Forest Science

专业介绍

Forests cover one-third of Earth and nearly half of Wisconsin. They provide diverse habitat, wood and fiber, clean water, carbon storage, recreation, beauty, and connections to many cultures. Forest managers and scientists work largely outdoors to conserve and manage forest resources and respond to disturbances from insects, diseases, wildfire, fragmentation, deforestation, and other changes. They also use technology to map and inventory forests.

Students in forest science learn the skills needed for many career paths through a mix of classroom, laboratory, and field instruction. They make frequent visits to forests and engage in professional and student-led trainings and networking. Students have flexibility to customize their learning experience through a variety of different elective options.

The department offers excellent teaching, research, and computing facilities. Classes are sized to ensure that undergraduates receive individual attention. Each student has a faculty adviser, and many students gain experience assisting faculty with research projects.

Students go on to work as foresters, park rangers, conservation scientists, educators, researchers, environmental planners, arborists, and more. Graduates of the program also pursue graduate training in forestry, ecology, natural resource policy, or environmental law. Forest science has an excellent job placement track record.

Learn through hands-on, real-world experiences

Forest science students learn in many field and laboratory courses, putting their knowledge to work in outdoor, everyday circumstances. They also participate in a variety of opportunities beyond campus, including a three-week introduction to forest ecosystems in northern Wisconsin and summer research opportunities. All forest science undergraduates are required to complete an internship, often with a federal, state, or local government agency, an environmental nonprofit organization, timber industry firm, or environmental consultant.

Build community and networks

Students can join a competitive quiz bowl team and the Forestry Club, UW–Madison’s Student Chapter of the Society of American Foresters. Students can attend a national foresters conference and take part in trainings for prescribed burns, chainsaw use, and tree identification. Forest science undergraduates also have opportunities to work with local schools to help kids understand the forests around them.

Customize a path of study

Forest science students select from a large variety of classes to fit their career goals. Students can customize their learning experience and choose electives in focus areas such as forest conservation, forests and the environment, and forest management. In consultation with advisors, students will choose electives in alignment with their unique professional interests. The program meets accreditation standards of the Society of American Foresters, a key credential for many jobs. 

Make a strong start

Students can take introductory courses that focus on forest science and the department’s curriculum. One course explores forests of the world, as well as threats to forests, their roles in climate change, and strategies to conserve and manage them.

Gain global perspective

Forest science students are encouraged to complete study abroad experiences. Students can explore studying abroad as a Forest Science major utilizing the Forest Science Major Advising Page. Students work with their advisor and the CALS study abroad office to identify appropriate programs. The department also offers an international course focused on the extinction of species.