Fire Ecology and Management
A Rare Find | Univ. of Idaho MNR Stories
As a federal agency manager, Derek Messmer understands the workforce needs of natural resource management programs. He values the rare combination of professional experience and a specialized graduate degree in natural resources.
“The online Fire Ecology and Management Option with the University of Idaho would greatly benefit anyone looking to advance their career in wildland fire management with a focus on fire science, ecology, policy, planning and human dimensions…”
- Nate Benson, National Program Lead for NPS Wildland Fire Science & Ecology
The fire ecology and management specialty area of the MNR degree offers students a science-based approach to managing wildland fire.
The Master of Natural Resources (MNR) is an interdisciplinary course-based graduate program designed for current and aspiring professionals who wish to enhance their educational credentials for a career in natural resources. The fundamental objective of the MNR graduate program is to integrate and scale various perspectives — ecology; planning, policy and society; and tools and technology — into a systems view of natural resources. This unique professional degree is accessible to students of diverse academic backgrounds and will help graduates develop credentials and skills for the effective management of natural resources. The degree program can be completed entirely online or through a combination of online and on-campus courses. The MNR program can be combined with the certificate program specializing in fire science.
The Fire Ecology and Management Option provides depth to address wildfire management challenges facing society. Completing this option will help students advance their professional careers in wildland fire management, fuels management and restoration by advancing knowledge of fire science, ecology, fire-related policy and social issues, and the latest tools and technology. The Option also reinforces fundamentals in applied ecology, natural resources management, communications, and other career-advancing knowledge and skills.
Fire ecologist (AFE Certified)
Landscape ecologist
Wildland fuels specialist
Fires and fuels researcher
Wildland fire extension specialist
Forestry or range technician
Fire management officer (requires experience)
Non-profit, state, local wildland fire manager
Restoration ecologist
Fast Facts
- Graduate from the leading Fire Ecology and Management option of the MNR graduate degree program in the U.S.
- Learn from and collaborate with internationally acclaimed fire science professors on your own schedule.
- Integrate with fire management and fire science networks to expand your career.
- Complete a concurrent Fire Ecology and Management Technology Certificate.
- Qualify to become a Certified Wildland Fire Ecologist through the Association for Fire Ecology.
“Unlike many other advanced degree programs, the University of Idaho designed its MNR program with the working professional and non-traditional student in mind…This is one of the best decisions I have made thus far in my career. The quality of instruction, the variety of courses, and the willingness of the professors to accommodate my hectic schedule during the fire season are reasons I know I made the right decision.”