A Forester's Career FAQ
What training does a forester have to have?
A bachelor’s degree in forestry is the minimum educational requirement for professional careers in forestry. In the Federal Government, a combination of experience and appropriate education occasionally may substitute for a 4-year forestry degree, but job competition makes this difficult. Review the following two sites for school info and more details on training:
A
list of the major colleges and universities that offer degrees in forestry
A report
on what training you have to have to become a forester
Most land-grant colleges and universities offer bachelor’s or higher degrees in forestry; 48 of these programs are accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Curriculums stress science, mathematics, communications skills, and computer science, as well as technical forestry subjects. Courses in forest economics and business administration supplement the student’s scientific and technical knowledge.
Many colleges require students to complete a field session either in a camp operated by the college or in a cooperative work-study program with a Federal or State agency or private industry. All schools encourage students to take summer jobs that provide experience in forestry or conservation work.
Foresters who wish to perform specialized research or teach should have an advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D..
See Occupational Outlook Handbook - USDL
More on Forestry Employment from your About Forestry Guide
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