College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Curricula in Forestry
The Department of Forest Science provides one of the most advanced educational opportunities available for developing leaders in the management, conservation and restoration of the world’s diverse forests. Students seeking to study forestry in this department are interested in solving problems related to protecting forest biodiversity, providing wood, water, recreation and wildlife for a growing society, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge about forests. Resolving today’s forest management issues requires a broad education in the biological, physical and social sciences, a solid understanding of the methods used to integrate information from many fields and to solve problems, and an in-depth knowledge of the sophisticated tools and techniques that are an essential part of modern forestry. Curricula in the Department of Forest Science incorporate these ideas so that motivated and capable students can become competent forest and resource management professionals and scientists.
Forests cover one-third of the land area of the United States. The products and services derived from forests, and the scenic beauty they provide, have contributed to the well-being of the American people since the founding of this country. These benefits range from lumber and paper to recreation and biological diversity. Forests also are renewable. Under proper stewardship, they can yield products and biodiversity indefinitely. Proper management of forests, which is the responsibility of the professional forester, results in healthy, productive forests that are capable of serving human needs and providing a quality environment in rural or urban settings
The primary objective of the Department of Forest Science is to educate students in the scientific management of forest resources. Students select a course of study best suited to their educational and career goals. Students also receive help from faculty advisors in their areas of interest. Faculty advisors meet regularly with students to discuss courses and career opportunities. The total number of credit hours required for a degree in each option is 131. The Department offers two options:
Urban Forestry. For students interested in the management of trees and forests in an urban environment. The curriculum provides an understanding of urban landscape ecosystems and issues related to the boundary between cities and wildlands. In addition to forestry and other sciences, the curriculum includes arboriculture, human ecology and landscape design.
Forest Resource Management. For students interested in the management of forest resources. The curriculum uses principles of scientific stewardship to prepare leaders in forest management and forest research. In addition, undergraduate students may choose the Individually Designed Program (IDP) emphasis to tailor their curriculum within this option to focus on a specific area of forestry. Such areas include spatial sciences, international forestry, forest industries, forest products, forest ecology, and the restoration and protection of native forests. Many other areas of specialization are possible. Students have great flexibility in tailoring their curricula to meet the challenges facing today’s professional forester.