Penn State Forestry 1918
Introduction
Degrees in forestry have been awarded at Penn State University Park since 1907 and our program was among the first group of forestry programs accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) in 1935. The SAF is a professional organization that strives, among other things, to advance the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry and is the only organization that may accredit forestry curricula in the United States.
The SAF maintains a list of accredited institutions on its website, eforester.org; click on the "Certification and Education" tab and then on "Accreditation." These institutions offer curricula that have been found to meet minimum standards for objectives, curriculum, faculty, students, administration, parent-institution support, and physical resources and facilities. The SAF accreditation process is recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.
Penn State's Forest Management, Forest Biology, and Community and Urban Forest Management options are accredited by the SAF and fulfill the educational qualification requirements for the federal occupational series in forestry. The Watershed Management option is not accredited by the SAF but fulfills the educational qualification requirements for the federal occupational series in hydrology, and with certain course selections may also fulfill the educational requirements for the federal occupational series in forestry. In addition, it is possible through elective coursework in all four options to satisfy several federal Wildland Firefighter basic trainings (Basic Firefighting PA130 and Introduction to Fire Behavior S190) and Wildfire Power Saws S212.
The scope and complexity of the forestry profession have increased since its inception in the United States more than a century ago. Today, professional foresters are challenged with the conservation, restoration, and sustainable provision of a wide range of forest ecosystem services including timber and non-timber forest products, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, clean water, healthy soils, carbon sequestration, recreational opportunities, and the aesthetics of both rural and urban landscapes. Foresters need specialized knowledge to manage for this wide range of ecosystem services.
Our curriculum teaches students to
- identify, measure, and quantify a variety of forest ecosystem attributes,
- communicate effectively with diverse groups,
- analyze and interpret natural resources information in an ecological, economic, and social context, and
- integrate the relevant ecological, economic, and societal aspects of contemporary problems in natural resources management and use this understanding to develop, support, and implement effective solutions.
For a successful forestry career, several personal qualities are desirable:
- a love of the woods and the outdoors
- concern for natural resources and an appreciation of nature
- an analytical mind to manage complex ecological systems and resolve environmental, economic, and social challenges
- an aptitude for innovation and strategic thinking
Forest Ecosystem Management graduates may become forest managers responsible for managing the flora and fauna on thousands of acres of forests and watersheds, including valuable timberland, national and state parks and forests, game lands, and recreation areas. Others may work as ecologists, studying environmental factors that affect forests, or as consultants, surveying timberlands and recommending harvest and reforestation practices. Graduates also find employment as community foresters managing urban trees and green spaces; as biometricians working with databases to assess forest conditions and trends; as industrial foresters ensuring a company’s need for raw materials; as land managers for conservation organizations; as park superintendents overseeing the operation of parks and recreation facilities; as resource economists determining levels of supply and demand for forest resources; as watershed managers responsible for the protection of municipal watersheds; or in forest policy, addressing issues raised by the interaction of people and forests.
Employment opportunities for graduates of the Forest Management and Forest Biology options include forest management positions with public agencies such as the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service, nonprofit organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, industries such as sawmills and bioenergy facilities, and environmental consulting firms. The Community and Urban Forest Management option prepares students to manage community trees and green spaces. Employment opportunities include municipalities, arboricultural companies, utilities, and government agencies. The Watershed Management option focuses on the integrated management of natural resources, with emphasis on water. Graduates can find federal employment as hydrologists or pursue careers in municipal watershed management; in local, state, and federal government; and in environmental/engineering consulting.
Mission
The mission of the baccalaureate program in Forest Ecosystem Management is to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional ethics for understanding and managing forest ecosystems and living as responsible members of society.
