Program Overview
Paul Smith's College's Bachelor of Science in Forestry equips students with a comprehensive understanding of forestry principles and practices through a combination of classroom instruction, field exercises, and research projects. Graduates are prepared for careers in various forestry-related fields, including ecological forest management, forest operations, and forest biology. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and field experiences, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
in Forestry:
Overview:
The Forestry program at Paul Smith's College provides students with a solid foundation in forestry principles and practices, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on field experience. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in various forestry-related fields.
Objectives:
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Analyze and understand the ecological and biophysical foundations of forests.
- Analyze forestry production cycles and processes.
- Analyze and interpret forest inventory and natural resource data.
- Develop and articulate informed perspectives on the biophysical and sociopolitical contexts of forestry.
- Integrate forestry knowledge and experience to develop forestry-related plans and arguments that reflect an appreciation for the diverse uses and values associated with forest resources and their sustainable management.
Program Content:
The Forestry program consists of core courses in forestry, as well as specialized courses in one of three concentrations: Ecological Forest Management, Forest Operations, or Forest Biology.
Core Forestry Courses:
- Introduction to Forestry
- Dendrology
- Forest Production Processes
- Forest Health
- Forest Mensuration I
- Forest Mensuration II
- Silviculture
- Forest Ecology
- Forest Soils
- Forest Management
- Forest Policy
- Advanced Silviculture
- Introduction to Wildlife Management
- Geospatial Technologies
- Watershed Management
- Field Surveying I
- Senior Capstone Project
Forestry Summer Session:
- Forest Production Processes
- Forest Mensuration I
- Field Surveying I
Concentration Requirements:
Ecological Forest Management Concentration:
- General Ecology
- Timber Harvesting
- Natural Resource Economics
- Field Surveying II
Forest Biology Concentration:
- Biology II
- Plant Biology
- General Ecology
- Genetics
- Chemistry II
- Organic Chemistry
- Choice of Biological Science Cluster
Forest Operations Concentration:
- Financial Accounting
- Wood Properties
- Timber Harvesting
- Forest Products
- Natural Resource Economics
- Field Surveying II
Outline:
The Forestry program is typically completed in four years and consists of a total of 121 credit hours, with at least 40 credits at the 300/400 level and 60 credits in liberal arts and sciences. The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of forestry principles and practices through a combination of classroom instruction, field exercises, and research projects.
Assessment:
Teaching:
The Forestry program is taught by experienced faculty who are actively involved in research and professional practice. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and field experiences, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
Careers:
Graduates of the Forestry program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the forestry sector, including:
- Forestry Technician
- Procurement Forester
- Log Buyer
- Wildland Firefighter
- Logger
- Forest Products Industry
