Firefighters in Higher Education: A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Incentives
Date of Award
Summer 2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (EdD)
Committee Chair
Michelle Geiman
Committee Member
Donis Toler
Committee Member
Kevin Daberkow
Abstract
The Columbus Division of Fire provides tuition reimbursement to the members of the division. The purpose of this study was to examine the barriers that firefighters face in utilizing tuition reimbursement and the potential incentives that would entice them into using the tuition reimbursement. Data were collected from the members of the Columbus Division of Fire. Quantitative data were gathered through a multiple-choice survey distributed to each member of the division for basic descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were gathered through two sets of semi-structured interviews with members of the division, one set with those that had not used tuition reimbursement and one set with those that have used tuition reimbursement, which volunteered following participation in the survey. The analysis of the quantitative data were for descriptive statistics. The analysis of the qualitative data showed time, lack of information, mindset, and finance as barriers. The analysis of the qualitative data went on to show extra pay, additional education time, higher education requirements, and bonus point on a promotional as incentives that would entice firefighters to utilize tuition reimbursement. Policy recommendations based on the findings were to increase the visibility of the tuition reimbursement program, streamline the paperwork, and implement a pay incentive program.
Recommended Citation
Flanagan, Matthew J., "Firefighters in Higher Education: A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Incentives" (2025). All Doctoral Student Dissertations. 231.
https://fuse.franklin.edu/docpub/231
