Wondering whether a master’s degree in wildland management might be right for you? Contact graduate program coordinator Eli Goodsell to ask questions or set up a conversation.
Phone: 530-898-5014
Email: egoodsell@csuchico.edu
As wildfires, droughts, and warmer temperatures abound, climate change has accelerated a critical need for experienced and multifaceted land stewards to lead the future of protecting our native ecosystems. Graduates of this interdisciplinary studies master’s degree—the only degree of its kind in the California State University—will redirect the future of wildland management in our state and beyond.
As part of a tight-knit cohort, you’ll learn alongside students from vastly different but interconnected disciplines as you study forestry and land management and map a better future for stewarding public and private lands.
Interdisciplinary, Hands-On Focus
Land management is a complex and varied subject—and your courses will be, too. Take classes in grant writing, project management, ecology, policy, community engagement, American Indian Studies, and more while also engaging in prescribed fire training and tribal relations.
Innovating Land Management
Whether running agencies, starting programs, or writing and lobbying policies, our graduates have an in-demand skillset, rich background and a collaborative vision to drive this work forward. Students have gone on to great positions related to land management both locally and beyond, including:
- US Forest Service
- The Office of Environmental Planning & Protection, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria
- Cannabis Watershed Protection Program, California Department of Parks and Recreation
- Butte County Fire Safe Council
- Sierra Timber Services
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- The Sierra Fund
- Feather River Resource Conservation District
Make it Your Own
15
Average cohort size
39
Federally recognized wildland firefighter certifications
10K
Acres of environmental planning and compliance projects
- 15
Average cohort size
- 39
Federally recognized wildland firefighter certifications
- 10K
Acres of environmental planning and compliance projects
“
This program offered what no other graduate program could by allowing me to serve my human and non-human natural community [and] gain real-world experience.
High Impact Practices
This program gives new meaning to interdisciplinary and hands-on training. Students working on prescribed fire curriculum work right alongside natural scientists measuring the effects of prescribed fire burns on seed banks, who work alongside students investigating invasive species removal and mapping.
Learn on the Land
The majority of your education takes place on the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. This protected 7,835 acres of land in the Chico foothills is your classroom and living laboratory for research and skill building.
Become a Prescribed Fire Specialist
As catastrophic wildfires continue and with demand high for “good fire” as a management tool, receive federally recognized firefighting certificates and participate in the California Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (Cal-TREX) program.
Study from the Best
Faculty represent disciplines across the University, from pyrogeographer and Miwok nation member Don Hankins to recreation, hospitality, and parks management professor Emilyn Sheffield to biological sciences professor Colleen Hatfield—all nationally renowned experts.
Take an Active Role in your Education
Our students embrace paid and internship opportunities in land stewardship, prescribed fire training exchanges, biological surveys for floral and fauna, training in topics ranging from environmental compliance (CEQA) to chainsaw and hand tool operations, and community engagement and education.
Application Information
Ready to take the next step?
All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.
Application Deadlines
Fall: May
Spring: No spring admission for wildland management emphasis
Supplemental Materials
- One letter of recommendation
- Justification statement
- Resume
How to Apply
Eli Goodsell, graduate program coordinator
egoodsell@csuchico.edu
530-898-5010
Yes! Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Scholarship Opportunities
California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.
That should be OK. We accept students from a wide variety of undergraduate pathways and majors. Check with Eli Goodsell for more information.
Related Programs
Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve
Wondering whether a master’s degree in wildland management might be right for you? Contact graduate program coordinator Eli Goodsell to ask questions or set up a conversation.
Phone: 530-898-5014
Email: egoodsell@csuchico.edu