Fire Leadership

Make a difference in your organization and career
Today’s fire service needs leaders—professionals equipped to meet challenges and inspire change. Get what you need to step into a more advanced role through Dalhousie’s internationally recognized Fire Service Leadership Program.
Our courses build on your technical knowledge. You’ll develop administrative, leadership and critical thinking skills that will make an immediate difference to your job and career. You’ll be ready to navigate obstacles and create strategic plans to bring your organization into the future.
Expertise and Support
Dalhousie University has been a leader in fire service leadership and management development for more than 25 years. Offered 100% online, you’ll have access to leading experts and resources when and where it works best for you. Our program also offers:
• actionable learning for immediate impact on your job
• the knowledge you need to take on more senior roles
• the courses required to gain professional certification
Certificates
Built for members of modern fire services, our certificates give you the knowledge and skills to get ahead in your profession.
Concentrations for Fire Service Administration
You can concentrate on five different areas as part of your Certificate in Fire Service Administration. The three electives you choose will determine your concentration.
After completing the Certificate in Fire Administration in one area of concentration, you can apply to the Advanced Certificate in Fire Service Administration by completing three additional courses from the options in this certificate. Email openlearning@dal.ca to request enrolment in this certificate.
Certification
Fire Officer lll Accreditation Track
If you have obtained your Fire Officer II accreditation, you may apply for Fire Officer III certification upon successful completion of 10 courses and by submitting the application. In order to qualify for Fire Officer III certification, students must receive at least 70% on each of the 10 courses taken for the certification. The program staff will then check your application for completeness. If gaps are found, you will be notified by Dalhousie University staff. Once your application has been approved, your request will be submitted to the Nova Scotia Fire Marshall's office. After all requirements have been verified, you will receive Fire Officer III certification.
Required Courses:
Station Officer: Dealing with People
Station Officer: Dealing with New Operations
The Environment of the Fire Station
Fire Prevention Management
Fire Department Human Resource Management l
Municipal Finance
Fire Service Strategic Planning
Organizational Behavior
Fire Suppression Management
Electives (choose 1 course):
Disaster Management and Fire Management
Theoretical Foundations of Incident Command: Thinking
Fire Officer lV Accreditation Track
This four-course certificate will track completion of the following Dalhousie University Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development courses (or their equivalent), at least one of which must have been taken in the fall 2013 term or later. All must have received a grade of 70% or higher.
Required Courses:
Local Government
Fire Department Human Resource Management II
Emergency Medical Service Management and the Fire Department
Program Evaluation and Statistics