ESF Academic Catalog
Bachelor of Science in Forest Ecosystem Science
The Forest Ecosystem Science degree is based on a vision that combines professional competency in forest management skills with an enhanced understanding of ecological sciences. Students interested in this program typically are drawn to natural settings and environments, enjoy nature, and want to understand how forested ecosystems work. ESF provides a wide variety of opportunities to meet student needs utilizing 25,000 acres of forest lands as teaching laboratories. Internships with natural resource-based organizations in the business, public and nonprofit sectors provide additional hands-on experiences. Experiential field learning is combined with learning concepts and skills in the classroom and laboratory on ESF's Syracuse campus.
The undergraduate curriculum in forest ecosystem science consists of two broad categories of courses. The first category, general education, provides students with knowledge and skills that are useful and important for all educated persons regardless of their profession as well as preparation for advanced courses leading to a specific profession. The second category, professional courses, provides students with direct preparation for a career. The first two years of college usually focus on general education and the second two on the professional studies.
The FES program allows students to obtain the professional skills that employers look for in new employees and a deeper understanding of the scientific basis of those skills. These skills are developed through a combination of core courses focusing on biology, ecology, ecosystems, and management. The forest ecosystem science degree offers a wide variety of employment opportunities. Graduates work throughout the United States in public agencies, private industry, and for nonprofit organizations. They also are well prepared to enter graduate programs in management of forest and natural resources, ecological research, or other areas of applied forest biology.
Forest ecosystem science offers a wide variety of employment opportunities. Graduates work throughout the United States in public agencies, private industry, and for nonprofit organizations. They also are well prepared to enter graduate programs in management of natural resources, ecological research, or other areas of applied forest biology.
The educational program, leading to the professional Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Ecosystem Science, is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) under Forestry.
Lower Division Required Courses
| Course Number | Course | Codes * | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| APM 105 | Survey Of Calc & Appl I | G | 4 |
| APM 210 | Intro/Probability&Stats | G | 3 |
| EFB 101 | Gen Bio I:Organismal Bio&Ecol | G | 3 |
| EFB 102 | General Biology I Laboratory | G | 1 |
| EFB 103 | Gen Bio II:Cell Bio & Genetics | G | 3 |
| EFB 104 | General Biology II Laboratory | G | 1 |
| ESF 200 | Information Literacy | 1 | |
| EWP 190 | Writing And The Envrnment | G | 3 |
| EWP 290 | Research Writing & Humanities | G | 3 |
| FCH 150 | General Chemistry I | G | 3 |
| FCH 151 | General Chemistry I Lab | G | 1 |
| FCH 152 | General Chemistry II | G | 3 |
| FCH 153 | General Chemistry II Lab | G | 1 |
| FOR 132 | Orientation Seminar: SRM | 1 | |
| FOR 207 | Introduction To Economics | G | 3 |
| FOR 232 | Natural Resources Ecology | G | 3 |
| FOR 332 | Forest Ecology | 4 | |
| FOR 360 | Principles of Mgmt/Envrn Prof | 3 | |
| EPH 101 AND EPH 102 |
Fundamentals of Physics I Fundamentals of Physics I Lab |
G | 3 1 |
Upper Division Required Courses
| Course Number | Course | Codes * | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFB 336 | Dendrology I | 3 | |
| ESF 300 | Intro/Geospatial Info Tech | 3 | |
| FOR 304 | Adirondack Field Studies | Summer | 4 |
| FOR 313 | Tree Structure and Function | 3 | |
| FOR 322 | Nat Res Measuremnts & Sampling | 3 | |
| FOR 323 | Forest Biometrics | 3 | |
| FOR 334 | Silviculture | 4 | |
| FOR 345 | Introduction to Soils | 3 | |
| FOR 465 | Natural Resources Policy | 3 | |
| FOR 492 | Capstone Rsrch in Frst Eco Sci | 3 | |
| FOR 493 | Capstone Synth in ForEco Stwrd | 3 |
Elective Courses
| Course | Codes* | Credits |
| Directed Electives: Biophysical Science | Professional Elective | 12 |
| Directed Electives: Management and Human Dimensions | Professional Elective | 9 |
| Free Electives | 14 | |
| General Education Course in one of the following categories: US History & Civic Engagement, The Arts, World History and Global Awareness, World Languages |
G | 3 |
| General Education Course in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice | G | 3 |
Students should consult with their advisors and read the Sustainable Resources Management Handbook for lists of courses that can be elected to meet degree requirements.
Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 124