About the Forestry Major
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General Overview |
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Student Activities |
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Undergraduate Program |
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Faculty Overview |
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Facilities |
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Admission Standards |
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Internship and Coop. Programs |
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Career Opportunities |
A comprehensive educational experience is provided by combining classroom theory with field-oriented laboratory exercises. This includes either a six-week summer camp or European field experience where the integration of resource management disciplines is emphasized through hands-on field exercises in natural environments. General degree requirements have been established to ensure a well-rounded graduate who appreciates the importance of the humanities, social sciences, history, and English to the forestry profession. Student organizations offer you the opportunity to learn more about the forestry profession, become involved with professional organizations and talk with representatives of various agencies. Paid internships, cooperative education positions and seasonal positions provide an opportunity to apply your education and clarify your career goals before you enter the job market. The College of Natural Resources Forestry Program is fully accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
The undergraduate forestry curriculum is built on a core of selected forestry courses that meet the requirements of the Society of American Foresters, and the need of the student to understand the application of forestry to a broad range of resource management situations. Natural and physical sciences, mathematics, wildlife, water, and soils courses are prerequisites for advanced forestry courses. The integration and application of these courses to forestry is an educational concept supported by the forestry faculty. The five emphases within the forestry curriculum allow you to select course options that match your career goals.
Many forestry students supplement their major emphasis with a minor. There are many minors to select from, and you should work closely with your professor/advisor to select the one that would be the most appropriate for your career goals. For example, the growing demand for forestry consultants in the Third World recently prompted the development of a minor in International Resource Management which includes significant forestry components. The same need is being served by the new "Masters Internationalist" program, which combines graduate training with Peace Corps service in a three year program. This minor supplements many majors campus-wide.
The Forestry Program within the College of Natural Resources has modern state-of-the-art facilities including the use of quantitative laboratory facilities, computer facilities, Schmeeckle Reserve (a Nature Conservancy Property), Treehaven Field Station, Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, and other private and public natural areas.
Internships and Cooperative Programs
Through cooperative arrangements developed with industry, private firms, and public agencies, students have the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience in career areas related to their chosen forestry major prior to graduation. Emphasis is placed on the application of curriculum to field situations. Each student is assigned a supervisor. These programs quite often help graduates gain permanent employment.
The emphasis is on professional development while enjoying the fellowship
of other students in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Faculty advisors take an
active part in assisting student members and officers in planning events and
activities. Many organizations are officially recognized as student chapters
of professional conservation associations and groups. Members of
professional associations are often guest speakers, and students have the
opportunity to attend reguIarly scheduled events of the parent
organizations. Everyone can become involved as an active member. Examples of
specific student organizations include:
Society of American Foresters
UWSP Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association
Student Society of Arboriculture
Xi Sigma Pi-Honorary Society
Alliance for a Sustainable Earth
Women in Natural Resources
Involvement of students in the governance of the college and the campus is
encouraged and, abundant opportunities exist to serve on committees and as
an elected student representative.
The forestry faculty combine different areas of interest and academic background providing pedagogic strength through diversity. Both outstanding academic credentials and significant professional field experience are represented in the backgrounds of the faculty. Emphasis is placed on excellence in the classroom, scholarly activities, and participation in student extracurricular activities.
After completion of forty-five or more credits, with at least a 2.50 average grade point in designated preliminary courses, the student may officially declare a major in forestry with the permission of the forestry faculty. A 2.50 or greater grade point in the forestry major is required for graduation.
A wide variety of opportunities exist for graduates of the forestry program. The past several years have shown a marked increase in the diversity and number of career opportunities available. Opportunities exist as a timber manager, forest ranger, procurement officer, park superintendent, urban forester, arborist, landscape designer and maintenance supervisor, naturalist, park ranger, public relations officer, environmental advocate, international consultant, and many others too numerous to mention here.