What it’s about:

This major deals with the management, conservation, and preservation of forest ecosystems. Integrating what you learn in the physical, biological, and social sciences helps you appreciate the numerous benefits and resources of forest, including wood and fiber products, biodiversity, recreation, water, wilderness, and wildlife.

What the study of this major is like:

Forestry programs begin with general course work in English, mathematics, chemistry, physics, speech, and statistics. In your first year, you generally take introductory forestry courses and do field studies conducted by forestry faculty members. Because forestry is a broad field, you typically have to choose an area of concentration. You may pick your concentration as early as your first year or as late as the end of your second year You then begin course work in your chosen area. Non forestry courses, such as business management, industrial engineering, and technical report writing, help you prepare for work in the field.

Many aspects of a forestry education are hands-on. Some courses are taught in the field so that you can experience for yourself the complexities of the forest and apply theories learned in the classroom to real situations. Most problems encountered in forestry represent new challenges, arising from new circumstances, and your task may be to come up with appropriate solutions. Therefore, critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills are essential.

In laboratory sessions, you do statistical analysis or data collected in the field and study biological relationships among different species of trees, as well as between trees and other living organisms in the forest. You are encouraged to use your summers to work in forestry-related jobs. Many programs offer credit for these experiences, most of which are paid job in private industry; with county; state, or federal government agencies; or with other resources management agencies. Working in the field improves our understanding of forestry and your chances of finding a permanent job after graduation. You should also become active in professional organizations so you can practice the teamwork and leadership skills that are central to a successful forestry career.

There are four main types of forestry programs. Some programs train students to be forestry technicians and usually grant two-year degrees that allow graduates to work in field jobs related to forestry. Other programs prepare you for both field and supervisory work, such as being a district ranger, forester supervisor, regional forester, or chief forester with the U.S. Forest Service; a consulting forester; or a forester with a state department of natural resources. These are usually four-year Bachelor of Science programs. Other programs prepare you to work in wood science, with either a B.S. degree or an advanced degree. Still other programs are intended primarily for graduate students. And some forestry programs offer a combination of the four options. In addition, some programs focus on forestry in a particular region of the United States, while others offer a generic, broad-ranging approach.

Career options and trends:

Forester with the U. S. Forest Service or state agency*; park ranger*; urban forester, industrial forester or timber manager*; arborist; wood product sales; consulting forester.

Generally, not much job growth is projected in the forestry field, and overall employment is expected to decline in the timber industry. Nevertheless, there is increasing demand for graduates in the areas of wood science, urban and community forestry, and natural resource conservation or interpretation. The growing public demand for protection and responsible management of forest resources should create opportunities in research, testing, and compliance services.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors