Fire ecology and management
Bachelor of Science in Fire Ecology and Management
Overview
Related Topics
Advancing wildland fire management starts here
Fire is — and always will be — a natural part of our forest and rangeland ecosystems. As residential development continues to encroach on wildlands, fire professionals will be needed more than ever.
With one of the most diverse and experienced faculty in the country, our Bachelor’s in fire ecology and management was the first major of its kind in the nation. With an emphasis on direct and hands-on learning, our program will provide you with an understanding of fire’s holistic role in the environment and help you develop the understanding and skills to solve complex problems involved in the management of natural resources.
As a fire ecology student, you will gain knowledge in where and why wildland fires burn and what their impacts are on landscapes and communities. You will learn techniques in measuring and modeling fire effects on soils and vegetation, mapping wildland fires and conducting prescribed fires in a variety of ecosystems.
Graduates of this program are prepared to apply their fire ecology knowledge and technical skills to natural resource management problems and other important environmental, political, economic and social issues related to wildland fires — such as air quality, water quality and the loss of life and property.
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Have a natural curiosity about fire
- Are a wildland firefighter or fuels technician, and ready to advance your career
- Enjoy working hard outdoors
- Want to develop your leadership and decision-making skills
- Like to see the impact you can have over time
- Are good at making informed decisions in complex environments
Living with fire
Curriculum
The Fire Ecology and Management B.S. is a 120-credit program combining environmental science, fire behavior, ecology and applied field experiences. Students build technical expertise in wildfire management, prescribed fire, fuels monitoring, GIS and ecosystem science while gaining hands-on experience through field labs, data analysis and applied fire management training.
Coursework integrates fire science with ecology, soils, meteorology, forest management and natural resource policy to help students understand how fire shapes landscapes and ecosystems across the West. You’ll study how fire behavior changes across environments, how fuels influence wildfire intensity and how land managers use fire as a tool for ecosystem restoration and resilience.
Students gain practical experience through courses and labs in:
- Fire ecology and fire behavior
- Prescribed burning
- Fuels inventory and monitoring
- GIS and remote sensing applications
- Vegetation monitoring and measurement
- Rangeland and forest ecology
- Air quality, smoke and meteorology
The curriculum also emphasizes leadership, communication and scientific problem-solving skills needed for collaborative fire and land management careers. Students learn to evaluate fire management decisions using scientific data, forecasting tools and environmental analysis across multiple spatial and temporal scales.
Graduates are prepared for careers in wildfire management, fuels planning, prescribed fire, natural resource management, conservation and environmental consulting.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,740 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Foresters
$75,376 - Conservation Scientists • Range Managers • Park Naturalists
$76,794 - Postsecondary Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers
$87,482
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Gain hands-on learning opportunities:
- Specialized iFire lab provides opportunities to experiment with fire in a safe, controlled environment
- Apply fire concepts learned in the classroom with lab trips to our experimental forest throughout the year
- State-of-the-art Reveley Geospatial Laboratory for Environmental Dynamics provides the tools to use remote sensing to study burns and manage future fires
- Benefit at all levels from collaborative projects that offer training, certifications, academic credit, burning experience and networking opportunities
- Internships through Taylor Wilderness Research Station
- Rangeland Center internships
Network with other students while studying what you love! We offer an array of clubs such as:
- Student Association for Fire Ecology (SAFE)
- Logger Sports Club
- Society of American Foresters
- CNR Living, Learning Community (College of Natural Resources residence hall)
Financial aid and scholarships
While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
- Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.
If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance.
Idaho LAUNCH
This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.
Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.
Application instructions
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.
Have questions?
Not sure if this program is the right fit? Connect with your admissions counselor or request more information to get personalized guidance on program details, requirements and next steps.
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Connect with program faculty
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