Forestry major

Forestry: courses, careers, and where to study

Forestry combines biology, ecology, and resource management to steward forests and woodlands. It suits students who want science-based, hands-on work managing land and natural resources.

A Forestry major blends the natural sciences with applied resource management. Core coursework covers dendrology and tree identification, forest ecology, soils, silviculture (the practice of growing and tending stands), forest mensuration and inventory, wildlife and watershed management, fire ecology, and forest economics and policy. Programs build on a science foundation in biology, chemistry, and statistics, use GIS and remote sensing, and typically include a field-based summer camp or practicum where students apply surveying, sampling, and stand-assessment techniques in working forests.

The standard credential is a four-year Bachelor of Science. Many states regulate professional forester practice through registration or licensure, and graduates aiming at federal, state, or consulting roles often pursue Society of American Foresters program credentials; verify the licensure rules in the state where you intend to work. Research, university teaching, and senior scientific positions, such as conservation scientist or research forester roles, generally require a master's or doctorate beyond the bachelor's degree.

Graduates manage timber and conservation lands, run inventories and harvest plans, and advise landowners and agencies for the U.S. Forest Service, state forestry and natural-resource departments, private timber and consulting firms, and conservation nonprofits. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median wage of $70,660 for foresters and projects employment to change about 1.2% from 2024 to 2034.