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Can't attend a campus-based class?

This program emphasizes independent study with no classroom attendance required. Take courses as part of a degree program or for professional development.

How does the program work? | Courses | Registration form | More information

The Degrees at a Distance Program (DDP) in Fire Service is a cooperative venture

This alliance is between Western Oregon University (WOU) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency-National Fire Academy ( FEMA-NFA).

Serving the Northwest and Pacific including Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and Canada, this program is part of a nationwide independent study curriculum that allows professional fire service personnel to upgrade administrative skills, schedule studying around professional duties, and earn credit toward a bachelor's degree in Fire Services Administration.

Students who successfully complete DDP courses will receive a Certificate of Completion from the National Fire Academy. Those who receive a baccalaureate degree from one of the participating institutions also receive a Certificate of Achievement from the National Fire Academy.

How does the program work?

Courses in the WOU Degrees at a Distance Program in Fire Services Administration are offered in an online or correspondence format.

After registering for an online course, you will receive emailed instructions for accessing the online course platform. Your course syllabus, assignments and most exams are contained within the course.

For a correspondence course, course materials are mailed to you. Your course syllabus will explain details of assignments and scheduling of the final examination. Most courses require completion of four to six assignments which are to be returned to your instructor for evaluation.

When all assignments are complete, the instructor schedules your final examination and mails it to a proctor you identify. The proctor may be a school principal, supervisor, community college faculty, librarian, or fire chief. The proctor supervises the exam and returns it to your instructor.

DDP courses are designed to be completed in 15 weeks, although you may complete more quickly. You are encouraged, however, to adhere to the schedule you receive from the instructor. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the instructor by email, phone, or fax.