Fire and Emergency Response Management (FERM)

If you have an associate degree in fire protection, fire science, paramedic technician or emergency management from the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) or a similar institution, this program is for you!

Bachelor of Applied Studies Degree

The first of its kind in Wisconsin and developed by fire chiefs, UW Oshkosh’s online FERM program prepares students to manage complex public health and safety organizations. It is tailored to working firefighters and emergency response personnel.

All FERM courses provide learning opportunities for individuals who wish to advance in their current career or a related field. Students will gain knowledge in:

Personnel management
Writing and communication
Administrative law
Budgeting

Conflict resolution
Data gathering and analysis
Management
Leadership

Applicants must have successfully completed an associate degree in an appropriate fire science area. Such areas may include fire protection, fire science, paramedic technician, wildland firefighting or emergency management.

Most students transfer in approximately 60 credits!

Students earn a block of 45 credits for an approved technical degree, plus credits for applicable general education courses.

Eligible Associate Degrees

Emergency Management
Fire Engineering
Fire Medic
Fire Protection Engineering Technology

Fire Protection Technician
Paramedic Technician
Wetland Firefighter

Don't have an associate degree?

If you don't have an associate degree or aren't interested in the bachelor's degree program, UW Oshkosh offers a Leadership Certificate in Fire and Emergency Response Management. This 18-credit certificate is open to all fire and emergency management personnel, and all courses are offered online. Click here to learn more >>

Locations

Courses are available completely online and in a hybrid format at UW Oshkosh.

Mission Statement

The FERM Program's mission is to:

Assist fire and emergency response management students in acquiring management, leadership, critical thinking and communication skils that will expand their career perspective, promote lifelong learning and enrich their personal and civic life
Prepare students to manage complex public health and safety organizations and supervise employees
Prepare students to more effectively respond to public health and safety needs of the diverse communities and citizens that they serve
Prepare students for post-graduate work in public administration or a related field