Cal Poly Humboldt is located in the heart of the coast redwood forest. This environment provides outdoor classrooms for more than half of the forestry courses. Field trips illustrate lecture concepts and teach field techniques.
Excellent on-campus laboratories complement the outdoor lab. Students have access to the college forest, the Schatz Tree Farm, public and private forest lands, and various production centers. Because Humboldt County also has a large forest products industry, Humboldt is an excellent place to study the resolution of environmental issues with economic concerns.
Students and faculty interact with professional forest managers and researchers of the region both in the classroom and in the field.
Forestry is an incorporative discipline, drawing from the biological, physical, social, and managerial sciences. The curriculum aids in understanding the biological complexities of the forest and the interactions between the forest and social and economic demands.
The program provides sufficient background and depth of education to give a sound basis for professional growth within a broad range of forestry-related careers. Our graduates often start as forest rangers, park rangers, fire fighters, timber cruisers, or surveyors. Some hold staff positions in the federal and state agencies, forest products industry, or with environmental organizations. This program meets the qualifications for “Forester,” “Soil Scientist,” and “Soil Conservationist” in federal employment.
Visit the Department of Forestry, Fire, and Rangeland Management website for more information.
Preparation: In high school, take a broad background. Biological/physical sciences, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts are helpful.
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