Forest Sciences and Biology
A program that focuses on the application of one or more forest-related sciences to the study of environmental factors affecting forests and the growth and management of forest resources. Includes instruction in forest biology, forest hydrology, forest mensuration, silviculture, forest soils, water resources, environmental science, forest resources management, and wood science.
- Schools offering
- 15
- Annual completions
- 189
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $59k
About this major
A program that focuses on the application of one or more forest-related sciences to the study of environmental factors affecting forests and the growth and management of forest resources. Includes instruction in forest biology, forest hydrology, forest mensuration, silviculture, forest soils, water resources, environmental science, forest resources management, and wood science.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation scientists | $68k | +3.4% | Bachelor's degree |
| Foresters | $71k | +1.2% | Bachelor's degree |
| Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary | $101k | +4.0% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$59k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$47k
Bachelor's
$61k
Top colleges for Forest Sciences and Biology
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, AZ | 0 | 51 | 51 |
| Mississippi State University | Mississippi State, MS | 0 | 36 | 36 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 0 | 29 | 29 |
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | 0 | 19 | 19 |
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | 0 | 18 | 18 |
| University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | 0 | 14 | 14 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry | Syracuse, NY | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| The University of the South | Sewanee, TN | 0 | 3 | 3 |
Related majors to explore
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
2,042 completions/yr
Natural Resources/Conservation, General
1,768 completions/yr
Ecology
800 completions/yr
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, General
787 completions/yr
Forestry, General
777 completions/yr
Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
412 completions/yr
Forest Management/Forest Resources Management
200 completions/yr
Forest Technology/Technician
200 completions/yr