Fire ecology and management
Bachelor of Science in Fire Ecology and Management
The first of its kind
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.
View the sample four-year plan for this degree.
Overview
Related Topics
Living with fire
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.
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.
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Want to challenge yourself by applying biology, physics, and chemistry within an interdisciplinary program.
- Want to participate in research experiences for undergraduates with innovative faculty.
- Like solving complex problems.
- Enjoy nature and being outdoors.
- Have a natural curiosity about fire.
- Are interested in the management of natural resources.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,662 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Foresters
$70,598 - Conservation Scientists • Range Managers • Park Naturalists
$76,552 - Postsecondary Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers
$82,694
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that student can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our Scholarships website.
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.
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)
Application information
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.