Forest Ecosystem Management Major
Sustain the forest.
A hands-on science and management education in sustainable forestry. Forest Ecosystem Management grads take leadership roles in private companies, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Lessons from professors, trees, and satellites.
Your Forest Ecosystem Management adventure starts on campus and moves quickly to the millions of acres of Pennsylvania forests where you will learn and one day work in your profession. Forest Ecosystem Management requires boots on the ground to study the soils, water, animals, and plants that make up our woodlands. There are more than 9,000 acres of forested acres, outdoor laboratories, and research plots at or near University Park.
This science-based major focuses on ecology and management and incorporates cutting-edge technologies. Penn State is at the forefront of using innovative tools like LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), satellite imagery, and UAVs to understand and conserve our forests.
Forest Ecosystem Management is the right major if you’re:
- someone with an analytical mind to manage complex ecological systems and resolve environmental, economic, and social challenges
- a hands-on learner
- happiest outside
- a disciplined, focused student
- driven to improve the sustainability and health of our forest lands
Required courses
- Field Dendrology
- Forest Resources Measurements
- Intro to GIS and GPS
- Forest Ecology
- Silviculture
See the University Bulletin for details on program requirements, suggested academic plan, and more.
More than the syllabus.
At Penn State, there are more opportunities to learn, meet professionals working in your field, network, and have fun than you can imagine.
The same goes with our internship opportunities. Companies compete to bring Penn Staters on board for the summer, and many students return to campus with a summer of practical experience and often a job offer waiting in the wings. There are research opportunities, study abroad opportunities, and more to gain experience and academic credit.
Craft your experience.
Related clubs and teams
- Society of American Foresters (SAF)
- Penn State Fly Fishing
- Penn State Student Association for Fire Ecology
- Penn State Spur Collectors
- Penn State Lumber Lions
- Student Farm
- The Wildlife Society
- See all clubs and teams
Recent internships
- Biological science technician
- Forestry intern
- Habitat management internship
- Invasive species intern
- Urban forestry intern
Popular study abroad
- Australian National University at Canberra
- South Africa Study Tour
- University of Freiburg, Germany
A practical, workforce-ready degree—and a college experience you’ll love.
Penn State Forest Ecosystem Management graduates are in the woods, at the office, out on the job, and across the globe, right now.
Our alumni out in the world
- Land management agencies
- State forests and parks
- Conservation districts
- Forest products companies
- Environmental consulting firms
- Tree care industry
- Municipal watersheds
- and more!
Forest Ecosystem Management Career Options
What can I do with a Forest Ecosystem Management degree? Here are a few examples.
Service forester
A service forester informs and advises managers of rural and community forests, landowners, and the public in support of sustainable forest management.
What will I do?
- Advise on forest and water-related management best practices
- Provide urban and community forestry management assistance
- Inform regional planning efforts
- Offer educational programs
- Participate in insect and disease monitoring initiatives
GIS analyst
A GIS (Geographic Information Systems) analyst uses data to produce maps and inform science-backed decisions about land use.
What will I do?
- Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software
- Evaluate data quality
- Present data and make recommendations
Consulting forester
A consulting forester provides forest management services to private citizens, municipalities, businesses, and other entities that own forestland.
What will I do?
- Conduct timber sales and timber appraisals
- Supervise tree planting or vegetation control contractors
- Assist with government cost-share and property tax programs
- Provide wildlife habitat expertise
- Design recreational features
Forest Ecosystem Management Students in the News
January 30, 2024
Aspiring natural resource professionals showcase skills in Dendro Cup contest
On a brisk afternoon in December, students in a forestry course in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences ventured into a wooded field on the University Park campus, eager to discover woody plant specimens and claim bragging rights in the second annual Dendro Cup competition. Designed by instructors Eric Burkhart and Calvin Norman, the competition evaluates the expertise gained by students in the morning and afternoon sections of their fall semester field dendrology course.
Read MoreSeptember 7, 2023
Course at Penn State gives students hands-on wildland fire management training
This spring, five students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences traveled to North Carolina and Florida to learn about wildland fire management and fire ecology techniques.
Read MoreDecember 2, 2022
Internships earn awards for College of Agricultural Sciences students
Twelve Penn State students have been selected as College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society 2022 Internship Award winners. The award, which includes a $1,000 stipend, was established to encourage students to participate in a credit or noncredit educational internship program related to their field of study.
Read MoreNovember 17, 2022
Ag Sciences student named 2023 National Veterans Leadership Foundation fellow
John Buckley, a U.S. Navy veteran and a senior majoring in forest ecosystem management in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, is one of a select number of military-connected students nationwide to be named a 2023 National Veterans Leadership Foundation fellow in recognition of his service and leadership potential.
Read More