have a current and valid Colorado and/or national Paramedic Certification

or

Have a current Peace Officer Standing and Training (POST) certificate

Senior Experience: 3 credits


Summary of Requirements


General Studies Requirements 33 credits
ESSJ Requirement 0-3 credits
Required Courses 21 credits
Major Electives 12 credits
Additional Requirements 24 credits
Senior Experience 3 credits
Unrestricted Electives 24-27 credits
Total for the Fire and Emergency Response Administration Extended Major, B.S. 120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.

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