Albany State Univ., Technical College System of Ga. Create New Education Ladder for Firefighters
Atlanta - Firefighters throughout the state have a ladder that leads to career advancement through a new academic program developed by Albany State University and the Technical College System of Georgia. The collaborative agreement between ASU and TCSG, the first of its kind in the state creates a bachelor's degree in Fire Services Administration. An articulation agreement was signed today by ASU President Everette J. Freeman and TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson. It enables TCSG graduates who earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Fire Science Technology to apply the credits toward a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Fire Services Administration at ASU.
"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.
The new bachelor's 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's in public administration, or a similar area such as business administration. "Fire Science Technology is an important program for the TCSG, and we're very proud of our graduates who make it their career to save lives and protect property," 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 ASU degree program is easily accessible online. For more information about the Bachelors of Applied Science in Fire Services Administration at ASU, call (229) 430-4772. or learn more online at http://www.asurams.edu/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=ad69dd52-f902-4004-a26b-f763abe22c38&groupId=727114.
About the TCSG
The 24 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia offer affordable education and excellent training in more than 600 certificate, diploma and two-year associate degree programs. Students of all ages take advantage of outstanding instructors and hands-on learning with state-of-the-art equipment to gain the skills needed for today's in-demand jobs.
In 2012, the TCSG colleges delivered 2.8 million credit hours of instruction to more than 170,000 students. The TCSG is online, too, serving 85,000 students through the system's Georgia Virtual Technical Connection. TCSG students enjoy the benefits of Georgia's HOPE grant and scholarship and the federal Pell grant, which will pay for a significant portion of a TCSG education.
In addition, the TCSG Office of Adult Education delivered a variety of programs to 78,000 adult learners in 2012 and almost 18,000 of those students earned their GED credential.
Another part of the TCSG, the internationally recognized Quick Start program, provided customized workforce training to almost 58,000 employees of new and expanding companies in Georgia in 2012.
For more information about the TCSG and links to a technical college in your area, go to www.tcsg.edu.
About ASU
Albany State University, a four-year institution in the University System of Georgia fosters the growth and development of students in Southwest Georgia and the state through teaching, learning, research, creative expression and public service.
The university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, masters and education specialist degree and is located in Albany, Georgia.
