A group of students use tree height measuring tools in a conifer forest.

Forestry has a long history at the University of Vermont beginning with the first forestry courses in 1888.

If you love the outdoors, excel in math and science, and learn by doing, a degree in Forestry may be for you. If you've considered an education where classes are led by experienced foresters and learning is enhanced by field, research, internship, and service-learning opportunities, then this major may offer a perfect college experience.

 

What is forestry?

Forestry is the science and profession of creating, managing, planting, conserving, and restoring forests, woodlands, and community/urban trees for human and environmental benefits. Modern forestry embraces a broad range of concerns and uses that include: timber, fuel wood, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, water quality, carbon storage, landscape conservation, recreation, community well-being, employment, and more.

What will I learn?

The Forestry Program trains and prepares students to excel in a diversity of careers in forestry and forest conservation. We provide the knowledge, skills, and experience students need to analyze and understand forest management across multiple scales and perspectives and develop students’ critical thinking skills needed to address complex problems facing sustainable forest management and conservation in the 21st century.

Our curriculum focuses on sustainable forestry. We ensure that students develop the ability to coordinate and manage all aspects of sustainable forestry through an education that combines a strong foundation in natural and social sciences with high-impact education practices that include: hands-on field classes, internships, service-learning courses, research experience, and forest management projects.

Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Forestry Program will be able to:

  • Apply esssential skills of measurement, spatial orientation, sampling, and data analysis;
  • Incorporate the foundational natural and social sciences into decision making;
  • Articulate historical context and contemporary trajectory of the profession;
  • Evaluate human dimensions of sustainable forest management, including the diverse universe of forest stakeholders, perspectives, and policies;
  • Develop and implement well-justified forest management strategies that address a diversity of objectives at spatial scales ranging from stands to the entire planet.

Learn more about the B.S. in Forestry >>

What will I do after I graduate?

UVM Forestry graduates find employment with government agencies, forestry consulting companies, nonprofit conservation organizations, land trusts, tree care companies, and other employers, or they go on to graduate school. Individual Forestry faculty are available to guide students as they forge their career paths. The Rubenstein School Student Services team also offers career development assistance.

Learn more about career development in the Rubenstein School >>