Ecosystem Restoration & Applied Fire Management Bachelor’s Degree

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree in Ecosystem Restoration and Applied Fire will learn important skills in:

1. Data and geospatial fields
2. Environmental policy and management planning
3. Communication
4. Historical and cultural context related to natural resources and ecosystem management in the West
5. Prescribed fire and fuels management techniques and receive National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) certifications that are essential in this workforce 
6. Forest ecosystem management and reforestation
7. Watershed restoration

Upon completion of this degree, students will be prepared to work as land managers with specific skills in the application of fire on the landscape, as well as forest and stream restoration. The suite of coursework and experiences proposed in this application aims to prepare students to understand landscape-scale issues and engage in system-level responses to challenges.

*Degree requirements are still in draft form and are subject to change. 

Lower Division Major Requirements (35-38 Units)

Upon successful completion of 1) lower division major requirements, 2) the CSU Breadth  or IGETC general education pathway, and 3) sufficient electives such at the total number of units completed by the student totals at least 60, the student is eligible to earn an A.S. in Environmental Studies.

Once students have successfully completed at least 14 units of Natural Resource and Ecology lower division requirements, 30 total units, and college level Math and English while maintaining a 2.0 minimum GPA they are eligible to enroll in upper division courses. Note: several upper division courses also have specific lower division prerequisites.

Upper Division Major Requirements (33 units)

Upon successful completion of 1) lower and upper division major requirements, 2) the CSU Breadth or IGETC general education pathway, 3) a minimum of 6 units of upper division general education breath courses, and 4) sufficient electives such that the total number of units completed by the student totals at least 120, the student is eligible to earn a B.S in Ecosystem Restoration and Applied Fire Management.

All students pursuing our bachelor’s degree in Ecosystem Restoration and Applied Fire Management will enter Feather River College as Environmental Studies students. You will begin by first completing lower division courses that will support your progress towards completing the B.S. degree in Ecosystem Restoration and Applied Fire Management. Along the way, you will also complete your A.S. in Environmental Studies.

FRC students that have completed the following requirements will then submit a Bachelor’s Degree Advancement Form to the Admission and Records office at FRC. The approval of this form will allow the student to enroll in upper division courses within the Ecosystem Restoration and Applied Fire Program in order to complete their degree. All students who complete the requirements outlined below are guaranteed entry into the upper division courses.

Bachelor’s Degree Advancement Eligibility Requirements:

• Completion of college-level math and English with a C or higher
• Completion of 30 units of college course work
• Completion of 4 classes in the lower division Natural Resource Management and Ecology requirements section outlined here
• A GPA of 2.0 or better

These requirements may be met with courses taken at FRC, at transfer institutions, or a combination of both. In addition, students may request equivalency for some technical skills courses due to professional experience.

Upon completion of the coursework for the Bachelor of Science degree in Ecosystem Restoration and Applied Fire Management students should be able to:

• Measure and analyze environmental data and variables
• Use geospatial tools to map and analyze ecosystems and management projects
• Safely plan for and use prescribed fire as a restoration and management tool
• Hold valuable National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certifications for various skills related to wildland fire
• Plan and execute effective forest and fuels management, and reforestation work
• Plan and execute effective riparian restoration work
• Explain social, historical, and political factors that influence land management in the Western US
• Understand the vital roles of indigenous land management practices and traditional ecological knowledge, and ways to support tribal capacity
• Communicate effectively about complex ecosystem processes and project planning

As our planet faces the growing challenges of climate change and ecosystem degradation, professionals with expertise in ecosystem restoration and fire management are in high demand. By pursuing this degree, you'll be prepared to:

• Mitigate Wildfire Risks: Your expertise in fire management and restoration will contribute directly to reducing the threat of wildfires and protecting communities and natural resources.
• Preserve Biodiversity: Ecosystem restoration efforts are vital for conserving and enhancing biodiversity, ensuring that future generations can enjoy diverse and thriving natural landscapes.
• Promote Sustainability: By incorporating indigenous perspectives and sustainable practices, you'll play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance between human needs and environmental health.

With a Bachelor's Degree in Ecosystem Restoration and Applied Fire Management, you'll open doors to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities, including:

• Wildlife and Conservation Specialist: Work on projects to protect and restore native plant and animal species, contributing to the health of ecosystems.
• Forest Manager: Manage forests sustainably, balancing timber production, recreation, and ecosystem health.
• Fire Ecologist: Study fire behavior, develop fire management strategies, and contribute to landscape resilience.
• Environmental Consultant: Advise organizations and agencies on sustainable practices, restoration projects, and fire management plans.
• Community Outreach Coordinator: Engage local communities in ecosystem restoration efforts and educate them about the importance of managing fire risks.
• Research Scientist: Contribute to scientific advancements in the fields of ecology, restoration, and fire management through research and analysis.

Our program offers an exceptional value with the opportunity to earn both an Associates Degree in either Environmental Studies or Environmental Science, and a Bachelor's Degree in Ecosystem Restoration and Applied Fire Management for under $11,000. This cost-effective pathway allows you to build a strong educational foundation without breaking the bank.