Take the Next Step in Wildland Fire Education
Prepare for the Frontlines of Wildland Firefighting
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 completing the BSFA Wildland Fire Concentration will be eligible for a Red Card. The CSU courses listed below align with NWCG standards and support the path toward Basic Wildland Firefighter (FFT2) qualifications.
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. 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
Red Cards are issued by sponsoring agencies including fire departments and fire districts. Successful completion of the courses taught to NWCG standards will result in course completion certificates that can be used to support NWCG qualification.
- Complete the Courses
Enroll in and finish the wildland fire concentration courses. - Verify Your Skills
Collaborate with CSU faculty to complete a verification form. - Submit Proof of Course Completion
Sponsoring agencies will issue a certificate upon course completion.
The CSU-issued certificates of completion demonstrate successful completion of NWCG-aligned curriculum and meet the training components of the Basic Wildland Firefighter certification.*
Important Dates
- Registration Opens: July 16, 2025
- Registration Closes: Sept. 29, 2025
- Term Begins: Oct. 1, 2025 (Term 2A26)
*The certificates awarded with the wildland fire concentration are considered training components, not standalone NWCG qualifications.
