Why Forestry?

Forestry isn’t a discipline you learn by simply reading a textbook. You learn through practical experience—a given at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Field Intensive

With the 780-acre Arcata Community Forest at our doorstep, and the newly-acquired Jacoby Creek Forest only 15 minutes away, our students average more than 8 hours per week in the woods during the school year. In addition, we often travel further east to see other, drier forest types.

Careers

A recent survey of our graduates showed that essentially all of them found jobs in their chosen career. Their main employers—private companies and governmental agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service—also make lots of summer jobs available to our students, providing an opportunity to make money, establish contacts, sharpen your skills, and see different parts of the western United States.

A Special Community

Despite being the largest forestry department in California (almost 300 students), we remain a cohesive community where classes are small and professors know students by name. Perhaps because of all the time spent outdoors together (especially in the rain!), students routinely form bonds that persist long after they graduate and go on to careers in places far from one another.


Academics & Options

All concentrations in the Forestry major are accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

General Program Downloads 

Forestry Concentrations

and Major Academic Plans (MAP)

Forest Hydrology

This concentration is for students interested in a career in resource management with a focus on water resources. A student who completes this concentration qualifies as a forester for federal employment. By completing a second calculus class, students can be eligible for federal hydrologist positions as well.

Contact Andrew Stubblefield if you have questions or would like more information about this concentration.

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Forest Operations

This concentration is for students interested in a career in the forest products industry and consulting. A student who completes this concentration qualifies as a forester for federal employment.

Contact Hunter Harrill if you have questions or would like more information about this concentration.

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Forest Restoration

This concentration is for students interested in a career in non-commodity forest management or a career not directly associated with more traditional forestry. A student who completes this concentration qualifies as a forester for federal employment.

Contact Pascal Berrill if you have questions or would like more information about this concentration.

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Forest Soils

This concentration is for students interested in a career regarding forest soils and their management issues. A student who completes this concentration qualifies as a forester, soil scientist, and soil conservationist for federal employment.

Contact Susan Marshall if you have questions or would like more information about this concentration.

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Tribal Forestry

This concentration is for students interested in both Native American Studies and forestry. It prepares students for a forestry career working with Native American tribes to manage their natural resources.  A student who completes this concentration qualifies as a forester for federal employment.

Contact Erin Kelly if you have questions or would like more information about this concentration.

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Wildland Fire Management

This concentration is for students interested in a career in managing wildland fuels, prescribed fire, fire suppression, or fire ecology. A student who completes this concentration qualifies as a forester for federal employment.

Contact Jeff Kane if you have questions or would like more information about this concentration.

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