Stories you may like
Degree programs in forestry are available at the associate's, bachelor's and master's levels. Core curriculum often includes forest ecology and management, wildlife biology, soil science and environmental law, among other topics.
Important Facts About Forestry
| Degree Field | Forestry, forestry and natural resources, forest resource management, natural resources and environmental conservation |
| Concentrations | Forest biology, forestry business, forest ecology and conservation, forest fire science |
| Online Availability | Rare, the degree program requires hands-on learning |
| Possible Careers | Fire and fuels manager, park ranger, resource planner, urban forester, watershed manager |
Associate of Applied Science in Forest Technology
An associate degree program in forest technology prepares you for entry-level career opportunities in logging, forest fire control, forest surveying and conservation. The coursework in these programs incorporates classroom lectures with outdoor hands-on field experiences. You'll study the basic concepts of forestry management, such as the characteristics, uses, and geographic distribution of tree species. Principles of land use and sustained yield forest management are also discussed. You can typically expect to complete an associate degree program within two years. The core curriculum for this type of program usually includes courses in the following areas:
- Silviculture
- Forest ecology
- Surveying
- Timber harvesting
- Dendrology
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
A bachelor's degree program in forestry provides you with the education needed for both entry-level and mid-level management positions. These programs emphasize the management and development of forest areas for recreational, conservation and economic purposes. You'll develop a solid understanding of the biological and physical sciences, as well as examining specific aspects of forestry science. Laboratory experiments and field experiences enhance classroom learning and allow you to develop practical skills in plant and animal identification, forest mapping, wildfire measurements and field forestry operations. You can complete a bachelor's degree program in four years. Core courses in a bachelor's degree program in forestry often include:
- Soil science
- Forest biometrics
- Forest insects and diseases
- Environmental economics and natural resource policy
- Forest management
- Recreational land management
Master of Science in Forestry
Earning a graduate degree in forestry assists you with getting hired for management positions and with a variety of organizations, such as government and nonprofit agencies, conservation organizations and consulting firms. Master's degree programs often have very few required courses and instead allow you to customize your curriculum, and do research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. You can typically complete a master's degree program in two years. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. Some programs include internship components. You may choose to study topics that include:
- Forest procurement
- Environmental law
- Watershed hydrology
- Forest operations
- Timber conservation and forestry management
- Wildlife biology
Job Description & Outlook
Foresters work to protect and conserve woodland ecosystems. As part of the job, a forester researches and plans the best way to use a forest for timber and recreation. Other job duties include:
- Conduct watershed management
- Develop and maintain hiking trails and forest roads
- Direct and supervise the cutting down of trees
- Implement and monitor reforestation projects
- Inspect forests for damage caused by outbreaks of insects and disease
- Manage controlled fires and help extinguish wildfires
User's Comments
No comments there.