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What will I learn in a forest ecology and management degree program?

In the forest ecology and management major, you'll learn how to use scientific reasoning and data to make decisions about managing crucial natural resources such as forests and the wildlife populations that live in them.

During your first year, you'll take general math and sciences courses as well as an introductory course to natural resource management that covers topics such as conservation biology and environmental ethics and economics as well as a focus on the Truckee River watershed and Great Basin ecosystem.

As you progress through the major, you'll continue to study the basic science underlying conservation as well as take specific courses in your major that may include topics such as forest ecology, water resource management, forest plants and wildfires. Courses incorporate regular field trips to local areas of interest so you can learn to apply your knowledge in a practical setting.

Learn more about the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources

In the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, you'll receive valuable hands-on experience that prepares you for a successful career in high-demand industries.  With four departments and nearly 200 courses in agriculture, veterinary and rangeland sciences; biochemistry and molecular biology; natural resources and environmental science; and nutrition, we're ready to help you grow your future.

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Careers with a degree in forest ecology and management

Students in vests and hard hats in a forest

Graduates of the forest ecology and management major may be employed by government agencies, nonprofit organizations or private industry. You'll be prepared for a career that focuses on forest management and conservation, with specific job titles that may include the following:

  • Forester
  • Park ranger
  • Wildland fire manager
  • Restoration ecologist
  • Natural resource planner

If you find work with the government, you may be working for the National Park Service, the Forest Service, or a state or local agency in a career focused on maintaining healthy forests by managing growth, selecting and planting seeds, and helping with fire suppression. Work for a nonprofit may involve advocacy for land use policies that benefit communities and support healthy forests. Private industry, including groups such as the timber industry, may also employ foresters to help develop sustainable logging plans. 

Climate change, including increased risk of wildfire, is likely to drive demand for these professionals in coming years, especially in the Western U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau reported that conservation scientists and foresters had a median annual salary of $63,750 in 2021.

You can afford the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ

76% of students receive financial aid

Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.

54% of all students graduate with no debt

That's right. More than half of our students leave the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ with no student debt.

Related programs

Agricultural Science, B.S.
Environmental Science, B.S.
Rangeland Ecology and Management, B.S.
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, B.S.

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At the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ Honors College, our students maximize their unique gifts and passions through a series of personalized experiences that deepen their capacity for transformative societal impact.

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