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On August 4, 2026, American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (the System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.

 
School of Security & Global Studies
Administration Chief

Online Undergraduate NanoCert® in Administration Chief

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Program Requirements Related Programs Admission Requirements Paying for School

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$0 Application Fee
$0 Textbooks & Ebooks
0 Entrance Exams

About This Program

Explore fire department administration, human resource management, fire policy and law, and the administrative services that help support day-to-day fire department operations in this three-course program.

The courses in this NanoCert are designed to bring you closer to completion of the BS in Fire Science Management.

What You Will Do

  • Distinguish between the strategic and operational roles of human resource management and examine how HR principles apply within an organization
  • Evaluate employee retention strategies, workplace motivators, and human resource initiatives that may help reduce turnover
  • Examine federal employment laws, workplace policies, disciplinary rights, and liability issues affecting firefighters and fire departments
  • Analyze the Fireman’s Rule, negligence and immunity protections while exploring the duties and elements of effective fire department administration

Program at a Glance

Number of Credits
9
Cost Per Credit
$360 | $250*
$324**
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 3364

|
This course examines the relationship of fire administration and the role of executive fire administrators in the administration of complex issues in a dynamic environment. The course covers political, legal, financial, and ethical issues faced by fire administrators within the context of public administration. Topics include examination of the effects, influences, challenges, and opportunities of public and private fire functions and roles.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/29/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
07/27/26 - 01/01/27 01/04/27 - 02/28/27 Winter 2027 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3366

|
This course introduces the student to many areas of fire laws and regulations. The main purpose of this course is to introduce you to the laws and regulations that will impact your work. This course enables the student to acquire a basic knowledge of the law in each of the specified subject areas that directly or indirectly affect fire services by providing a basic knowledge of the methodology through which to locate, read and comprehend the various statutes and regulations surrounding fires. This course focuses on public policy, law, and regulation concerning fire mitigation, response, and recovery. Legal issues and risk are addressed as topics in the course, as are general and specific national, state, and local fire regulations and public law.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
08/31/26 - 01/29/27 02/01/27 - 03/28/27 Winter 2027 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2967

|
This course provides an overview of concepts, skills, theories and techniques involving human resource management(i.e. recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisals, reward systems, and benefit programs). Students will have the opportunity to review scenarios involving innovative HR practices in the workplace.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/29/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
07/27/26 - 01/01/27 01/04/27 - 02/28/27 Winter 2027 Session B 8 Week session
08/31/26 - 01/29/27 02/01/27 - 03/28/27 Winter 2027 Session I 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Oct 5
Register by Oct 2
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Admission Requirements

  • All APU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or info@apus.edu.

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.