Prospective Students

Graduate Studies (M.F. and Ph.D.) in the Fire Science Lab

The Fire Science Lab is part of the Ecosystem Sciences Division of UC Berkeley’s Environmental Science, Policy, and Management Department (ESPM). ESPM offers two graduate degree programs related to fire science or fire ecology: the Ph.D. Program and the Master of Forestry (M.F.) degree. The M.F. degree is an advanced professional forestry degree that is designed to advance experience in and understanding of the essentials of professional forest management at the graduate level.

Students wishing to pursue a Ph.D. or M.F. degree under the guidance of Dr. Stephens should take note of the following:

The ESPM application process for new graduate students occurs during the fall semester prior to the year of entry. Applications are typically due in early December. For details about this process or to request an application, check the ESPM Department admissions website.

An important element of a successful graduate school career is having a good working relationship with your advisor. Students wishing to work with Dr. Stephens should make a concerted effort to contact and/or visit him prior to applying to his lab.

Undergraduate Studies in Fire Ecology

Undergraduate students at UC Berkeley interested in fire ecology or fire science are encouraged to enroll in courses offered by Dr. Stephens.

High school, transfer, or reentry students applying for entry into UC Berkeley may wish to consider the ESPM Department’s Forestry, Resource Management, or Conservation and Resource Studies majors, or the inter-college Environmental Sciences major.

The Fire Science Lab hires undergraduate technicians and field assistants part-time during the academic year and full-time during the summer. This is a good opportunity to gain experience in fire and ecology research. For more information, see the Employment page.

If you are interested in scholarship and financial aid resources for fire-related study, check out this guide.