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Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources: 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 Sustainable Biomaterials — that aligns with your career goals.

Our program meets the highest standards through accreditation by the Society of American Foresters 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 The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

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 taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

  • FNRS 205:
    Dendrology

    Classification and silvical characteristics of North American forest trees.

  • FNRS 212:
    Forest Ecology

    How forest ecosystems work: their role in the global ecosystem, variability of forests in space and time, forest structure and function.

  • FNRS 222:
    Forest Mensuration

    Estimating volume and growth of trees and forest stands with emphasis on the mathematical and statistical techniques involved. Laboratories include practical field experience.

  • FNRS 223:
    Wood Anatomy and Structure

    Anatomy and structure of commercial wood species of the U.S. Survey of basic properties of wood.

  • FNRS 300:
    Forest Resources Management Field Practice

  • FNRS 311:
    Silvicultural Systems

    The theory and practice of controlling forest stand establishment, composition, structure and growth. Systems include: reproduction methods, release operations and intermediate treatments.

  • FNRS 330:
    Principles of Forestry Economics

    Production, distribution and use of forest goods and services. Emphasis on methods and problem solving techniques in the economic aspects of forestry.

  • FNRS 433:
    Forest Management

    Principles of sustained yield forest management: organization of forest areas, selection of management objectives, application of silvicultural systems and regulation of cut. Principles of sustainable forestry and ecosystem management.

  • FNRS 434:
    Forest Resources Management Planning

    Integrated planning of long-term management of forest resources. Development of a management plan for an actual forest tract. Emphasis on biological, social, economic and ethical considerations in decision-making.

  • FNRS 444:
    Watershed Management

    (Primarily for forest management majors.) Influences of silvicultural practices and forest management activities on the hydrology of forested catchments.

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 WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • The area of emphasis in Forest Management is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
  • The area of emphasis in Wood Innovation is accredited by the of Society of Wood Science and Technology (SWST).
  • 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 University Forest, located at Coopers Rock State Forest, and Evansdale Greenhouse.
  • 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 WVU 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 student organizations you can join.

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

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community 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.

Explore Career

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Forest Resources and Conservation major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Forest Resources and Conservation at WVU 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.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

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Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU 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.

How to Complete the 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 WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Learn More

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 WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

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