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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
Battalion Chief

Online Battalion Chief NanoCert®

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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

Study the incident command and emergency management responsibilities of a battalion chief, including hazardous materials response, interagency coordination, and fire service safety, 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

  • Explain incident command functions, responsibilities, command structures and lines of authority, including the importance of interagency teamwork during emergency operations
  • Evaluate local, state and federal laws, regulations, and standards governing hazardous materials response
  • Develop an incident command structure based on National Incident Management System guidelines and examine the planning, organization, and training involved in responding to hazardous materials and terrorist incidents
  • Examine how fire service culture, behavior, equipment and technology affect firefighter safety and survival

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: 3356

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This course is a study of the theory and practice of incident command, the various methods of incident command, and specific focus on the Incident Command System (ICS) used in crises, disasters, and emergency management response systems. The roles and responsibilities of the ICS system are identified. The different agencies and incidents in which the ICS system is used are discussed. Cases are studied in order to assist students in understanding the management and leadership complexity associated with modern emergencies and disasters. The student will participate in a 2D/3D simulation and take on a new role within an incident command scenario shifting from being an information producer, to an information consumer, and decision-maker. The scenario will feature a terrorist event at a university graduation where students will be required to activate their incident command system, working the scenario to its conclusion using decision-making points throughout.
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
09/28/26 - 02/26/27 03/01/27 - 04/25/27 Winter 2027 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3301

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This course covers managerial issues in hazardous materials. The impact hazardous materials have on humans, wildlife, and the environment will be covered. The major laws that are applicable to hazardous materials at the Federal, State, and local levels will be discussed. The student will learn about writing an effective contingency plan and the importance of coordination and collaboration across multiple agencies when dealing with a hazardous material response. This course examines all facets of hazardous materials including regulatory issues, hazard analysis, multi-agency contingency planning, response personnel, multi-agency response resources, agency policies, procedures and implementation, public education and emergency information systems, health and safety, command post dynamics, strategic and tactical considerations, recovery and termination procedures, and program evaluation.
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
09/28/26 - 02/26/27 03/01/27 - 04/25/27 Winter 2027 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4844

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This course introduces the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives. The course focuses on the need for cultural and behavior change throughout the emergency services.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 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 AMU 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 AMU 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 AMU 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 AMU’s cost components and full cost of attendance.