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ESF Academic Catalog
Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources Management

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Professional forestry education has been featured at ESF since the College's founding in 1911. Today's Forest Resources Management program is the top (#1) Forestry Program in the United States according to Study.com. The program is based on a clear vision that combines professional competency with a strong foundation in the biophysical sciences, humanities, and social sciences to meet society's needs for forest managers.

Many ESF students enjoy trees and forests and want to work in forested settings. They appreciate nature, and want to master the knowledge and skills needed to conserve and manage forests and the environment. With 25,000 acres of college forestlands as teaching and research laboratories, ESF provides many opportunities to meet student needs for experiential learning. The Forest Technology program at ESF's Wanakena campus prepares students for careers in field forestry and is one option towards the Forest Resources Management program that emphasizes field skills. Internships with forest-based organizations in the private, public and nonprofit sectors amplify these hands-on experiences. Practical experience is combined with learning concepts and problem solving and critical thinking skills in the classroom and laboratory on ESF's Syracuse campus.

Forest resources management is an integration of forest ecology and biology, forest measurements, forest policy and administration, and courses to predict and evaluate the effects of manipulation.

Timber, water, soils, recreation, wildlife, and a broad array of environmental values and services, such as biodiversity and healthy forest systems, are important results of effective management. This major prepares students to be well-rounded generalists who can practice forestry and succeed as professionals in a variety of allied natural resources management fields.

Forest resources management offers a wide variety of employment opportunities. Our graduates are working throughout the United States as professional foresters and natural resource managers in private industry, public agencies, and for nonprofit organizations. Their duties can range from timber management to recreation planning to environmental education, to name a few.

The educational program, leading to the professional Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resources Management, is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) under Forestry.

Lower Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes * Credits
APM 103
OR
APM 104
Applied Algebra & Trigonometry

College Algebra & PreCalculus
G 3

3
APM 391 Intro/Probability&Stats G 3
EFB 100 Survey of Biology G 4
EFB 336 Dendrology I 3
ESF 200 Information Literacy 1
EWP 190 Writing And The Envrnment G 3
EWP 220 Public Presentation Skills 3
EWP 290 Research Writing & Humanities G 3
FCH 110
AND
FCH 111
OR
FCH 150
AND
FCH 151
Survey of Chemical Principles

Survey/Chemical Principles Lab

General Chemistry I

General Chemistry I Lab
G 3

1

3

1
FOR 132 Orientation Seminar: SRM 1
FOR 207 Introduction To Economics G 3
FOR 232 Natural Resources Ecology 3
FOR 313 Tree Structure and Function 3
FOR 332 Forest Ecology 4

Upper Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes * Credits
ESF 300 Intro/Geospatial Info Tech 3
FOR 304 Adirondack Field Studies 4
FOR 322 Nat Res Measuremnts & Sampling 3
FOR 323 Forest Biometrics 3
FOR 333 Natural Resrc Managerial Econ 3
FOR 334 Silviculture 4
FOR 345 Introduction to Soils 3
FOR 360 Principles of Mgmt/Envrn Prof 3
FOR 370 Forest Mgmt Dec Mkng&Plng 3
FOR 373 Sustainable Harvesting Pract 3
FOR 402 Prof Forestry Mentoring Prog 1
FOR 421 Prctical Ethics for Rsrce Mgrs 3
FOR 433 Advanced Silviculture 3
FOR 465 Natural Resources Policy 3
FOR 490 Integrated Resources Mgt 3

Elective Courses

Course Codes* Credits
Technical Electives
Technical electives must include at least one course in each of the subject areas: human dimensions; water resources; forest health; wildlife management; business finances; and wood products. Students should consult with their advisor and the Sustainable Resources Management Handbook for recommended courses
PE 18
Free Electives   15
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

 

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 125