by our College Data Analytics TeamWildl&/Forest Firefighting & Investigation was the 1,150 most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 90 degrees in this year alone. This is a difference of 49 over the prior year, a growth of 54.4%.
This year's Best Wildl&/Forest Firefighting & Investigation Schools ranking compares 2 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of wildland/forest firefighting and investigation programs later in this article.
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions has been highlighted as one of the most essential skills for careers related to wildland/forest firefighting and investigation. Required skills include talking to others to convey information effectively and using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
wildland/forest firefighting and investigation degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional wildland/forest firefighting and investigation certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are many different wildland/forest firefighting and investigation degree levels. You can get anything from a in wildland/forest firefighting and investigation to the highest wildland/forest firefighting and investigation degree, a . The time it takes to complete a wildland/forest firefighting and investigation degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to wildland/forest firefighting and investigation, with approximately 12.0% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to wildland/forest firefighting and investigation tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 43.8% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 14.0% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 10.4% |
| Some College Courses | 10.2% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 8.3% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in wildland/forest firefighting and investigation careers have.
This of course varies depending on which wildland/forest firefighting and investigation career you choose.
Want a job when you graduate with your wildland/forest firefighting and investigation degree? Wildl&/Forest Firefighting & Investigation careers are expected to grow 7.3% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to wildland/forest firefighting and investigation.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Firefighters | 350,900 | 7.2% |
| Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | 2,200 | 29.4% |
As you might expect, salaries for wildland/forest firefighting and investigation graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for wildland/forest firefighting and investigation graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers wildland/forest firefighting and investigation grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Firefighters | $53,240 |
| Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | $49,610 |
With over 21 different wildland/forest firefighting and investigation degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased wildland/forest firefighting and investigation school rankings to help you with this.
One of 6 majors within the Fire Protection area of study, Wildl&/Forest Firefighting & Investigation has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Fire Science | 8,102 |
| Fire Prevention & Safety Technology/Technician | 3,891 |
| Fire Services Administration | 1,450 |
| Other Fire Protection | 126 |
| Fire Systems Technology | 61 |
View All Wildland/Forest Firefighting and Investigation Related Majors >
