Forest Science Major

Forestry has been a major at Penn State since 1907 and was among the first group of forestry programs accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) in 1935. The SAF is a scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession and is the only organization in the United States that may accredit forestry curricula. Today, Penn State's Forest Management option, Forest Biology option, and Urban Forestry option are all accredited by the SAF.

As with many professions, the scope and complexity of the forestry profession has increased since its inception nearly a century ago. What was once a profession focusing primarily on the management of forestlands for the sustained production of timber and fiber resources has now become a profession concerned with the scientific management of forestland for a range of multiple resources. Proper management of these resources often takes specialized training, as in the case of managing forests for quality water production. The options in the Forest Science program offer students a forestry foundation with specialized training.

Forest Biology Option
This option provides a strong background in the biological and ecological aspects of contemporary forestry and establishes a sound foundation for professional employment and graduate-level study in forest and environmental sciences.

Forest Management Option
This option provides professional training in the management of forestlands consistent with the needs of ownership objectives. Employment opportunities include forest management positions with public agencies, industry, and private consulting.

Urban Forestry Option
This option prepares students to manage community trees and green spaces. It emphasizes technical expertise, communication abilities, and skills for working with diverse people. Employment opportunities include municipalities, arboricultural companies, utilities, and government agencies.

Watershed Management Option
This option focuses on water resources and the integrated management of natural resources with emphasis on water. Graduates qualify for federal employment as hydrologists and for water-related careers in municipal watershed management, state and local government, and environmental/engineering consulting.

Why Major in Forest Science?
In our technological society, professional foresters are challenged with managing renewable natural resources and improving the quality of our environment. Foresters are concerned with the availability of clean water for people and industries, timber for construction, pulpwood for paper production, wildlife and parks for recreation, and trees to beautify landscapes.

For a successful forestry career, several personal qualities are desirable, including the following:

an ethical concern for natural resources and an appreciation of nature
an analytical mind to cope with complex biological systems and with complex economic, financial, and social problems
creative ability for solving technological problems
an ability to communicate with the public and supervise employees

Career Opportunities for Forest Science Graduates
Professional employment is readily available for Forest Science graduates. Employment opportunities for forestry graduates are evenly divided between the public and private sectors.

Professional foresters are involved in a variety of activities. A Forest Science graduate has the potential to become any of the following professionals:

Administrator, managing thousands of acres of valuable timberland, including watersheds, gamelands, and recreation areas
Ecologist, studying the effects of man's activities on vegetation and wildlife
Consultant, surveying timber lands and recommending harvest and reforestation practices
Biometrician, using a computer to analyze and interpret data to determine resource allocation
Industrial forester, ensuring a company's needs for raw materials
Park superintendent, serving thousands of people enjoying outdoor recreation
Economist, determining levels of supply and demand for forest resources
Hydrologist, measuring stream flow and managing municipal watersheds
Urban forester, managing street trees and urban green spaces

For additional information about Forest Science, contact:

Paul Blankenhorn
310 Forest Resources Lab
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6972
E-mail: prb@psu.edu

Jamie Murphy

114 Forest Resources Builing

University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-863-0362

E-mail: jam563@psu.eu

Or visit the Forest Science Web site.