The forestry program provides high quality education in forestry and related disciplines; develops knowledge through scholarly endeavors; and disseminates information to the profession, the public, and the community through service and outreach. This focus on forestry extends into the broader arena of natural resources and environmental sciences through collaboration across the college and university.

This curriculum is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

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Forestry Major

Forest landscapes are always changing, sometimes very slowly as a result of long-term processes, followed by rapid changes as a result of fires or harvesting. Sustaining forests in the modern world requires managers who understand these changes, and how forests connect to global, ecological, and social systems. 

The Forestry Major spans the entire range of experiences necessary to build skills for the forestry profession. Curricula include a broad background in the biological, physical, and management sciences, followed by professional forestry courses. 

As a sophomore or junior in this major, you will spend a month or more at Pingree Park , our mountain campus near Rocky Mountain National Park. Hands-on field studies include: 1) the identification and ecology of forest plants and animals, 2) wildland fire measurements, 3) forest mapping, 4) and forest measurements. You will enhance your education through exposure to field forestry operations and state-of-the-art computing facilities.  

Upon graduation students will:

• Effectively communicate knowledge of forestry and natural resources, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate proficiency in subject areas outside their major study focus, including principles/issues in wildlife, water, recreation, wilderness, soil, range and fishery resources.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of subject areas relevant to the major fields of study in forest sciences, including forest ecology and forest management and apply this knowledge in a complex, problem-solving environment.

Warner College of Natural Resources employs a career counselor who provides assistance for students seeking summer or seasonal work as well those seeking career positions.

You may specialize in one of four concentrations in the Forestry Major. These concentrations provide you with professional training in the fundamental principles of multiple-use forestry and ecosystem management. At the same time, you will develop a broad understanding of the sciences and improve your communication abilities. Each of the four concentrations leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.

Forest Biology Concentration...checksheet

This concentration is intended for students who wish to focus on the biology of trees and the ecology of forests. If your interest is in the growth of trees or the functioning of ecosystems that are comprised of many plant and animal species, this concentration will meet your needs.

Forest Fire Science Concentration...checksheet

This concentration makes available to the student the latest knowledge in the study of fire as an ecological process, as well as the application of fire as a forest management tool. Although wildfires destroy valuable forest resources, you will learn how prescribed fire can be used to enhance wildlife habitat, prepare seedbeds, control forest insect and disease, and reduce fire hazards.

Forest Management Concentration...checksheet

This concentration is designed for students primarily interested in managing forested lands. Graduates from this concentration are employed by state and federal land management agencies, private forest land owners, consultants, conservation organizations, and other firms and agencies. If you elect to pursue this concentration, you will learn about forest productivity, economics, and conservation along with the latest in computer-based management tools.

Forestry Business Concentration...checksheet

If you seek employment with a private timber company, or if you want to develop your own forest business, this concentration will help you meet your goals. You will learn business applications as they relate to forest management. This concentration will also prepare you for the master of business administration (MBA) program.

Forestry Minors

The Forestry Undergraduate Program offers the following two minors:

• Forestry - The minor in forestry provides students with the opportunity to obtain exposure to forest sciences. It provides insight into the management of forested lands and is particularly appropriate for students majoring in other natural resouce disciplines or natural sciences.
• Spatial Information Management -

In addition to these two minors, other departments at Colorado State offer over 50 additional minors in topics ranging from anthropology to zoology. Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in the Forestry Major have the option of selecting any of these minors. However, students majoring in Forestry cannot also minor in Forestry.

Career Opportunities

Careers in forestry and natural resources are exceptionally varied, challenging and personally satisfying. Opportunities are available in rural and urban settings worldwide. Participation in internships, volunteer activities, or cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance practical training and development. Positions are available in industry, education, consulting, public service, and government agencies.

Some examples of career opportunities include, but are not limited to: forest manager, forest/park ranger, environmental policy and conservation consultant, fire figher/manager, natural resource journalist, naturalist, land use planner, geospatial information systems specialist, forest products business person and more.

Warner College of Natural Resources maintains a Career Office available to students.