A unique feature of this program is the integration of coursework that includes indigenous burning and traditional ecological knowledge. Additionally, the program allows students to expand the breadth of their degree program by selecting an interdisciplinary emphasis in a related topic of study.
This program provides students with sufficient background in the science, management, and policy of fire. Students will gain knowledge on the causes, mechanisms, and impacts of fire across scales and for a range of vegetation types. The program also meets the requirements of a Certified Wildland Fire Academic Program by the Association for Fire Ecology.
Graduates of this program are prepared to apply their fire science and ecology knowledge and skills to various natural resource management problems. Given the ongoing trends of increased wildfire frequency, size, and severity in many regions of California and other western states, there is a growing need for graduates in wildfire programs across the public and private sectors.