Wood Products Major

The nation's forests are a major renewable natural resource providing the raw material for a variety of wood products. The Wood Products major offers a specialization either in the Wood Products Processing and Manufacturing Option or the Wood Products Business and Marketing Option. Students who select Wood Products Processing and Manufacturing gain knowledge in areas of wood science and technology and in the conversion of wood into useful products for society. Students who select Wood Products Business and Marketing gain knowledge in wood manufacturing processes and the business and marketing of wood products. Both options are supported by a broad education in communications, natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, and quantification.

Why Major in Wood Products?
You might choose the Wood Products major to prepare for a career in

• industry, applying technology to processes and products;
• research, evaluating or modifying wood product properties and product development;
• wood products business and marketing.

Career Opportunities for Wood Products Graduates
Graduates in Wood Products are in great demand in private industry. Wood products specialists are needed in industrial and business management, process and product quality control, and research and development.

The wide scope of the industry - from harvesting to use of wood, fiber, and chemical products - presents a broad spectrum of employment opportunities. Within the major wood products industries or technologies are jobs related to roundwood processing to lumber and pulp, drying and protection of wood and fiber products, development and use of adhesives and coatings, manufacture of paper, board and products, furniture and cabinet, and construction and housing.

Many industries and associations need personnel trained in the marketing and technical sales aspects of wood products. Such positions require a sound technological background blended with an understanding of management, marketing, and sales methods. A limited number of openings also exist in state and federal government laboratories, primarily in applied research on properties and use of wood products.

For additional information about Wood Products, contact:

Dr. 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 Wood Products Web site.