Best Forestry Bachelor's Degrees

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Forestry degrees exist at every level in academia, from associate to doctoral programs. Depending on the school, students in forestry programs may earn a degree in forestry with or without specializations. Examples of concentrations within forestry include forest management and forest operations.

Associate Degrees in Forestry

At the associate level, students can earn Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. The time to complete these programs is usually about two years. Students in these programs usually get a mix of classroom and hands-on experience as they learn foundational skills needed to obtain a job in forestry. Subjects may include forest ecosystem, forest protection, animal identification and forest inventorying. Some schools even offer specializations at this level in subjects, such as forest technology, forest management, or forestry and natural resources.

Bachelor's Degrees in Forestry

The most common bachelor's degree in forestry is a Bachelor of Science (BS). These programs typically take about four years to complete. Specialization becomes much more common at this level, as students must often pick a particular area of forestry on which to concentrate their studies. These programs normally start with basic science classes, with an emphasis on biology and chemistry, and gradually become more focused on the specific disciplines within forestry. That can include forest management, forest biology, forest economics, forest ecology, and more. Along the way, students usually get work experience, volunteer, internship, or field opportunities, and these degrees frequently culminate with a senior capstone project.

Master's Degrees in Forestry

At the postgraduate level, the first degree most students will earn is a master's. In this field, that degree is typically a Master of Forestry (MF), or a Master of Science (MS) in Forestry degree. Again, these programs may require students to focus their efforts on certain areas of forestry, like forest policy or fire science. MF degrees are intended for students who want to pursue careers in forestry in the private or public sector. A blend of classroom work and field work is normally a feature of these programs. It usually takes one to two years to earn a master's in forestry.

Doctoral Degrees in Forestry

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Forestry and Conservation Sciences, Forestry and Natural Resources, or Forestry and Environmental Resources are the highest degrees in this field. These programs focus heavily on research, and graduates go on to obtain jobs focused on research and instruction, among other options. Some schools even have specialization at this level, and others may require students to earn a minor as well. Students typically finish these degrees in a few years after writing a dissertation about their research.

Certificates in Forestry

Certificates in forestry vary in level and subject, and there are many options. There are some certificates at the undergraduate level, while others are at the graduate level. Undergraduate certificates are usually meant to help students compete for jobs in forestry while also earning a full degree, while graduate certificates are for those seeking to continue their education without spending the time and resources to obtain a full master's degree.

Some programs may even require students to earn a certificate as part of their graduation requirements, though there are numerous possibilities for getting a certificate in this subject without obtaining a degree. Subjects you may be able to get a certificate in include forestry, wildlife or forest ecology management, community forestry, and forestry health and resilience. It normally takes at least a few months to complete a certificate, as they require anywhere from nine to 15 credit hours of schoolwork.

Colleges and universities do not necessarily require students to choose an area of concentration or minor to earn a bachelor's in forestry, but those who want to focus on a particular aspect of the industry can do so. Some areas of concentration or specialization exist at the major level, others will be in the form of minors or concentrations. Possible options to specialize in include:

• Urban forestry
• Forest management
• Recreation resource management
• Natural resources management
• Forest engineering
• Protected resources management

Forestry degrees often include an education in many traditional aspects of school in addition to forestry itself. Required and elective classes can cover a variety of subjects within the discipline, and some degrees may include labs. The degree programs usually culminate with a capstone project that could take the form of some real-world experience. Common course titles may include:

• Introduction to forestry
• Ecology of renewable natural resources
• Natural resource management
• Forest ecology
• Forest management
• Dendrology
• Forest operations
• Forest surveying
• Silviculture
• Nature and environmental writing

Most students earn a bachelor's degree in forestry in four years. To graduate from many forestry programs, pupils must complete around 120 credit hours' worth of classes, though some schools may require a few more credit hours. There is often a fair amount of hands-on experience involved in these programs, so speeding up the process may be difficult. Some schools, however, offer accelerated programs or allow students to take classes in non-traditional times like over the summer, which can shorten the time commitment.

The main accrediting organization for forestry degrees is the Society of American Foresters (SAF). This group offers a comprehensive review that aims to ensure a degree program meets quality standards established by those in forestry. Accreditation demonstrates that level of quality not only to students, but to potential employers and other schools.

