AA/AS in Forestry

Graduates of this applied associate degree work as field technicians in forestry and related outdoor jobs. Rising interest in clean water, protected wetlands, replanting and low-impact logging has increased the need for people able to survey and sample forests, streams, wetlands and wildlife. Technicians gather reliable data for wildlife biologists and professional foresters. Others help run parks, handle upkeep and teach visitors about wildland ecosystems. Certificates in wildland firefighting knowledge and skills are another route within the field. Several natural resources courses are taught just once per year, so planning the sequence carefully is important. A new student should arrive able to enroll in MATH 72 or something more advanced. Outcomes include applying ecosystem management methods, recognizing living and non-living parts of ecosystems, using maps for navigation and planning, and analyzing field data.