Program Overview

Introduction to the Forestry Program

The Forestry program at Lakehead University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive background in the biological, social, and operational fundamentals of forestry and its relationship to ecosystems. This program is part of the Faculty of Natural Resources Management and shares a common curriculum with the Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management for the first two years.

Program Overview

Through a specialization, students will delve deeper into areas such as Forest Management, Forest Health and Protection, or the emerging area of Forest Products and Marketing. The program exposes students to the high-tech world of modern forest management, including the use of GPS/GIS technologies, 3-D visualization, remote sensing with satellite imagery, and airborne systems including drone (UAV) technology, as well as genetic research.

Accreditation and Professional Advantages

The Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry is nationally accredited by the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board. This accreditation means that graduates will meet the academic requirements for membership in several professional forest associations across Canada. Upon graduation, students are eligible to receive their Registered Professional Forester (RPF) designation and become members of the Canadian Institute of Forestry, providing a significant professional advantage.

Location and Experiential Learning

Lakehead University's location in Northwestern Ontario offers students the opportunity to learn about forestry in a region surrounded by diverse forests and unique geographical features. The university maintains strong relationships with regional organizations dedicated to ecological health and outdoor education, facilitating experiential learning and fieldwork opportunities.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Forestry program have a wide range of exciting career opportunities available to them, both in Thunder Bay and beyond. Potential career paths include:

• Registered Professional Forester
• Forest Management Specialist
• Forest/Environmental Technician
• Geomatics Specialist
• Urban Forester
• RPAS/UAV Specialist
• Invasive Species Specialist
• Renewable Energy Specialist
• Forestry/Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Assessment
• Wood Products Specialist or Researcher

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Forestry program requires the completion of specific high school courses and a minimum overall average. The requirements vary depending on the applicant's background:

• Ontario High School Students: Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with a minimum of 6 Grade 12U or M courses, including program-specific prerequisite courses, and a minimum 70% overall final average.
• Other Canadian High School Students: Completion of Grade 12 and the Secondary School Diploma with program-specific prerequisite courses and a minimum 70% overall final average.
• International Secondary School/College or University: Successful graduation from an academic secondary school program or equivalent, with program-specific prerequisite courses and an equivalent of a minimum 70% overall final average (Canadian).
• Canadian College: Completion of a minimum of 1 year of full-time academic studies at an accredited community college since leaving high school, with the appropriate program-specific prerequisite courses and a minimum overall average of 70%.
• Canadian University: Attendance at a university with successful completion of university-level coursework since leaving high school/college, including program-specific prerequisite courses and a minimum overall average of C or 60%.

Program-Specific Prerequisite Requirements

The program-specific prerequisite requirements vary by province and type of institution attended. For example:

• Ontario High School Students: English (ENG4U), and 3 from Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Computer Science (ISC4U), Geography (CGO4M, CGR4M, CGU4M, or CGW4U), Data Management (MDM4U), or Physics (SPH4U).
• Similar requirements are outlined for students from other provinces and for international students, with specific courses and averages required for admission.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fees for the Forestry program at Lakehead University are as follows:

• Canadian/Permanent Ontario Resident: $5,984.51 (tuition) + $400.00 (field trip) + $1,473.19 (ancillary fees) = $7,857.70 for the first year.
• Canadian/Permanent Non-Ontario Resident: $6,597.93 (tuition) + $400.00 (field trip) + $1,473.19 (ancillary fees) = $8,471.12 for the first year.
• International: $30,236.00 (tuition) + $400.00 (field trip) + $1,473.19 (ancillary fees) = $32,109.19 for the first year.

Co-op Placement and Research Opportunities

The Forestry program offers a co-operative education option, providing students with rewarding industry experiences and practical skills beyond typical fieldwork and research opportunities. As Canada's #1 Undergraduate Research University, Lakehead University also offers undergraduate research opportunities, with faculty contributions to international projects related to sustainability and environmental literacy.

Unique Learning Opportunities

Students in the Forestry program have the option to participate in international field school excursions and internationally-focused courses, enhancing their understanding of global challenges and opportunities related to sustainability.