In addition to programmatic accreditation, it is important to choose a school that is regionally accredited. Regional accreditation ensures quality, improves the chances of credits transferring, and makes students eligible for federal financial aid. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approves many regional accrediting bodies, so check with that organization to make sure your chosen school is reputably accredited.

At least 15 states require individuals to obtain a license to practice forestry. Those states are Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Vermont and West Virginia. Requirements for licensure vary, though they typically include proof of at least some continuing education in forestry. Some certificate programs may count towards that, as do college credits. Be sure to check your state to make sure you meet the appropriate requirements.

Graduates with a bachelor's in forestry can work in a number of areas within the field. Careers can focus on conservation, research, education, recreation, forest services, and more. Possible job titles include:

• Conservation scientist
• Forester
• Forest technician
• Conservation technician
• Recreation technician
• Rangeland management specialist
• Firefighter
• Extension agent
• Timberland appraiser or procurer
• Forest ranger

How to Become a Forester

Becoming a forester normally starts with earning at least a bachelor's degree in forestry or a related field, like agricultural science, natural resources management, or environmental science. It is important for foresters to learn practical skills and theory in these programs. Qualities important for foresters include analytical, critical-thinking and management skills, along with the physical stamina to be able to perform this sometimes-arduous job. Some states may require foresters to be licensed.

Once all that is done, individuals can begin working as a forester, and manage the quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and similar natural resources. Responsibilities can include supervising forest and conservation workers, choosing and preparing places for new trees, monitoring forests as they regenerate, clearing land through practices like controlled burning, and planning ways to keep forests free of harm caused by disease, insects, and wildfires. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reported in 2019 that the median salary of foresters was $61,970, and that the employment of foresters is projected to grow 5 percent in the next 10 years; this growth is faster than the average for all occupations.

How to Become a Conservation Worker

A conservation worker is usually a step lower on the organizational ladder than a forester, as this is an entry-level job. These individuals measure and improve the quality of forests, in addition to developing, maintaining, and protecting forests. Physical labor is often a defining feature of these jobs, as duties can include planting trees, reforesting land, clearing brush and debris, removing desired and undesirable trees, and injecting plants with insecticides and herbicides. The BLS reported in 2019 that the median annual pay for conservation workers was $31,770. The job is expected to show little or no growth (0%) between now and 2029.

Conservation workers normally need at least a high school diploma to qualify for employment, though some employers want these individuals to have an associate's degree. On-the-job training is also typically provided in this profession. Some states require that these workers get a license as well.

To begin searching for financial aid, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form shows students what they qualify for in regards to federal loans, grants or work-study. Completing the FAFSA may require myriad documents including the applicant's social security number, parents' social security numbers, driver's license number and federal tax information.

There are also numerous scholarship opportunities available to forestry majors. These can be specific to certain groups, like minority groups, or for specific purposes. They can be specific to schools or certain areas of the United States. The value of these scholarships varies wildly, as does the application process. Examples of nationwide scholarships include the Gregory Award and Student Diversity Scholar Program, while school-specific examples are Bartlett Tree Foundation Scholarship at Purdue. Check your chosen school and organizations like the SAF to see what options are available to you.

There are a host of professional organizations in forestry that seek to educate the public, lobby the government, provide networking and professional development opportunities for those in the industry, and help protect forests. Many states have specific forestry associations, and several national organizations exist. National groups include:

• The Society of American Foresters - The SAF is arguably the most prominent organization in forestry because it works in virtually every area of the industry, and it is a widely-respected accrediting body.
• National Association of State Foresters - This association is a nonprofit whose members are the directors of forestry agencies in each state, U.S. territory and the District of Columbia. The goal of this group is to manage and protect the nearly two-thirds of the nation's forests that are state and privately owned.
• American Society of Consulting Arborists - The ASCA describes itself as 'the authoritative experts on trees.' Its aim is to ensure the safety, health, and preservation of trees.

In addition to state-specific chapters of the SAF or associations for foresters previously mentioned, state governments are among the largest employers of forestry professionals. These can take the form of forestry commissions, standalone services, or branches of a larger department. One example would be the department of environmental protection in many states. State government groups seek to educate the public and manage the state's forests. They may also provide workshops, seminars, and related professional development opportunities for forestry professionals. Similarly, they offer programs that educate the public about forestry, which can be a way for forestry professionals to give back to the community. Research the private and governmental resources in your state to see what is offered.