Program Overview

Introduction to the Forest Ecology and Management Program

The Forest Ecology and Management program at Washington State University 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 many hands-on experiences in forest measurements and sampling.

Program Overview

The Forest Ecology and Management major at WSU is provisionally accredited under the Society of American Foresters accreditation standards for forestry programs. A minor in geospatial analysis is built into the curriculum.

Your Experience in Forest Ecology and Management

• The major prepares you to work as a professional forest ecologist, 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 coursework 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 the major.

Your Course of Study

• University general education requirements (UCORE)
• Basic biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics courses
• Earth and Environmental Science integrated common core courses
  • SOE 300 Natural Resources Ecology OR BIOL 372 General Ecology
  • Introduction to GIS (SOILS 368)
  • SOE 210 Earth History & Evolution OR ENVR_SCI 250 Intro to Earth System Science
  • SOE 312 Nat Res & Society OR POL_S 430 The Politics of Natural Resource & Environmental Policy
  • SOE 315 Water & Earth OR SOE 460 Watershed Management
• Forest Ecology and Management core classes
  • Natural Resource and Forest Measurements (SOE 204 & 304)
  • Forest and Arid Land Plants & Ecosystems (SOE 301 & 302)
  • Silviculture (SOE 305)
  • Remote Sensing & Airphoto Interpretation (SOIL SCI 374)
  • Sampling Terrestrial Ecosystems (SOE 404)
  • Wildland Fire (SOE 430)
  • Natural Resources Policy & Law (SOE 438)
  • Conservation Biology (SOE 450) or Wildlife Habitat Ecology (SOE 446)
  • Landscape Ecology (SOE 464)
  • ArcGIS & Spatial Analysis (SOIL SCI 468)
• Experiential
  • SOE 420 Yosemite Practicum
• Electives
  • Environmental Geology (SOE 303)
  • Plants in the Environment (SOE 306)
  • Applied Remote Sensing: From Drones to Satellites (SOE 486)
  • Disturbance Ecology (SOE 495)
  • Wildland Fire Ecology and Management (SOE 492-03)
• Professional electives, minors, or internships that match your interests and enhance your career goals

Your Hands-on Experiences

The program is comprised of both classroom-based science instruction and out-of-classroom experiences that allow students to apply theory to practice through field trips, internship opportunities, and study abroad options. Students are also supported in investigative problem solving with opportunities for undergraduate research through a capstone course taken in the final year.

Your Career Options in Forest Ecology and Management

WSU Forest Ecology and Management graduates are ready for careers in private industry, non-government organizations, and local, state, and federal government as:

• Foresters
• Reforestation Specialists
• Wildfire Management Specialists
• Environmental Consultants
• Harvest Managers
• Geographic Information Specialists
• And many others