华盛顿州立大学

Foresters plan, maintain, and preserve forests and forest resources for public and private use.

The forestry major at WSU is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to make a positive impact locally and globally by creating, managing, conserving, and repairing forested ecosystems. The program builds on a strong foundation in science, with an emphasis on forest ecosystems and lots of hands-on experience in forest measurements and sampling.

Core courses and curriculum

As a forestry major, you will take core courses in:

Forest measurements and sampling
Plants and ecosystems
Silviculture
Natural resources economics
Remote sensing and spatial analysis
Wildlife fire and disturbance ecology
Environmental and natural resources policy
Range and habitat management
Landscape ecology
Watershed management

The program is flexible, giving you room to add courses or minors in related fields, such as geospatial analysis, wildlife ecology, environmental science, and earth science.

The program offers many opportunities for internships—you could have professional experience already on your resume when you graduate.

Sample career options in forestry

WSU forestry graduates are field-ready, with a strong background in forest measurements and sampling, and hands-on practice in skills that are highly valued by employers. You could work in a variety of roles, including the following:

Forester
Environmental consultant
Land, refuge, or wildlife habitat manager
Reforestation specialist
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist

Strengths of the program

The forestry major prepares you to work as a professional forester, performing tasks ranging from increasing timber production to restoring wildlife habitat.
The major combines a strong background in the plant sciences with a strong emphasis on spatial analysis including landscape ecology and GIS
Graduates are expected to be field ready with a strong background in plant identification, forest measurements, and forest stand management
Students benefit from an integrated common core of course work rooted in the environment, taken in concert with students majoring in related disciplines.
Hands on experience in on-campus and off-campus laboratory exercises and internship opportunities
Students may elect to complete a minor in geospatial analysis along with a major in forestry

Suggested preparation for incoming students

Students who become forestry majors often enjoy:

Science, especially biology/life science
Hands-on learning
Working with plants and working outdoors
Applying analytical techniques to solving practical problems
Making a difference in the real world