Prepare for the Frontlines of Wildland Firefighting
Gain Your Red Card While Earning Your Degree
Columbia Southern University is proud to introduce the Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration (BSFA) with a Wildland Fire Concentration.
Through its partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG), CSU students will receive academic credit and certificates of completion for coursework aligning with NWCG standards. The courses supporting the path toward Basic Wildland Firefighter (FFT2) qualifications are listed below.
What You’ll Learn
Students who complete CSU courses FIR 4316 and FIR 4317 will fulfill the training components for the Basic Wildland Firefighter certification, commonly referred to as “Red Card” certification.* Students who earn the B.S. in Fire Administration Wildland Fire concentration will also fulfill the requirement throughout their studies.
| CSU Course | NWCG Alignment |
|---|---|
| FIR 4316 | S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior S-130: Firefighter Training |
| FIR 4317 | L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service S-131: Advanced Firefighter Training |
| CSU Course | Course Title |
|---|---|
| FIR 3314 | Living with Fire: Fire Ecology |
| FIR 3315 | Wildland Fire Management |
*Completion of these courses, along with field evaluations, physical fitness testing, and agency sponsorship, will qualify individuals for FFT2 certification.
How It Works
- Complete the Courses
Enroll in and finish the wildland fire concentration courses. - Verify Your Skills
Collaborate with CSU faculty to complete a verification form. - Earn Your NWCG Credit
Submit your form to NWCG to receive credit toward official NWCG training components.
The CSU-issued certificates of completion demonstrate successful completion of NWCG-aligned curriculum and meet the training components of the Basic Wildland Firefighter (often referred to as RED CARD) certification.*
Important Dates
- Registration Opens: July 16, 2025
- Registration Closes: Sept. 29, 2025
- Term Begins: Oct. 1, 2025 (Term 2A26)
*CSU is authorized to offer this program by its institutional accreditor, SACSCOC. However, approval is pending from the Alabama Private School Licensure (PSL) Division. No enrollments can be taken for the program until Alabama PSL approval is received. The certificates awarded with the wildland fire concentration are considered training components, not standalone NWCG qualifications.
