Forest Sciences and Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Forest Sciences and Biology is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the complex interactions between forest ecosystems and their environmental context. This program equips students with the scientific foundation and practical skills needed to address challenges in sustainable forest management, ecological conservation, and natural resource stewardship.
- Forest Biology: Explores the life cycles, physiological processes, and ecological roles of forest-dwelling organisms, from trees and fungi to wildlife and microorganisms.
- Forest Hydrology: Investigates the movement, distribution, and quality of water within forested landscapes, including its impact on ecosystem health and watershed management.
- Forest Mensuration: Focuses on techniques for measuring forest stands, including tree volume, biomass, and stand density, to support informed management decisions.
- Silviculture: Addresses the science and practice of controlling forest establishment, composition, and growth to achieve specific ecological, economic, or conservation objectives.
- Forest Soils: Examines soil formation, properties, and functions in forest environments, emphasizing their role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem sustainability.
- Water Resources: Studies the availability, quality, and management of freshwater systems influenced by forest cover and land use practices.
- Environmental Science: Integrates biological, chemical, and physical principles to analyze environmental systems and assess human impacts on forested regions.
- Forest Resources Management: Applies scientific and economic principles to plan, monitor, and sustainably utilize forest ecosystems for multiple benefits, including timber, recreation, and biodiversity.
- Wood Science: Explores the structure, properties, and processing of wood to support innovations in sustainable forestry, construction, and bio-based materials.
Forest Sciences and Biology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Forest Sciences and Biology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Forest Sciences and Biology degrees, including Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary, Foresters and Conservation Scientists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 36,550 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1043 | $100,830 | $58,670 - $154,630 | 1,310 | N/A |
| Foresters 19-1032 | $70,660 | $49,240 - $103,220 | 9,650 | $33.97 |
| Conservation Scientists 19-1031 | $67,950 | $45,260 - $107,720 | 25,590 | $32.67 |
Forest Sciences and Biology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $46,580 in Hawaii to $90,863 in Michigan—a 95% difference. The highest-paying states include Michigan, California, and Virginia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 36,550 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Forest Sciences and Biology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 22 institutions offering Forest Sciences and Biology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Forest Sciences and Biology is found at University of Georgia (UGA) (69 graduates), Northern Arizona University (NAU) (62 graduates), Mississippi State University (MSU) (43 graduates), Iowa State University (ISU) (28 graduates), and Auburn University (AU) (26 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 393 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
69 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
62 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
43 | Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
28 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
25 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
23 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
21 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
15 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| University of Maine (UMaine) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Orono, Maine | Public | umaine.edu |
| Clemson University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| Southern Illinois University |
Master's
|
10 | Carbondale, Illinois | Public | siu.edu |
| SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Syracuse, New York | Public | esf.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) |
Other Award
|
5 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Public | uwsp.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| The University of the South |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Sewanee, Tennessee | Private | sewanee.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
| Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Paul Smiths, New York | Private | paulsmiths.edu |
| Snow College |
Associate's
|
1 | Ephraim, Utah | Public | snow.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Forest Sciences and Biology programs
How much can I earn with a Forest Sciences and Biology degree?
Salaries for Forest Sciences and Biology graduates vary by role and location. Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $100,830 annually, while Foresters earn around $70,660. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Michigan average $90,863 compared to $46,580 in Hawaii. Approximately 36,550 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Forest Sciences and Biology programs?
Currently 22 accredited institutions offer Forest Sciences and Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Georgia (UGA) (69 graduates), Northern Arizona University (NAU) (62 graduates), and Mississippi State University (MSU) (43 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Forest Sciences and Biology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 285 in 2010 to 393 in 2023-24. This represents a 38% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Forest Sciences and Biology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary, Foresters, and Conservation Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 36,550 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Natural Resources Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Natural Resources field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Forest Technology
A program that prepares individuals to assist foresters in the management and production of forest resources. Includes instruction in woods and field skills,...
Forestry
Any program in forestry not listed above.
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
A program that prepares individuals to conserve and manage wilderness areas and the flora, marine and aquatic life therein, and manage wildlife reservations...
Natural Resources Conservation
Any instructional program in natural resources and conservation not listed above.
Natural Resources Conservation
A general program that focuses on the studies and activities relating to the natural environment and its conservation, use, and improvement. Includes instruction...
Environmental Studies
A program that focuses on environment-related issues using scientific, social scientific, or humanistic approaches or a combination. Includes instruction in the basic principles...