Forestry
Minor
Take an active approach to caring for Earth's natural resources.
If you’re interested in biology, environmental science or natural resource management, a minor in forestry is a great experiential addition to your skill sets and your degree. Frostburg State University’s Forestry minor comes packed with technical know-how that can give you a head start in many natural science fields and technical expertise in forestry methods.
Explore FSU’s great location in Western Maryland, which offers an abundance of parks and forests for outdoor study. You’ll participate in frequent class trips in the forests of Western Maryland, using nature as your classroom for a one-of-a-kind learning environment, and you’ll meet enthusiastic professors and professionals along the way who can help you find your niche in the field of forestry.
- Study the big picture with an interdisciplinary program that highlights the many different aspects to maintaining sustainable, healthy forests.
- Engage in a program that puts its focus on active learning with student-led projects and hands-on lessons in the field.
Forestry Program Highlights
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Go beyond the classroom and get some experience with Forestry Field Practice, a summer course that gives you a hands-on introduction to tree felling, wildfire fighting and more! You’ll earn certifications from several major organizations while enjoying a great summer program with your peers.
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Take your pick of a variety of electives in geography, biology, recreation and other fields.
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Share your work through campus events like the Undergraduate Research Symposium and Focus Frostburg.
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Get involved in urban forestry by assisting Frostburg State University to meet the requirements of the Arbor Day Foundation as Tree Campus USA.
What can I do with a forestry degree?
Median pay for conservation scientists and foresters (BLS 2023)
Related Occupations
Conservationist
Environmental Scientist
Graduates of FSU’s Forestry program possess several desirable certifications that improve their prospects. Many of the new or newly available jobs for foresters and conservation scientists will be with a State or National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Nature Conservancy or a similar agency, as well as in regions affected by wildfires. Foresters trained in geographic information systems (GIS) technology, remote sensing, and other software tools will have better prospects. For more information, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ page on Conservation Scientists and Foresters(U.S. Government Occupational Outlook Handbook).
What You Will Learn
Study with forestry professors who are graduates of the Society of American Forester’s accredited programs and serve on advisory boards with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources- Core courses include a diverse range of classes in forest ecology and conservation, dendrology and forestry field practices.
- Investigate forest ecology, management, conservation, policy, research and history; silviculture, stand dynamics and improvement, reforestation, soils, disturbances and natural pests and pathogens.
A Frostburg State education: more valuable than ever.
With nationally recognized academic programs, real-world learning experiences, a top-notch support system, and a thriving student life, Frostburg State is a place where you can discover yourself, define your goals, and prepare for your future.
Environmental Science
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Many of the most pressing global issues involve the environment.
From climate science and soil science to ecology and wildlife management, the Frostburg State University Environmental Science major prepares future scientists to address a range of complex ecological systems and issues.
- Study forest and wildlife ecologies, public policies, environmental functions of soil and water and the dynamics of climate change.
- Learn to mitigate harm, solve problems and plan for a healthier future.
- Collect and analyze data to develop action plans to advise government officials and the general public on environmental risks and solutions.
This program can serve as an entryway into the Master in Environmental Management (MEM) in Sustainability, offered jointly by Frostburg State University and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES).
Program Flexibility
After a required set of foundational courses in biology, chemistry and earth sciences, students in this program can choose advanced electives, with guidance from their advisors, to develop a tailored program to meet post-graduation career and educational objectives. Completing one of the following minors can help guide the selection of electives: Biology, Chemistry, Climate Science, Earth Science, Forestry, Geography, Geospatial Science and Technology, and Sustainability Studies.
Let's Connect
Environmental Science Program Highlights
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Engage in field-based research with scientists at FSU, the UMCES Appalachian Laboratory or other off-campus locations.
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Present your research at the FSU Undergraduate Research Symposium or other venues, as well as build your skill portfolio to join the workforce after graduation.
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Gain real-world experience with the technology used in the field.
What can I do with an Environmental Science degree?
Median pay for employees with an Environmental Science degree (BLS 2024)
Related Programs
Atmospheric Scientist
Conservation Scientist
Environmental Analyst
Natural Science Manager
Soil & Plant Scientist
What You Will Learn
- Learn to mitigate environmental harm, solve real-world problems, and plan for a healthier future
- Gain hands-on experience through field research, data collection, and analysis
- Use advanced tools: GIS software, drones, and scientific instruments
- Present research and strengthen your resume through a Capstone field experience
Career Outlook for Environmental Scientists
Environmental Science is an in-demand field with a projected growth in employment of 8% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing public interest in climate and environment. Businesses are expected to continue to consult with environmental scientists and specialists to help them minimize the impact their operations have on the environment.
Environmental Scientists are employed by:
- State and federal agencies
- Environmental consulting and engineering firms
- Mining and petroleum exploration companies
- Law firms specializing in environmental law
- Museums, nature conservancies, and publishers and producers of science media
For more information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics - Environmental Scientists and Specialists.
A Frostburg State education: more valuable than ever.
With nationally recognized academic programs, real-world learning experiences, a top-notch support system, and a thriving student life, Frostburg State is a place where you can discover yourself, define your goals, and prepare for your future.