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Certificate in Wildland Firefighting

School of Safety, Security & Emergency Management

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

Certificate in Wildland Firefighting

School of Safety, Security & Emergency Management

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

On-Campus

Program

20 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tutition

$410 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Improve Your Firefighter Safety and Effectiveness

Wildland fires burn millions of acres each year and cause billions of dollars in damage to communities and local economies. Broaden your knowledge and professional expertise in firefighting and disaster management with EKU’s wildland firefighting certificate. Protect people, land and resources while working in a career that is both physically and mentally challenging. Our program focuses on specialized training that provides a competitive edge in the job market and prepares you to make a difference in communities all over the country.

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Career Outlook

The employment of firefighters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Around 26,400 openings are estimated each year, on average, over the decade. Wildland firefighters will continue to be needed to combat active fires and manage the environment to reduce the impact of fires.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A certificate in wildland firefighting can open the door to a wide variety of career options across the industry spectrum.

Job Titles Include:

  • Firefighter or volunteer firefighter
  • Fire chief or other officer
  • Arson investigator
  • Fire investigator
  • Search and rescue coordinator
  • Fire protection engineer

EKU firefighting graduates work in a variety of fields and positions.

Employers Include:

  • National Park Service
  • Wolfe County, KY Search and Rescue
  • Monroe County Fire Department, NY
  • Setty & Associates
  • Casalinova Investigators, Inc.
  • Cambridge, MA Fire Department
  • Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Students apply disaster preparedness and response concepts using case studies and real-world scenarios
  • Generous credit transfer policy

Curriculum & Enrollment

Learn essential skills for today’s wildland firefighting careers. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as fire prevention, fire behavior and combustion, emergency scene operations, environmental land use planning, geographic information systems, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife management, and fire ecology.

A minimum of 22 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit any required materials electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Justice, Safety, and Military Science is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

professional photo of Jacinda Bertie-Cockerham

Jacinda Bertie-Cockerham

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-6520
jacinda.bertie@eku.edu

JSMS Advising Information for Current Students

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

Jesse Valdez

EKU Safety Leadership and Management Student
The advisors, administrator, and instructors at EKU are compassionate, empathetic, and available to meet the educational needs of all students when necessary.

Ricky De La Cruz

EKU Safety, Security & Emergency Management Student
I really like the responsiveness of my assistant professors and really enjoy having to balance my schedule around family and the work week.

Matthew Harris

EKU Safety, Security & Emergency Management Graduate
I was an online student but I felt like I was truly part of the EKU family.

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News & Updates

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EKU Awarded Grant for Fire Investigation Research

Faculty in Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Justice, Safety and Military Science, Dr. Shijin Kozhumal and Dr. Greg Gorbett, received a competitive research grant from the National Institute of […]

Related Programs

B.S. in Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology

Common Job Titles: fire protection and prevention systems designer, building inspector, fire safety director, insurance company consultant, industrial safety specialist

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

B.S. in Fire, Arson & Explosion Investigation

Common Job Titles: ATF agent, fire investigator, fire marshal, building inspector

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

Contact Information

School of Safety, Security & Emergency Management

521 Lancaster Ave
Stratton Building 245
Richmond, Ky. 40475

859-622-3565
Fax: 859-622-?
jus.dean@eku.edu

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