• Toll free: 1800 258 5772

Saint Leo University

St. Leo , Florida ,United States

MS in Emergency and Disaster Management - Fire Science Administration

Expand the scope of your fire services knowledge and prepare for career advancement with the convenience of an online course schedule. Fire science is a respected profession with rising demand in the public and private sectors nationwide. Our comprehensive, regionally and nationally accredited curriculum is designed to deliver world-class training in the high-level leadership skills necessary to manage fire prevention, protection and safety services. Emergency and disaster management degree online students will also gain a deep understanding of the social, political and legal aspects of fire science management.

Our Online Master of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management – Fire Science Administration Specialization program is directed toward those who are currently working in the field. In many jurisdictions and in the military, high-ranking law enforcement, public safety and fire service officers are often encouraged, and may be required, to attain a master’s degree.

However, no matter where you are in your career now, as a graduate of our program you will have applicable skills and an impressive university credential. Your online master’s degree will be an important step forward in your career, moving you closer to your dream of a promotion to lieutenant, captain or battalion chief or becoming an arson investigator or fire marshal and more.

The convenient, online delivery method is ideal for fire service professionals and others who are currently employed and want a nationally recognized, regionally accredited education that fits their personal schedules. That’s you, right? Study when and where you want and finish fast. When you’re ready to enhance your career prospects as a fire science professional, we’re ready to help you achieve your goal.

Guiding you through your studies is Dr. Robert Diemer, a Saint Leo University professor and Director of our Department of Public Safety Administration, and Dr. Ernest Vendrell, professor and Associate Director for the Department of Public Safety Administration.

Dr. Robert Diemer, is well-known in local and national investigative and law enforcement circles, and has served as a Deputy Sheriff, State Coordinator for the Florida Sheriff’s Association Statewide Task Force, and Chief of Investigations for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Law Enforcement. Dr. Diemer was also responsible for managing and coordinating the operations of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Environmental Terrorism Response Team.
Dr. Ernest Vendrell served 27 years with the Miami-Dade Police Department, working in a variety of patrol, investigative, administrative, and supervisory assignments. Dr. Vendrell is a former Fulbright Scholar with the United Kingdom and was a Visiting Fellow at the University of Leicester, Scarman Centre for the Study of Public Order. His research focused on emergency and disaster management. Dr. Vendrell is a member of various organizations, including ASIS International, where he serves on the Crisis Management and Business Continuity Council; the International Association of Emergency Managers; and the International Association for Law Enforcement Planners. He is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP), a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), as well as a Certified Law Enforcement Planner (CLEP). Dr. Vendrell is also the co-author of Managing Critical Incidents and Large-Scale Event Security. This book was selected as the 2017 Security book of the Year by ASIS International.
Other faculty in the program include current emergency management directors, current fire investigators, and former chief fire officers, many of whom have impressive professional credentials.

Intakes

  • Jan
  • Aug

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Career Services assists students and alumni with all phases of career development, from career guidance and job search training to resume advice, interview skills, and professional networking. We support the mission of Saint Leo University by offering a practical and effective model for life and leadership in a challenging world.

Emphasis/Goals:
Our department provides career coaching and job search resources to assist students and alumni with making informed career development decisions and building the career competencies needed for successful employment outcomes.

Specifically:

  • Encouraging student and alumni development through personal career exploration, by providing networking opportunities, workshops, and career events.
  • Creating collaborative employer partnerships to optimize career opportunities.
  • Partnering with the academic community to facilitate the development of career skills.
  • Offering contemporary technological resources to enhance the delivery of career services.

PSW Opportunity

12 to 36 months (OPT duration depends on the major studied)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Graduate Admission Requirements

To apply for enrollment in one of Saint Leo University's traditional campus graduate programs:

  • Application

Apply online

  • Official Transcript

Submit transcripts, mark sheets, diplomas or certificates from all post-secondary institutions attended, along with course descriptions and credit values. 
Certified word-for-word translations of all non-English credentials must be provided.
Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file.

Saint Leo University accepts 3- Year Bachelor’s Degree for Direct entry in our Master of Business Administration and MS Cybersecurity (STEM) program.

  • Proof of English Language Proficiency

All international candidates for admission must prove English language proficiency by at least one of the following: 

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 45 iBT
  • International English Language Testing system (IELTS) - minimum score of 5.0
  • Pearson Test of English Academics (PTE A) - minimum score of 35
  • Successful completion of ELS Level 109
  • For transfer students, two semesters with grades of B or higher in English composition courses at regionally accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States
  • Successful completion of a NAFSA-recognized ESL program
  • Duolingo English Test - minimum score of 75
  • Students who meet these requirements are eligible for admission to Saint Leo University through the Bridge Program. Undergraduate students will be required to utilize elective credits for English courses and graduate students will be required to take the foundation component of their program. Student’s English Proficiency scores will determine placement into the Bridge program. See Bridge Program for more details.

Students may be exempt from the Bridge program if English proficiency scores meets or exceeds one of the following: TOEFL 79 iBT (Minimum 19 subscores), IELTS 6.5 (Minimum 6.0 bandscores), PTE A 53 (Minimum 52 bandscores), ELS Level 112, or Duolingo 105.

Saint Leo University reserves the right to require a student to take Bridge classes to increase English proficiency in a particular area, regardless of total test scores. Other English language examination results will also be considered, and experience studying in the English language, as documented through school transcripts, will be taken into consideration.

Supplemental Documentation

  • Submit a current resume.
  • Submit two professional recommendations completed on forms you can download here.
  • Submit a Statement of Professional Goals of 500 words or more that outlines how your educational and career goals match Saint Leo University's program.

Photocopy of the biographical section of your current passport

  • Proof of Financial Ability to Pay

Generally, international students must show evidence of ability to pay all direct and indirect costs of attendance. Indirect costs include expenses not covered by tuition, room/board and fee charges.

Submit your completed and signed Certificate of Finances form. 
Send supporting financial documentation. All students are required to demonstrate the financial ability to pay for at least one year of academic and living expenses before being issued an immigration document by Saint Leo University. All supporting financial documents must be in English or accompanied by a notarized English translation showing available liquid funds. The financial documents cannot be older than six months at the time of submission to Saint Leo University in order to be considered valid. These financial documents include, but are not limited to, bank statements and letters, government or organization scholarships. These items can be sent electronically, through postal mail or faxed. 

Once your documents have been received and reviewed, Saint Leo University will issue the Form I-20. This will be mailed to the mailing address listed on your Certificate of Finances form.