Urban Forestry: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Urban Forestry is a specialized field focused on the strategic planning, stewardship, and scientific management of trees and forested ecosystems within urban and suburban landscapes. This interdisciplinary program equips students with the knowledge and skills to enhance environmental quality, support biodiversity, and promote sustainable development in densely populated areas through informed tree care and green space planning.
- Urban Environments: Examines the unique challenges and opportunities of integrating tree systems into cities, including space constraints, soil compaction, and infrastructure interactions.
- Pollution Effects on Tree Species: Explores how air, water, and soil pollutants impact tree physiology, growth, and long-term survival in metropolitan settings.
- Environmental Design and Landscaping: Focuses on the integration of trees and greenery into urban design to improve aesthetics, reduce heat islands, and support ecosystem services.
- Urban Pest Infestation: Studies common insect and disease threats to urban trees, along with prevention, monitoring, and sustainable control strategies.
- Urban Forest Management: Covers inventory methods, canopy assessment, long-term planning, and adaptive management practices for maintaining healthy, resilient urban tree populations.
- Policies and Regulations: Investigates local, state, and federal laws governing tree protection, development impacts, and urban forestry initiatives, including permitting and compliance frameworks.
Urban Forestry Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Urban Forestry Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Urban Forestry degrees, including Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary and Foresters. 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 10,960 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 |
Urban Forestry Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,810 in Oklahoma to $105,790 in Michigan—a 117% difference. The highest-paying states include Michigan, California, and Virginia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 10,960 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 Urban Forestry by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 14 institutions offering Urban Forestry 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 Urban Forestry is found at University of California (UCD), Davis (19 graduates), Southern University and A & M College (SUBR) (14 graduates), Oregon State University (OSU) (9 graduates), Madison Area Technical College (8 graduates), and Bevill State Community College (BSCC) (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 89 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 California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
|
19 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| Southern University and A & M College (SUBR) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | subr.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
9 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Madison Area Technical College |
Associate's
|
8 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | madisoncollege.edu |
| Bevill State Community College (BSCC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Jasper, Alabama | Public | bscc.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science |
Associate's
|
6 | Paul Smiths, New York | Private | paulsmiths.edu |
| Dakota College (DCB) |
Associate's
|
6 | Bottineau, North Dakota | Public | dakotacollege.edu |
| Gateway Technical College |
Associate's
|
4 | Kenosha, Wisconsin | Public | gtc.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Other Award
|
3 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| Hennepin Technical College (HTC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Brooklyn Park, Minnesota | Public | hennepintech.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Associate's
|
2 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Associate's
Other Award
|
2 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Mid-State Technical College (Mid-State) |
Associate's
|
1 | Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin | Public | mstc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Urban Forestry programs
How much can I earn with a Urban Forestry degree?
Salaries for Urban Forestry 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 $105,790 compared to $48,810 in Oklahoma. Approximately 10,960 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 Urban Forestry programs?
Currently 14 accredited institutions offer Urban Forestry degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCD), Davis (19 graduates), Southern University and A & M College (SUBR) (14 graduates), and Oregon State University (OSU) (9 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 Urban Forestry growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 48 in 2010 to 89 in 2023-24. This represents a 85% 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 Urban Forestry degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary, Foresters, . Related occupations employ approximately 10,960 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.
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