Do you want to be a part of a team that helps manage one of the most influential natural forces on earth? Whether started by an errant spark or intentionally set by a management team, fire requires many different players on the team. With a degree in Wildland Fire Science and Management, you will be the team player responsible for understanding the why and how of fire science to work towards management and prevention in wild ecosystems.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Wildland Fire Science and Management degree provides students with the academic background to work effectively as Forestry Technicians, Wildland Fire Specialists, Burn Coordinators, and more. This program emphasizes the impact of fire on naturally occurring processes in wildland ecosystems, how to develop strategic and operational plans for the use of fire in wildland ecosystems management, the laws and policies governing the management and restoration of public and private wildlands, and the influence of people and culture on strategies for wildland fire management.

Program Highlights

+ One-on-one academic and professional advising as our world-class faculty and trained staff strive to make your professional and academic goals a reality.

+ Unity College is an accredited institution by New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

+Experiential Online. Experiential programs are delivered 100% online with fieldwork designed with the working professional in mind.

+ Study when and where you want and finish your degree while still working full-time.

+ Make professional connections with leaders in your field.

+ Get job placement assistance. Browse our online job board and use free tools through our career services.

+ Multiple start dates. Begin your program on your time. Choose from eight year-round start dates.

+ Pursue a concentration in environmental GIS, renewable energy, sustainable business, wildlife ecology, or emergency disaster management.

+ Transfer friendly! We will accept up to 90 credits.

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Experts in the Field

At Unity College, our Faculty is comprised of a wide range of environmental science experts who in addition to teaching, conduct their own research and various fieldwork.

Dr. Devan Allen McGranahan

Subject Matter Expert

Devan Allen McGranahan is a rangeland fire ecologist based in eastern Montana. Dr. McGranahan studies multiple dimensions of wildland fire in rangelands of the United States and southern Africa, including fuel and weather dynamics, fire behavior, and fire effects from the leaf level to landscapes. Dr. McGranahan is the co-author of the textbook “Ecology of Fire-Dependent Ecosystems: Wildland Fire Science, Policy, and Management,” which is modeled after the graduate-level course he created and taught. Dr McGranahan has also mentored several graduate students in conducting and studying prescribed fire in rangelands, and has a passion for developing and teaching open-source, DIY solutions to wildland fire science.

Small Class Sizes

At Unity College, we believe our students are not just a number. The value of small class size intimacy is just as important to us in our distance education program as it is in traditional classroom settings. We give the benefit of creating tight-knit communities where networking can flourish. By keeping our class sizes small, our faculty can dedicate their time to providing all one-on-one guidance when needed by a student.

Degree Requirements and Courses

The Wildland Fire Science and Management degree requires 120 credits. You may transfer in up to 90 credits from outside institutions. For more requirements, browse our Bachelor of Science in Wildland Fire Science and Management checklist. View our full course catalog for a better look into your program. Then apply online for free to get started.

• How much does it cost?

  Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Our team of distance education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here.
• How fast can I finish?

  It depends on whether you have credits earned from other institutions, whether you plan on taking one or two classes per term, and if you take a term off. Our distance education concierges and academic advisors are here to help you plan and stick to your educational goals. Talk to us today!
• What courses will I be taking?

  For course requirements, browse our Bachelor of Science in Wildland Fire Science and Management checklist  or view our full course catalog for a better look into your program. Then  apply online for free to get started.
• Do you have more information I can download?

  Bachelor of Science in Wildland Fire Science and Management Flyer

*Source: O*Net. Unity College cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.