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 and physical processes of forest ecosystems, as well as the social, economic, and operational forces that influence forest policies and management actions.

Overview

The forestry core curriculum includes basic courses in the biological, physical, and social sciences, as well as professional courses designed to prepare students to manage forest resources. Students are required to select one of the following options: Forest Restoration and Fire, Forest Management, or Forest Operations Management.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Demonstrate knowledge of forest ecology and silviculture principles to understand how forests and forested watersheds respond to natural disturbances or management activities.
• 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 be able to evaluate typical financial investments in forestry.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the development and execution of strategic, tactical, and operational forest plans that support achievement of desired future stand conditions and strategic goals.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the social and political context of forestry and be able to describe current policies, laws, and regulations governing the management of forest lands.

Requirements

In addition to the listed courses, all students are required to complete a total of six months of satisfactory employment in an area related to their major. This is usually accomplished by two or more summers of work, but it may include work during the academic year. Work performance and personal conduct are thoroughly appraised by the College of Forestry.

Options

The program offers three options:

• Forest Restoration and Fire
• Forest Management
• Forest Operations Management

Forest Restoration and Fire Option

This option focuses on the restoration of degraded forests and the management of wildland fires. Students will learn about forest ecology, silviculture, and the principles of ecological restoration.

Forest Management Option

This option focuses on the management of forest resources for multiple uses, including timber production, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Students will learn about forest mensuration, forest economics, and forest policy.

Forest Operations Management Option

This option focuses on the operational aspects of forest management, including harvesting, transportation, and wood processing. Students will learn about forest engineering, logistics, and supply chain management.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the professional program requires a grade of "C" or better in all pre-professional courses required for entry into the professional program, as well as a minimum GPA of 2.25 based on the pre-professional courses satisfactorily completed.

Curriculum

The curriculum for each option is outlined in the Plan of Study Grid, which includes courses in forest ecology, silviculture, forest economics, and forest policy, as well as elective courses and restricted electives.

Total Credits

The total credits required for graduation are 180-182, depending on the option chosen.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF).

Major Code

The major code for the Forestry Undergraduate Major (BS, HBS) is 820, and the pre-forestry major code is 810.