Major in Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Forest Fire Science Concentration
Program Overview
Colorado State University's Forest Fire Science concentration within Forest and Rangeland Stewardship provides a comprehensive education in fire ecology and its application as a forest management tool. The four-year program includes courses in wildfire control, prescribed burning, and forest ecology, preparing students for careers in fire management and related fields. Students may consider additional mathematics coursework for graduate study in fire science.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Forest Fire Science concentration within the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship major at Colorado State University provides a comprehensive forestry education encompassing the biological, physical, social, and management sciences. This concentration focuses on fire as an ecological process and its application as a forest management tool. Students gain knowledge in wildfire control and the use of prescribed fires for habitat enhancement, seedbed preparation, insect and disease control, and fuel hazard reduction.
Outline:
The program is structured across four years, with a detailed course schedule outlined for each semester.
Freshman Year:
- Semester 1: BZ 120 (Principles of Plant Biology), CO 150 (College Composition), F 101 (Intro to Forest and Rangeland Stewardship), MATH 141 (Calculus in Management Sciences), NR 193 (FRS First Semester Seminar), PH 110 (Physics of Everyday Phenomena)
- Semester 2: CHEM 107 (Fundamentals of Chemistry), CHEM 108 (Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory), SPCM 200 (Public Speaking), Arts and Humanities, Historical Perspectives
Sophomore Year:
- Semester 3: ATS 350 (Introduction to Weather and Climate), ECON 202 (Principles of Microeconomics), F 209 (Introduction to Forest and Rangeland Ecology), RS 300 (Rangeland Conservation and Stewardship), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Semester 4: F 310/RS 310 (Forest and Rangeland Ecogeography), F 312 (Dendrology), SOCR 240 (Introductory Soil Science), STAT 301 (Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods), Arts and Humanities
Junior Year:
- Semester 5: F 230 (Forestry Field Measurements), NR 220 (Natural Resource Ecology and Measurements)
- Semester 6: BSPM 365 (Integrated Tree Health Management), CO 300 (Writing Arguments), F 311 (Forest Ecology), F 321 (Forest Biometry), NR 319 (Geospatial Applications in Natural Resources)
- Semester 7: F 322 (Economics of the Forest Environment), F 324 (Fire Effects and Adaptations), F 325 (Silviculture), F 330 (Timber Harvesting and the Environment), F 335 (Applications of Silviculture), NR 320 (Natural Resources History and Policy)
Senior Year:
- Semester 8: F 326 (Wildland Fire Behavior and Management), F 421 (Ecological Forest Management), F 422 (Quantitative Methods in Forest Management), GR 204/WR 204 (Sustainable Watersheds)
- Semester 9: F 425 (Advanced Wildland Fire Behavior and Management), NR 425 (Natural Resource Policy and Sustainability), NR 444 (Fire Economics and Policy), Elective
Other:
- Students considering graduate study in forest fire science are advised to substitute MATH 155-MATH 255 or MATH 160-MATH 161 for MATH 141.
- The program requires a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 42 being upper-division (300- to 400-level).
- NR 319 must be completed by the end of Semester 8.
Colorado State University
Overview:
Colorado State University (CSU) is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. It is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to research and innovation. CSU emphasizes a sense of community and a shared energy among students, faculty, and staff, all driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
CSU offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and discover new possibilities both inside and outside the classroom. The university boasts a strong sense of community, with numerous opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty, and the broader Fort Collins community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Groundbreaking Research:
CSU is a leading research institution, with faculty and students actively engaged in cutting-edge projects across various disciplines.Transformative Student Body:
The university attracts a diverse and motivated student population, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.Beautiful Location:
Situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, CSU offers stunning natural beauty and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.Commitment to Impact:
CSU emphasizes the importance of making a positive difference in the world, encouraging students to pursue careers and research that address global challenges.Academic Programs:
CSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 70 majors across nearly 300 programs. The university is particularly known for its strengths in:
Engineering:
CSU's College of Engineering is highly regarded, with programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering, among others.Agriculture and Natural Resources:
CSU is a leading institution in agricultural research and education, with strong programs in animal science, horticulture, and environmental science.Health Sciences:
CSU offers a variety of health-related programs, including nursing, public health, and biomedical sciences.Other:
CSU hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, workshops, and keynote speaker series. The university also has a strong alumni network and a vibrant community in Fort Collins.
