WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
B.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences - Forest Ecology & Management
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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Tuition / yr
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Bachelor's
Level
- Minor in geospatial analysis integrated into the curriculum.Integrated Minor
- Combines plant sciences with spatial analysis (GIS, remote sensing).Focus Areas
- Prepares graduates for field-ready roles.Field Readiness
- Hands-on experience through labs, internships, and research.Experiential Learning
- Provisional accreditation by the Society of American Foresters.Accreditation
The Forest Ecology and Management major at Washington State University is designed to prepare the next generation of forest stewards. You will gain essential technical knowledge and skills needed for professional forestry careers, complemented by a broad interdisciplinary background with strengths in plant ecology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing. This program emphasizes critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to apply forestry knowledge across diverse social, ecological, and economic contexts. Graduates will be equipped to collaborate across different perspectives to sustainably manage forests for the benefit of current and future generations.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes university general education requirements, foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, soils, and statistics. It also features an integrated common core in Earth and Environmental Science, specific core classes for Forest Ecology and Management, and opportunities for hands-on learning.
- Core Curriculum
- An Introduction to Our Environment: Geology, Ecology, and Environmental StewardshipSOE 100
- Earth History & EvolutionSOE 210
- Rivers: Form, Function and Management OR Water & Earth OR Watershed ManagementSOE 275 OR SOE 315 OR SOE 460
- Natural Resources EcologySOE 300
- Natural Resources & SocietySOE 312
- Introduction to GISSOIL-SCI 368
- Forest Ecology and Management Core
- Natural Resources MeasurementsSOE 204
- Forest Plants & EcosystemsSOE 301
- Arid Land Plants & EcosystemsSOE 302
- Ecosystem Field MeasurementsSOE 304
- SilvicultureSOE 305
- Natural Resource Policy & LawSOE 438
- Conservation Biology OR Wildlife Habitat EcologySOE 450 OR SOE 446
- Landscape EcologySOE 464
- Ecological Forest ManagementSOE 484
- Disturbance EcologySOE 485
- Natural Resources EconomicsECON 330
- Ecological Economics OR Business Management EconomicsSOE 413 OR ECON 352
- Remote Sensing & Airphoto InterpretationSOIL_SCI 374
- GIS Spatial AnalysisSOIL_SCI 468
- Statistical Methods in ResearchSTAT 412
- Experiential and Electives
- Professional Elective 1 (e.g., Environmental Geology, Plants in the Environment, Applied Remote Sensing, Wildland Fire Ecology and Management)
- Professional Elective 2 (e.g., Environmental Geology, Plants in the Environment, Applied Remote Sensing, Wildland Fire Ecology and Management)
Careers
Graduates of the Forest Ecology and Management program are well-prepared for diverse career paths in both the public and private sectors. Your skills will be valuable in roles focused on forest health, sustainability, and management.
- Forest Ecologist
- Forest Manager
- Forest Restoration Specialist
- Forest Sustainability and Carbon Project Auditor
- Community Forest Steward
- Forest Conflict Resolution Specialist
- Production Forester
- Tribal Forest Steward
- Wildfire and Fuels Management Specialist
- Forest Wildlife Manager
- GIS and Data Manager for Public Lands
Entry requirements
High School Diploma or EquivalentSuccessful completion of secondary education with a strong academic record in relevant subjects.
International applicants should consult Washington State University's international admissions website for specific English proficiency requirements and application procedures.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to Washington State University's official tuition and fees schedule for the most current international student rates.
Tuition (home)Please refer to Washington State University's official tuition and fees schedule for the most current resident student rates.
LivingEstimated living costs are available on the Washington State University website.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. It is recommended to check the university's official website for the most up-to-date financial information.
How to apply
1. Review Admissions RequirementsCheck the WSU International Admissions page for specific academic and English language proficiency requirements.
2. Complete the ApplicationSubmit the online university application form.
3. Submit Supporting DocumentsUpload transcripts, standardized test scores (if required), proof of English proficiency, and any other requested documents.
4. Pay Application FeeSubmit the required application fee.
5. Await Admission DecisionYou will be notified of the admission decision by the university.
Accreditation
The Forest Ecology and Management program is provisionally accredited under the Society of American Foresters accreditation standards for forestry programs.