Concentration in Forest Sciences

Want an exciting and rewarding career? Try probing the cutting edge of science in a forest discipline. We have come a long way in the study of the biological, economic, and social aspects of forests and wood, but many questions remain to be answered. Many of these questions are fundamental not only to the future vitality of forests, but to the welfare of society as well. The concentration in Forest Sciences will enable you to begin the path towards an advance degree—an M.S. or Ph.D.—that is an essential pre-requisite to a career in science. After earning an advanced degree, forest scientists find well-paid employment in colleges and universities, forest industry, conservation organizations, consulting firms, or state and federal research laboratories. International study and travel often is a part of a scientific career.

Forestry is a diverse subject that encompasses many basic science disciplines—biometry and statistics, botany, biochemistry, chemistry, ecology, economics, engineering, entomology, geographic information systems, genetics, hydrology, management, pathology, physiology, sociology, and soils—all applied to the growing and conservation of trees, forests, and wood. But mastering any of these disciplines takes intensive study, and it is well to begin this study early. For admission as a junior to the Forest Sciences concentration, you must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.25. To apply, you will meet with a Department of Forestry faculty adviser to prepare an individually designed program of 17 credits that is approved by the adviser, the department Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, and the department chairperson. As a Forest Sciences student you also will write a thesis, which could be published in a scientific journal.

Each year the Department of Forestry awards $40,000 to $60,000 in scholarships to students who have achieved academic excellence in their studies. 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 their chosen discipline during their studies. In addition, students can gain pre-professional employment experience through paid, career-related summer jobs or internships in the research programs of universities, forest industry, or government agencies.

Do you know that many tree species have been genetically modified using the latest techniques of biotechnology, but we do not yet have a good understanding of the effects that these GMOs will have on the environment if they are released for planting?

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