Forest Resources Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Forest Resources Management is a comprehensive academic discipline centered on the sustainable stewardship of forest ecosystems. It equips students with the technical expertise and strategic decision-making skills needed to oversee the responsible production, harvesting, and processing of forest-based materials. This program bridges ecological science with practical operations, preparing graduates for leadership roles in forestry, conservation, and natural resource industries.
- Forest Production and Utilization: Explores methods for cultivating and managing forest stands to maximize yield while maintaining ecological balance and long-term productivity.
- Industrial Forestry: Focuses on large-scale forest management techniques used in commercial timber production, emphasizing efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain integration.
- Agroforestry: Integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes to enhance biodiversity, soil health, and economic returns across land-use systems.
- Tree Transplantation: Covers the science and practice of relocating trees, including site preparation, root system management, and post-transplant care for successful establishment.
- Timber Harvesting: Teaches safe and efficient methods for felling, extracting, and transporting timber while minimizing environmental impact and adhering to regulatory standards.
- Tree Selection and Identification: Develops proficiency in recognizing tree species based on morphological traits, ecological preferences, and economic or conservation value.
- Processing Technologies and Systems: Examines modern techniques for converting raw timber into usable products, from sawmilling to value-added manufacturing and waste reduction.
- Equipment Operations and Maintenance: Provides hands-on training in the use, calibration, and upkeep of forestry machinery, including harvesters, forwarders, and chippers.
- Management Skills: Builds competencies in planning, budgeting, workforce coordination, and policy implementation essential for overseeing forest operations and projects.
Forest Resources Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Forest Resources Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Forest Resources Management degrees, including Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary, Foresters and First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers. 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 71,570 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 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers 45-1011 | $59,330 | $39,610 - $90,840 | 29,530 | $28.53 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians 19-4071 | $54,310 | $36,190 - $80,790 | 31,080 | $26.11 |
Forest Resources Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $44,820 in North Dakota to $81,240 in Michigan—a 81% difference. The highest-paying states include Michigan, Virginia, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 71,570 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 Resources Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Forest Resources Management 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 Resources Management is found at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) (25 graduates), Salish Kootenai College (SKC) (12 graduates), University of Missouri (Mizzou), Columbia (5 graduates), Auburn University (AU) (3 graduates), and Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 48 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
25 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Salish Kootenai College (SKC) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
12 | Pablo, Montana | Public | skc.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Master's
|
3 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Paul Smiths, New York | Private | paulsmiths.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Forest Resources Management programs
How much can I earn with a Forest Resources Management degree?
Salaries for Forest Resources Management 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 $81,240 compared to $44,820 in North Dakota. Approximately 71,570 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 Resources Management programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Forest Resources Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) (25 graduates), Salish Kootenai College (SKC) (12 graduates), and University of Missouri (Mizzou), Columbia (5 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 Resources Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 32 in 2010 to 48 in 2023-24. This represents a 50% 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 Resources Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary, Foresters, and First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers. Related occupations employ approximately 71,570 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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