More recent degrees, courses and continuing education questions and answers

Degrees, courses and continuing education

Access grades

How can I access my course grades on the Web?

The following page will take you to instructions for accessing your grades online if you have access or want to set up access to the STARMU system.

To download and log on to STARMU, you will need your student number, personal identification number and access to a Web browser (e.g. Netscape or Internet Explorer) to invoke the system's Host-On-Demand (HOD) software.

Dolores Shearon
MU Extension

Bachelor's completion

I attended Penn Valley Community College and UMKC, but did not complete a degree. Because of a family commitment I am unable to work or go to classes outside the home. With what I have already completed, what kind of degree I would be able to get through online courses?

We have a new bachelor's completion program that can be earned through distance education (independent study).

Visit our Web site for information about the program, which leads to a bachelor of general studies degree.

Dolores Shearon
MU Extension

Firefighter professional development

I am a firefighter in Missouri. What are my professional development options?

MU Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) provides training primarily to current firefighters. The programs can be used for re-certification by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, the Missouri Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) and are accepted by Columbia College in its associatedegree progream in fire service administration.

Many MU FRTI programs have been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) and can be considered for college credit. The exact credit awarded is determined by the receiving institution of higher education.

Professional certificate programs provide a structured curriculum for those who wish to further their professional development without the need or additional expense of college credit. Each MU FRTI certificate program has been evaluated by a panel of field experts. The majority of courses will also be reviewed by the American Council on Education and if appropriate, provide college credit hour recommendations. To register in these programs contact, MU FRTI for an application.

The fire service administration program at Columbia College allows firefighters and other allied professionals to obtain an associate degree by attending MU FRTI programs and fulfilling the general education and other degree requirements from Columbia College or other regionally accredited colleges and universities. A unique characteristic of the degree is that it uses the current delivery system of MU FRTI for the fire science courses while allowing students to fulfill other program requirements at one of the ten Columbia College campuses in Missouri or through online courses.

The degree is tailored to allow firefighters the opportunity to complete a traditional baccalaureate degree such as business administration without a significant loss of credit hours. For those students who pursue their bachelor's degree from Columbia College, all 60 hours of the program will transfer.

For more information on this degree program, call Columbia College at 800-231-2391 extension 7689 or e-mail sps@ccis.edu.

Gary Wilson
Director
MU Fire and Rescue Training Institute

Getting started in a firefighting career

I am considering a career in firefighting. How do I begin?

If you are not currently a firefighter but would like the excitement of a fire service career, MU FRTI recommends the following progression:

Consider contacting a volunteer department in your area and see about joining to learn a little about the service before making it a career.
Enroll in the Columbia College associate degree program in fire service administration.
Take a Firefighter I and II program and enroll in an emergency medical technician course.

Qualifications for employment are determined by local authorities. There are no mandatory training requirements for firefighters in Missouri. However, most departments give strong consideration to those who are enrolled in a fire science degree program, have Firefighter I and II certification (IFSAC or Pro Board) and have passed the National Registry exam for EMT:B. Some metropolitan communities are now having difficulty finding paramedic firefighters instead of emergency medical technicians.

Gary Wilson
Director
MU Fire and Rescue Training Institute

Mental health practices in schools degree

I am 32 years old and have a bachelor of social work degree. I am interested in your online program on mental health practices in schools. What can you tell me about it?

You've chosen an excellent program to ask about. The MU College of Education's department of educational, school and counseling psychology, the academic unit that offers the program, is consistently ranked as one of the best of its kind in the country. And to our knowledge, the degrees in mental health practices in schools are unique.

Dolores Shearon
MU Extension

More degrees, courses and continuing education questions and answers

Updated 5/22/08