A new collaborative agreement between Albany State University (ASU) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) means that, for the first time in Georgia, firefighters can climb a seamless ladder in higher education leading to a bachelor degree in Fire Services Administration.
The articulation agreement signed today by ASU President Everette J.
Freeman and TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson enables graduates who earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Fire Science Technology from an accredited TCSG college to apply all of the credits earned toward a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Fire Services Administration at ASU. Students will find that the program is easily accessible, since ASU offers the degree online.
“Fire Science Technology is an important program for the TCSG, and we’re very proud of our graduates who make it their career to serve our communities, protect our property and keep us safe,” said Jackson. “Now, thanks to President Freeman and his faculty and staff at ASU, we have created an articulation agreement that provides an excellent opportunity for our graduates to obtain a specialized, four-year degree in their field from one of Georgia’s respected universities. This is another positive step toward our goal of creating more seamless education pathways for our students.”
The new bachelor degree in fire services is fine-tuned to the career path of firefighters. Prior to the partnership, academic progression for a firefighter with a fire science technology degree from a TCSG college meant completing a bachelor program in public administration, or a similar area such as business administration.
"Previously, there was no option for mid-level firefighters in management transitioning into a baccalaureate program until ASU created a fire science management program with our partner, Albany Technical College. Albany State is proud to be a part of the pipeline that will ultimately lead to the promotion of men and women in blue who risk their lives protecting property and saving the lives of others,” said ASU President Everette J. Freeman.
For more information about the Bachelor of Applied Science in Fire Services Administration from ASU, call 229/430-4772.