Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
Double Majors/Minors | Advanced Degrees | NCSU Orgs | Prof. Orgs | Links | Next Steps

Description of Major

If your interests are in science, working outdoors, the environment, and people, then Forest Management may be the program for you. Forest Management is the science of balancing the needs of humans with the natural cycles of forests. It combines state-of-the-art technology with hands on fieldwork. From measuring and monitoring forests with global positioning systems to working with community groups to fighting forest fires, foresters use their knowledge of science, economics, and technology to assess the status and availability of our forest resources.

Courses include:

Ecology, Dendrology, Wood Anatomy & Properties, Forest Wildlife, Silviculture, Forest Management, Renewable Resource Policy & Management, Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of Forestry courses, and the degree audit shows the curriculum course requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

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Skills You Develop In This Major

• Measure and monitor forest conditions and health
• Regenerate and grow forest stands
• Manage wildlife habitat

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. All students in Forest Management attend a 10-week forestry and wildlife summer camp at the end of the sophomore year. The 2400 acre Hill Demonstration Forest is located in nearby Durham County. During camp, students participate in field courses such as forest measurements, plant identification, silviculture, fire management and wildlife management. These courses will give students a real life look at what a career in forest management is actually like.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The University Career Center provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

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Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles	Sample Work Settings
Service Forester	State or Federal Government
Buyer	Wood Products Company
Land Management	Private Firm
Consultant	Self-employed
Research Technician	Paper Company
Fund Raiser/PR	Non-Profit

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

• Professor
• Researcher
• Director of Government Agency

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Salary

Baccalaureate - $ 33,321 (general natural resources)
From National Asso. of Colleges & Employers-July 2009

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

CFR Council
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Adrianna Kirkman, 515.6191, adrianna_kirkman@ncsu.edu

Forestry Club
Faculty Adviser: Bronson Bullock, 513.1248, bronson_bullock@ncsu.edu

Leopold Wildlife Club
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Phil Doerr, 515.7588, phil_doer@ncsu.edu

Professional Resources (Outside NC State)

These resources include organizations, clubs, and conferences not affiliated with NC State and can be an important part of your career pursuit.

• National Association of Environmental Professionals
• International Society of Tropical Foresters

Links to Related Resources

• University Career Center
• For more specific information on occupation/job skills, expectations, and salary, go to the Occupational Information Network site and search for a specific job. (hint: for salary info, select a report on one of the jobs and find the wages link at the bottom of the page.)
• The list of available Minors at NC State.
• Experimental Courses Listing (a.k.a. Special Topics)
• Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources
• College of Natural Resources
• Cooperative Education Program
  

Next Steps

Need more information about this major? Contact the expert on this major,
Coordinator of Advising.

Don't want this major? Continue exploring the available majors.
Still unsure of your major and/or not sure what to do next?
You know you want this major. What do you need to do now?

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Last updated: 8th of September, 2009 at 10:04:15 AM

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