Forest Resources B.S.

The forest resources curriculum prepares students to plan, implement, and research the management, protection, and sustainable use of forest and related resources and environments, including timber, water, wildlife, recreation, and aesthetic resources. The curriculum provides a unique integration of the physical, biological, and social sciences with managerial sciences and policy, field skill development, and technologies for measuring and monitoring natural resources. Students are also trained in problem solving approaches to address specific local, regional, and global issues. Students select one of three tracks: 1) forest management and planning, 2) forest conservation and ecosystem management, and 3) urban and community forestry. Students should choose one of these tracks early in their college careers. A minor is also available.

Graduates find positions as foresters, urban foresters, land and water resource managers, conservationists, researchers, habitat managers, ecologists, geographic information systems specialists, resource analysts/consultants, silviculture specialists, nursery managers, land acquisition specialists, environmental planners, and educators. Principal employers are federal, state and local forestry, wildlife, parks, conservation and related natural resource agencies; forest products industry companies; landowner organizations; consulting firms; and nongovernmental conservation organizations and international development agencies.

Additionally, the curriculum provides excellent preparation in the fundamental and applied sciences that is essential for graduate study and careers in research and teaching.

Admission Requirements

For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the   Office of Admissions Web site.

General Requirements

Program Requirements

All required courses must be taken A-F, and students must earn a grade of at least C-.

Program Sub-plans

Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans. (Note for the Twin Cities and
Morris campuses: The honors sub-plan does not meet this requirement. Honors students are required to
complete one sub-plan plus the honors sub-plan. Please see an adviser if no honors sub-plan is listed
for the program.)
                 

The forest conservation and ecosystem management track prepares students for forest and related resource management with a focus on conservation issues and strategies. It is designed for students who seek a thorough understanding of ecosystem structure and function and the role of forests and their management in environmental quality. Graduates pursue careers as forest managers and conservationists or provide specialized expertise for resource management organizations. Principal employers are federal and state forestry, wildlife, parks and related agencies; forest products companies; and nongovernmental conservation organizations.    This track includes courses in a field session.

All required courses in this track must be taken A-F and completed with a grade of at least C-.

Students taking the forest management and planning track learn the principles, practices, and techniques of forest and related resource management. It is designed for students who wish to become directly involved in forest land management or specializations such as resource analysis, planning, timber harvesting, forest protection, or policy. Graduates may also pursue advanced positions in these areas. Principal employers include federal and state forestry, wildlife, and conservation agencies; forest products companies; landowner organizations; consulting firms; and international agencies. This track includes courses in two field sessions at the Cloquet Forestry Center.

All required courses in this track must be taken A-F and completed with a grade of at least C-.

The urban and community forestry track prepares students for planning and managing vegetation and related resources in or near urban communities, and for specializations such as urban planning and environmental education. Urban forests include areas along streets, in parks, private lands, greenbelts, and open spaces. Graduates help plan, design, and protect these forests including supervision of tree selection, planting, and plant health care programs. Employers include city government, tree care/arboricultural firms, state and federal forestry agencies, nurseries, and utility companies. Graduates may also qualify for traditional forestry positions. This track includes a field session.

All required courses in this track must be taken A-F and completed with a grade of at least C-.

This is an honors sub-plan.

Students admitted to the University Honors Program (UHP) must fulfill UHP requirements in addition to degree program requirements. For any course required in a degree program, UHP students must register for the honors version if one is offered. Honors courses used to fulfill degree program requirements will also fulfill UHP requirements.

As part of their honors program, CFANS students complete CFAN 3100H; they must submit their project for this faculty-mentored honors experience    to the honors committee for approval prior to registration.