Bachelor of Science in Forestry - Forest Resource Management Major

This curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for a career in the management of forests and associated natural resources. In forestry, we face growing demands for wood products along with increasing public consciousness of the value of wild lands for recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, aesthetics, and environmental protection. Our curriculum is designed to provide a balanced but business-centered approach to forest management. The major emphasis is on management and utilization of timber resources, but we also orient students to management of forests for recreation, wildlife, and water. We also stress the importance of forest ecology, environmental protection, and aesthetic qualities in forest management. Curriculum Structure We are accredited by the Society of American Foresters and require the completion of 120 credit hours of coursework. Required courses include biological, physical, and social sciences, English composition, communication, mathematics, forest science and management, and liberal studies. We require a five-week summer field practice; this period, along with laboratories in several of many of our courses, provides ample opportunity to gain field experience. Overall, we have designed the curriculum to provide the needed blend of scientific, technical, and managerial knowledge professionals need to manage public or private forest resources. Elective hours are used to develop additional professional competence in specialized areas. Once students meet the two-year experience requirement, they are qualified to be a registered forester in the state of West Virginia. Students can also minor in Arboriculture, Recreation, Wildlife Management, or Wood Science among the many minors available throughout the University. Major Learning Goals Students graduating from the Forest Resources Program should be able to: Knowledge Comprehension Application Synthesis Careers Conservation and Resources Managers Urban Foresters Procurement Foresters Consulting Forester Urban Forester or Arborist Integrated Vegetation Management Forest Rangers Forest Fire fighting Forest Ecologist Forest Scientists and Technicians