2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    May 14, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Forestry (AAS.FRS)


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Program Description 

Vermont State University’s Associate of Applied Science in Forestry program has at its foundation practical skills development and is well-known for its hands-on approach. With two actively managed campus woodlots and commercial sugarbush, students are outside for actual field work, gaining experience with the tools of the profession. Off-campus, students have access to the real world of forest management and forestry practices. The program stresses industry exposure through field trips, internships, and the latest innovation with actual practices, and courses integrate a wide range of subject matter with practical skills.  The forestry degree includes general education requirements, forestry technical education, and the computer skills needed in the profession. 

VTSU’s Associate of Applied Science in Forestry prepares students for a range of careers in forest management, natural resources, or the forest products industry. Graduates can obtain a Vermont Forestry license after completing four years of SAF certified Forester experience and passage of the SAF certified forester exam. Students will have a wide range of skills needed to be successful entrepreneurs and forestry professionals in private practice, forest industry, or government service. Graduates may also choose to seek a BS in Forestry through the +2 Educational Pathway at the UVM Rubenstein School. 

The Forestry degree is ideal for students looking for career opportunities that lead to working with the land in a STEM field. According to a recent change in licensing regulations, educational requirements for the Vermont Forestry license now require an associate degree in forestry.  

Program Outcomes 

  1. Apply knowledge of the forestry and logging industries to effectively and professionally communicate technical information in writing, mapping, speaking, listening, and interpersonal skills to work as part of a team and interact with clients, the public, and industry professionals. 

  1. Apply knowledge of timber science and technology to forestry, logging, and wood product industry problems that require extensive practical knowledge. 

  1. Demonstrate familiarity with tree identification; functions of a forest ecosystem; climate change impacts; natural community and site indicator species identification; forestry inventory data collection; mapping skills; silviculture; operation of a chainsaw and sawmill; maple management and production; and timber harvesting techniques. 

  1. Create a forest management plan to include current use standards. 

  1. Combine knowledge of the forestry and logging industries with practical aspects of organizing and managing a small business; marketing; applying accepted accounting practices; managing a forestry or logging operation budget, and; writing business plans for forestry or logging operations. 

Program Electives


Choose 2 courses (6 credits) from any courses with the following prefixes: AGR, BIO, BUS, LAH, and WFC.

Students interested in completing their BS in Forestry at UVM in 2 additional years (BS Forestry +2 Educational Pathway) should select the following 2 courses for the choice electives:

  • BIO 2030
  • LAH 1020

Credits Required for Program: 51


Important


To obtain a degree, students must fulfill the major-specific requirements as well as satisfy all other Degree Requirements  including the General Education Requirements .

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