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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 — Ecosystem 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

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 focusing your coursework in 1 of these areas:

Environmental Conservation

Manage forests to protect their ecological integrity.

Forest Management

Grow Appalachian hardwood forests and supply quality wood for the future.

 

Sustainable Biomaterials

Meet global demand for innovative, sustainable wood-based materials.
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 and Honors in Action.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart?

  • 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.
  • 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 4-week summer camp.
  • Opportunity to work as an undergraduate teaching assistant or research assistant.
  • Students attend annual conferences of the Society of American Foresters or the Society of Wood Science and Technology.
  • 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 3rd 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 1-on-1 faculty interactions and develop a close relationship with your faculty and peers.

Learn by Doing

Get involved outside the classroom.

  • 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:

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

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: $70,660

Possible Job Titles: Area Forester, Forester, Silviculturist, Timber Sales Administrator (Timber Sales Admin)

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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, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.

May Require Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $43,680

Possible Job Titles: Forest Ranger, Forestry Support Specialist, Tree Farmer, Tree Planter

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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.

May Require Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $100,830

Possible Job Titles: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Forestry Professor, Professor

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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 Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $161,180

Possible Job Titles: Chemical Process Exploration Manager, Environmental Program Manager, Natural Sciences Manager, Research and Development Director (R and D Director)

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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: $50,430

Possible Job Titles: Arborist, Groundsman, Tree Climber, Tree Trimmer

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Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $66,780

Possible Job Titles: Outside Sales Representative, Sales Consultant, Sales Representative (Sales Rep), Salesman

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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: $52,380

Possible Job Titles: Fire Management Officer, Fire Prevention Technician, Forest Officer, Forest Patrolman

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Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the 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.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Ways to Save

Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Forest Resources and Conservation, BSF 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.

More About Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

Start at Another WVU Campus

You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.

Explore WVU System

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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