Wildland fuel and fire technology
Associate of Science
Change the fire landscape
As the wildland fire season grows longer and more challenging, the United States needs more fire professionals.
In this program, you’ll prepare to enter or enhance your career in the wildland fuel and fire workforce. Through online and in-person classes, you will learn to manage wildfires, conduct prescribed burns, communicate with communities at risk and apply fuel management strategies to support reforestation and reduce wildfire hazards.
This program prepares you to step directly into roles like wildland firefighter, fuels technician or wildland fire restoration specialist, or to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fire ecology and management.
Overview
Related Topics
Become a fire expert
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy working outdoors
- Are a wildland firefighter, fire suppression technician, or another permanent or seasonal employee in the wildland fire field ready to advance your career
- Want to earn your degree while you continue working
- Want to develop your leadership and decision-making skills
- Like to analyze and assess on-the-ground scenarios
- Are good at making logical decisions in high-pressure situations
Career outcomes
Current job openings
544 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Firefighters
$40,194 - Supervisors of Firefighting Workers
$77,963 - Fire Inspectors and Investigators
$65,692 - Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
$46,652
* Career data provided by
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 ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥! 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 ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
- Participation in the Burn Lab (I-FIRE)
- Hands-on Research and experiences in the U of I Experimental Forest
Clubs
- Environmental Club
- Society of American Foresters (SAF)
- 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.