Forestry: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Forestry is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to the science, management, and sustainable stewardship of forest ecosystems. It integrates ecological, economic, and social principles to address challenges related to forest conservation, resource utilization, and environmental resilience in a changing world.
- Forest Ecology and Ecosystem Dynamics: Study of the interactions between living organisms and their physical environment within forested landscapes, emphasizing biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and succession processes.
- Silviculture and Forest Management: Application of scientific methods to cultivate and manage forests, including regeneration techniques, stand improvement, and long-term planning for timber and non-timber resources.
- Wildfire Science and Management: Exploration of fire behavior, combustion dynamics, and strategies for fire prevention, suppression, and post-fire ecosystem recovery.
- Conservation and Restoration Ecology: Focus on rehabilitating degraded forest habitats, protecting endangered species, and maintaining ecosystem services through evidence-based restoration practices.
- Geospatial Technologies in Forestry: Use of remote sensing, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and GPS for monitoring forest cover, assessing land use changes, and supporting decision-making.
- Sustainable Resource Use and Policy: Examination of legal frameworks, land-use policies, and economic models that govern forest access, timber harvesting, and conservation incentives.
- Climate Change and Forest Carbon Sequestration: Analysis of forests’ role in mitigating climate change through carbon storage, adaptation strategies, and integration into global climate initiatives.
Forestry Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Forestry Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Forestry degrees, including Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary, Foresters and Forest and Conservation Technicians. 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 47,670 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 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians 19-4071 | $54,310 | $36,190 - $80,790 | 31,080 | $26.11 |
| Forest and Conservation Workers 45-4011 | $43,680 | $33,050 - $54,190 | 5,630 | $21.00 |
Forestry Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $41,600 in New Jersey to $88,437 in Michigan—a 113% difference. The highest-paying states include Michigan, Virginia, and Minnesota. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 47,670 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 Forestry by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering 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 Forestry is found at University of Minnesota (UMN), Twin Cities (18 graduates), Oregon State University (OSU) (15 graduates), Auburn University (AU) (12 graduates), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) (11 graduates), and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Hohenwald (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 75 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 Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
|
18 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
15 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
12 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
7 | Hohenwald, Tennessee | Public | tcathohenwald.edu |
| Northland College |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Ashland, Wisconsin | Private | northland.edu |
| Hawaii Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
4 | Hilo, Hawaii | Public | hawaii.hawaii.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Forestry programs
How much can I earn with a Forestry degree?
Salaries for 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 $88,437 compared to $41,600 in New Jersey. Approximately 47,670 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 Forestry programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Forestry degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Minnesota (UMN), Twin Cities (18 graduates), Oregon State University (OSU) (15 graduates), and Auburn University (AU) (12 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 Forestry growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 96 in 2010 to a peak of 119 in 2020, before declining slightly to 75 in 2023-24. This represents a 22% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Forestry degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary, Foresters, and Forest and Conservation Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 47,670 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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