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School of Natural Resources and the Environment

Forest Resources and Conservation, BSF

Are you passionate about nature? Turn that passion into a career and make a real difference — both for people and the planet. Gain the skills to actively manage forested landscapes while preserving their ecological value.

With a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, you'll address today’s most pressing challenges by balancing the demand for forest products with vital ecosystem services like carbon storage, clean water, wildlife habitats and recreational areas.

Experience hands-on learning in one of the most forest-rich states in the nation. The 7,650-acre University Research Forest and diverse West Virginia woodlands will be your outdoor classroom. Customize your curriculum with an area of emphasis — Environmental Conservation, Forest Management or — that aligns with your career goals.

Our program meets the highest standards through accreditation by the and the Society of Wood Science and Technology. With additional options like minors in Arboriculture and Sustainable Timber Construction or a certificate in River Conservation and Management, you can tailor your experience to stand out in the job market.

Connect with a strong network through the Forestry and Natural Resources Alumni Association and tap into its exclusive scholarships totaling $46,000 annually. Interested in urban tree care? An additional $8,000 in arboriculture scholarships are awarded each year.

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

Learn about the balancing act of managing land for timber production and wood products while considering wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and water quality.

Forest Resources and Conservation students learn to:

  • Quantify forest resources and ecosystem services.
  • Grow and restore Appalachian hardwood forest to supply quality wood while protecting ecosystem integrity.
  • Create strategic forest and wood utilization plans that are based on environmental, economic and social sustainability.
  • Critically reflect on knowledge and skills from across the curriculum and effectively communicate it to the public and stakeholders in forestry.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Environmental Conservation

  • Forest Management

  • Wood Innovation

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • The area of emphasis in Forest Management is accredited by the .
  • The area of emphasis in Wood Innovation is accredited by the of .
  • The wood products industry employs 1.6 million people nationwide.
  • Connected with the Appalachian Hardwood Center.
  • Academic credit for summer internships.
  • Strong summer job/internship placement.
  • Opportunity to attend a four-week summer camp.
  • Opportunity to work as an undergraduate teaching assistant or research assistant.
  • Students attend annual conferences of the Society of American Foresters (SAF) or the Society of Wood Science and Technology (SWST).
  • Scholarships supported by endowments, industry partners and our strong Alumni Association.
  • Facilities include , located at Coopers Rock State Forest, and .
  • Field trip to visit forest-related companies.
  • As the third most forested state in the U.S., West Virginia’s forests serve as the outdoor classroom for students.
  • Small-school environment with all the resources of a large university. You’ll benefit from one-on-one faculty interactions and develop a close relationship with your faculty and peers.
Scholarships

Over 92% of 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

  • Opportunities to work at the University Forest.
  • Summer positions in faculty-led research projects in forestry, wood science and wildlife and fisheries.
  • Summer internships and jobs with industries.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Forest and Conservation Workers

Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, and tree planters.

Median Salary: $33,940

Possible job titles include: Crew Leader, Foreman, Forest Resource Specialist, Tree Planter.

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Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $157,740

Possible job titles include: Environmental Program Manager, Natural Science Manager, Senior Investigator, Water Team Leader.

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Tree Trimmers and Pruners

Using sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques, cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve appearance, health, and value of tree. Prune or treat trees or shrubs using handsaws, hand pruners, clippers, and power pruners. Works off the ground in the tree canopy and may use truck-mounted lifts.

Median Salary: $49,070

Possible job titles include: Arborist, Ground Worker, Tree Climber, Tree Trimmer.

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Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical & Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of post-secondary education.

Median Salary: $99,710

Possible job titles include: Account Manager, Inside Sales Representative, Sales Manager, Sales Representative.

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Foresters

Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.

Median Salary: $67,330

Possible job titles include: Area Forester, Forest Practices Field Coordinator, Forester, Silviculturist.

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Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $101,650

Possible job titles include: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Forestry Professor, Professor.

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Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $54,080

Possible job titles include: Fire Lookout, Forest Officer, Forest Ranger, Ranger.

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Admission Requirements

To be admitted to 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ's Forest Resources and Conservation major, first-time freshmen must meet 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ's . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Forest Resources and Conservation at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Forest Resources and Conservation major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Forest Resources and Conservation can enroll at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ family.

Want to know more about Forest Resources and Conservation at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

Visit 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.