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Forestry

Forests are a vast part of the American landscape and a significant driver of Alabama’s economy. Forests represent a renewable resource, recreation, a financial asset, and a diverse array of careers for those interested in working with nature. The Auburn forestry program provides students with the knowledge to sustain and manage the diverse forest resources that make up local and regional landscapes.

For a hands-on introduction to field work, students in the forestry program spend the summer between their second and third years at our summer practicum program held at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center outside Andalusia, Alabama.

Transfer students majoring in Forestry must apply for summer semester admission prior to their junior year to attend the required summer practicum. For additional help with questions about application timelines and requirements, please contact Student Services at workingwithnature@auburn.edu before applying.

In their junior year, students focus on forest biology, land management, and forest products, while in their senior year students are exposed to forest health issues and silvicultural systems. In their senior year, students complete their last semester with a Senior Capstone Project that ties their previous two years of courses together developing a management plan that is presented to the school faculty and a landowner.

As the forestry profession continues to evolve to focus upon sustainable operations and resource management, specialization in these areas prepares our students for a variety of career fields which promise well-paying salaries and opportunities, including:

  • Conservation
  • Logistics and operations
  • Land and resource management
  • Forestry consulting
  • Forest finance and investments
  • Biomass research and product development

The bachelor’s programs in forestry are accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). SAF is the accrediting body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation as the accrediting agency for forestry education in the United States. Graduation from such SAF-accredited programs is required of all applicants for Registered Forester status in Alabama and several other states.

Note: Students may incur laboratory, transportation, or other fees associated with labs and field experiences required for course credit.