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Specializations
Our forestry program offers five specializations for undergraduate students: Forest Resources Management, Forest Hydrology, Urban Forest Management, Forest Recreation and Park Management, and Wildlife Habitat Management and Conservation.
Each of our unique specializations are accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF, eforester.org).
- Forest Hydrology
- Forest Resources Management
- Forest Recreation and Park Management
- Urban Forest Management
- Wildlife Habitat Management & Conservation
The specialization in Forest Hydrology helps students develop knowledge and skills in integrated natural resource management in a watershed context with an emphasis on freshwater and forest resources. The goal of the Forest Hydrology specialization is to prepare individuals for water-related careers in federal and state government agencies, municipal and county watershed management, and environmental consulting firms. Check out the Curricular Guide for Forestry Hydrology.
This specialization also prepares students for graduate studies in natural resource management and hydrology and includes the coursework necessary to qualify as a hydrologist in a federal agency. Students are required to participate in either the four week forest resource management or forest recreation and park management summer field camp to gain practical field experience.
RSOs: Society of American Foresters, Fire Dawgs, Forestry Club, Saluki Environmental Educators, Xi Sigma PI, (National Forestry Honor Society), Soil Judging, Saluki Bassers, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quality Deer Management Association, The Wildlife Society, Shooting Team, Agbassadors, and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences.
Careers: Our top-notch academic specialization in Forest Hydrology launches exciting careers in hydrology, water quality, watershed management, forest soils, and wetland science. Graduates find rewarding jobs in private industry, universities, regulatory bodies, state conservation and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations such as the Nature Conservancy or Prairie Rivers Network. Others pursue graduate studies in hydrology, watershed management and soil science.
The program specialization in Forest Resources Management includes instruction leading to careers in forest management and restoration, forest ecosystem management, and the forest products industries. The goal of the Forest Resources Management specialization is to develop individuals with sufficient understanding of the physical, biological and economic considerations required to make sound management decisions for forest sustainability. Check out the Curricular Guide for Forest Resources Management.
Emphasis is placed on integrated resource management of natural and renewable resources, coordinating forest utilization methods and conservation practices, and sustaining our wild lands heritage. Students in the specialization are required to participate in the four week forest resource management summer field camp to gain practical field experience.
RSOs: Society of American Foresters, Fire Dawgs, Forestry Club, Saluki Environmental Educators, Xi Sigma PI (National Forestry Honor Society), Soil Judging, Saluki Bassers, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quality Deer Management Association, The Wildlife Society, Shooting Team, Agbassadors, and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences.
Careers: This program specialization culminates in excellent career opportunities for our graduates, who easily find jobs as forestry professionals. Graduates use viable and sustainable methods to expertly manage our forest and natural resources across the United States in federal and, state agencies, non-governmental organizations, private consulting, and industry. Others pursue advanced graduate studies in forestry and natural resources.
The program in Forest Recreation and Park Management provides interdisciplinary training for management of the nation’s outdoor recreation heritage. The National Recreation and Park Association and the Society of American Foresters are among those organizations recommending the courses offered. Check out the Curricular Guide for Forest Recreation and Park Management.
The goal of the Forest Recreation and Park Management option is to prepare students for entry into professional careers in planning, managing, and administering public lands for outdoor recreation operated by a variety of agencies in diverse geographic and natural settings. The Forest Recreation and Park Management student travels through selected sections of the United States on a park and recreation field studies session, exploring outdoor recreation and protected area facilities.
RSOs: Society of American Foresters, Fire Dawgs, Forestry Club, Saluki Environmental Educators, Xi Sigma PI (National Forestry Honor Society), Soil Judging, Saluki Bassers, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quality Deer Management Association, The Wildlife Society, Shooting Team, Agbassadors, and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences.
Careers: Our outstanding specialization prepares students to enter the workforce in careers in protected areas and recreation management throughout the United States. Graduates have rewarding careers working for the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, forest preserve districts, and agencies managing state park systems. Graduates also pursue advanced studies in recreation ecology, park management, and human dimensions of natural resource management.
The specialization in Urban Forest Management provides students with interdisciplinary training in the management of forest resources in urban areas and other settings where aesthetics and enhancing environmental values of communities are of primary concern. Check out the Curricular Guide for Urban Forest Management.
The coursework provides students a strong foundation in arboriculture, landscape management and design, small business management, and municipal government.
Students who choose this specialization are especially prepared for entry into careers in the green industry and municipal forest management and administration. Students are required to participate in the four week forest resource management summer field camp to gain practical field experience.
RSOs: Society of American Foresters, Fire Dawgs, Forestry Club, Saluki Environmental Educators, Xi Sigma PI (National Forestry Honor Society), Soil Judging, Saluki Bassers, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quality Deer Management Association, The Wildlife Society, Shooting Team, Agbassadors, and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences.
Careers: Our academic specialization in Urban Forest Management launches exciting careers in urban, municipal and community forestry, commercial tree care, urban environmental consulting, regional urban forest management and many other related fields. Graduates have excellent career prospects and get to use their theoretical expertise and applied skills of arboriculture and urban forest management in nonprofit organizations, federal, state, and local jurisdictions and private endeavors. Others pursue advanced graduate studies in forestry and natural resources.
The program in Wildlife Habitat Management and Conservation helps students develop knowledge and skills in integrated natural resource management with an emphasis on habitat management for wildlife. Check out the Curricular Guide for Wildlife Habitat Management and Conservation.
The goal of this specialization is to train individuals for wildlife and forestry-related careers in federal and state governmental agencies, non-governmental conservation organizations, and natural resource consulting firms. Students will also be well-prepared to become a conservation police officer. In addition, this specialization readies students for graduate study in forestry and wildlife management.
RSOs: Society of American Foresters, Fire Dawgs, Forestry Club, Saluki Environmental Educators, Xi Sigma PI (National Forestry Honor Society), Soil Judging, Saluki Bassers, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quality Deer Management Association, The Wildlife Society, Shooting Team, Agbassadors, and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences.
Careers: Our cutting-edge academic specialization in Wildlife Habitat Management and Conservation allows students to combine their interests in forestry, wildlife, and habitat conservation with a desire for an exciting and rewarding outdoor-oriented career. Graduates find rewarding jobs working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Refuges, U.S. Forest Service, state conservation agencies, and special interest organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation.