About the Forestry Major
General Overview
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.
Undergraduate Program
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.
Facilities
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.
Student Activities
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.
Faculty
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.
Admission Standards
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.
Career Opportunities
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.