Forestry Graduate Programs

Individuals pursuing a graduate degree in forestry should ideally possess the following qualities:

• Interest in and aptitude for the physical sciences, including laboratory work
• Strong analytical skills
• Solid interpersonal skills
• Physical stamina
• A love of the outdoors

Forestry Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Graduate programs in forestry generally feature a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory and field research. Students often have a variety of specializations from which to choose, depending on the program students may be able to work with their schools faculty to design a personalized course of study tailored to meet their independent research goals. Courses vary among programs, however; forestry graduate students may expect to encounter the following classes:

• Forest Ecology
• Forest Management
• Forest Resource Economics
• Forest Recreation Management
• Tree Pests and Disease
• Wood and Science Technology
• Geographic Information Systems
• Wildlife Conservation

Master’s programs in forestry typically take 2-3 years to complete. Undergraduate work in a related discipline is usually preferred. Thesis and non-thesis options exist for interested forestry master’s degree students; most programs require students to create a final project under the supervision of a faculty member or committee. Ph.D. programs in forestry may take between 5 and 7 years to complete. Most Ph.D. programs in forestry require a dissertation and successful completion of oral and written examinations. Foresters in some states are also required to obtain licensure.

Forestry Career Paths

Individuals with graduate degrees in forestry are able to purse a number of different careers. There are several government agencies employing forestry professionals including the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and The Nature Conservancy. Forestry professionals may also be qualified to work for private firms such as mining or timber companies, or as consultants and researchers.

Occupational Outlook for the Field of Forestry

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2010 median annual wage of foresters was $54,310. The top 10% of earners made more than $75,540 a year while the lowest 10% of earners made less than $35,670 a year. Those working for the government earned a median salary of $61,680, forestry professionals working in the logging industry earned a median salary of $59,830, individuals’ working in sawmills and wood preservation earned a median salary of $56,880, those employed by local governments earned a median salary of $53,150 and individuals employed by the state government earned a median salary of $49,710. Jobs in the field of forestry are expected to grow by 5% between 2010 and 2020, slower than the average of all other occupations. Salary and employment opportunities vary according to location, experience, education, and industry.

Data according to

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/conservation-scientists.htm