Forest Science

School/College: CALS


Field of Study

Students complete a well-integrated interdisciplinary education based in the biological and social sciences, including skills essential for leadership and service in the conservation and management of forest ecosystems. Our curriculum emphasizes an integrated set of courses including forest ecology, inventory and monitoring practices, silviculture, resource economics and policy, decision methods for management, wildlife ecology, plus appropriate research and professional work experiences.

Possible Careers

Graduates work as land and resource managers in the public (e.g., Department of Natural Resources) or private (e.g., forest industry or private consulting firms) sector, including various non-government oranizations (e.g., The Nature Conservancy); specialists in restoration ecology, resource monitoring and geographic information systems, silviculture, fire control, urban forestry and related careers; approximately one-third of our graduates pursue advanced degrees.

Special Opportunities & Additional Information

  • Students complete a variety of professional work and "capstone" experiences; a summer field camp in Northern Wisconsin provides forestry skills training; a trip to the southern U.S. introduces students to new ecosystems and management practices.
  • Most students are employed part-time during the school year to work with faculty in laboratory or field research activities.
  • Approximately 20% of students complete a 'study abroad' experience; recent participants have completed stays in Chile, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Kenya and Thailand.
  • An active student organization (SAF/Forestry Club) coordinates various learning and social activities.

Selected Required Courses For the B.S. in Natural Resources:

Intro Biology:
Botany 130 and Zoology 101-102; or Biology 151-152;
Calculus:
Math 210, 211 or 221
General Chemistry:
Chem 108; or Chem 109
Organic Chemistry:
None
Physics:
None

Recommended Course Sequence for Freshman Year

Fall
Botany 130
Math
Communications A or B
Econ 101 or AAE 215
Spring
Zoology 101-102
Chem 108 or 109
International Elective
F & W Ecol 100

Advisor

Departmental Office