Must forests be managed? Yes! For their own good and to provide the products and amenities that people want, public and private forests around the world require some form of management. In some cases, wildlife habitat is the focus. Wood production is central in others. Still other forests may be managed for the ecological or aesthetic qualities they provide. In fact, most forests provide multiple benefits to their owners and society. If you pursue the concentration in Forest Resource Management you will acquire the skills necessary to manage forests sustainably so that present and future generations can enjoy the benefits they provide. The common theme in the concentration is management. Through classroom study, hands-on laboratory experiences, and field work in forests of different kinds, you will learn to determine what people want from their forests and how to achieve those objectives. This requires a blend of ecological, social, and economic knowledge.

Clearly, many forests still are unprotected and unmanaged, so the demand for professional managers is as strong as ever. Forest resource managers apply their knowledge toward the rehabilitation and restoration of desired forest conditions and ecological processes, while providing necessary forest goods and services. Professional forest resource managers find employment in federal, state, and local land management agencies, forestry or conservation organizations, the forest products industry, and consulting firms. The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is the national professional forestry organization, and this concentration is fully accredited by SAF. Student SAF membership is encouraged, and students who complete the Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Forest Resource Management are eligible for full membership in the SAF.

Each year the Department of Forestry awards $40,000 to $60,000 in scholarships to students who have achieved academic excellence in their studies. Several of these scholarships are specifically targeted for students in the Forest Resource Management concentration. Newly enrolled students in the department also may qualify for an up-front recruiting scholarship. A paid work study program is available in the department to offer students hands-on experience in forest resource management during their studies.  In addition, students can gain pre-professional employment experience through paid, career-related summer jobs or internships in forest industry, conservations organizations, consulting firms, or government agencies.

Do you know that there is significantly more forest land in the U.S. today than a century ago, in large measure due to the activities of forest resource managers?

Requirements for a concentration in
Forest Resource Management
(beyond university, college, and department core requirements)