Program Overview

Forestry Undergraduate Major (BS, HBS)

The Forestry Undergraduate Major (BS, HBS) at Oregon State University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the biological, physical, and social sciences related to forest ecosystems and management. The program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and requires students to select one of three options: Forest Management, Forest Operations Management, or Forest Restoration and Fire.

Program Overview

The forestry core curriculum includes basic courses in biological, physical, and social sciences, as well as professional courses designed to prepare students to manage forest resources. Students are required to complete a total of six months of satisfactory employment in an area related to their major, which is usually accomplished through two or more summers of work or during the academic year.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of forest ecology and silviculture principles
• Develop skills in geospatial analysis, basic surveying, mapping, and GIS
• Demonstrate ability to measure and inventory forest vegetation with precision and accuracy
• Develop an understanding of forestry investment analysis and evaluate typical financial investments in forestry
• Demonstrate an understanding of the development and execution of strategic, tactical, and operational forest plans
• Demonstrate an understanding of the social and political context of forestry and describe current policies, laws, and regulations governing the management of forest lands

Requirements

• Students must select one of the three options: Forest Management, Forest Operations Management, or Forest Restoration and Fire
• Students must complete a total of six months of satisfactory employment in an area related to their major
• Students must complete the required courses for their selected option
• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all major coursework

Options

• Forest Management Option: This option focuses on the management of forest ecosystems, including silviculture, forest ecology, and forest policy.
• Forest Operations Management Option: This option focuses on the operational aspects of forestry, including forest engineering, harvesting operations, and forest management planning.
• Forest Restoration and Fire Option: This option focuses on the restoration of degraded forests and the management of wildland fires, including forest ecology, fire science, and restoration ecology

Curriculum

The curriculum for each option is outlined in the Plan of Study Grid, which includes courses in:

• Forest biology
• Forest ecology
• Silviculture
• Forest management
• Forest operations
• Forest policy
• Wildland fire science and management
• Restoration ecology

Admission to the Professional Program

Admission to the professional program requires:

• Completion of the pre-professional program with a minimum GPA of 2.25
• Selection of an option
• Application to the College of Forestry for admission to the professional program

Pre-Professional Program

The pre-professional program is designed for students who have not yet been admitted to the professional program. It includes courses in:

• Introduction to forestry
• Forest biology
• Forest ecology
• Mathematics and statistics
• Communication and writing

Professional Program

The professional program is designed for students who have been admitted to the program. It includes courses in:

• Forest management
• Forest operations
• Forest policy
• Wildland fire science and management
• Restoration ecology
• Forest ecology and silviculture

Degree Requirements

• Students must complete a minimum of 180 credits to graduate
• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all major coursework
• Students must complete the required courses for their selected option
• Students must complete a total of six months of satisfactory employment in an area related to their major

Accreditation

The Forestry Undergraduate Major (BS, HBS) at Oregon State University is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF).