2021-2022 Humboldt State University Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Humboldt State University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Forestry, B.S.


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Our campus 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. Graduates go on to build careers in: wildland fire management, forest management, forest protection, park management, watershed management, forest biology, forest engineering, industrial management, resource planning, forest restoration, and research and education.

Visit the Forestry & Wildland Resources website for more information. 

Preparation: In high school, take a broad background. Biological/physical sciences, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts are helpful.

A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. For a description of degree requirements to be fulfilled in addition to those listed below for the major, please seeBachelor’s Degree Requirements .

Requirements for the Major (92-95 units)

Students must complete all courses in the major with a C- or better.

Core Courses (64 Units)


The following core courses are required for all forestry majors.

Lower Division


Biological Science


Complete at least one course in a basic biological science that meets general education requirements and is comparable to:

Physical Science


Complete at least one course in a basic physical science that meets general education requirements and is comparable to:

Program Learning Outcomes


Students completing this program will have demonstrated:

  • understanding of taxonomy, autecology of trees, plant and wood identification; physiology of trees; ecological concepts, ecosystem processes, structure and function; soil formation, classification, composition and properties; silvicultural principles, stand structure and composition; growth and quality of forests and forest health; fire ecology and use of fire; entomology and pathology; wildlife and fish ecology; plant, soil, water interactions, watershed processes, land measurement, mapping, photogrammetry, remote sensing; sampling theory and methods, statistical literacy; measurement of trees, forests, and forest products; wildlife habitat assessment; measurement of water yields and quality; assessment of non-timber forest values; integrated forest management, multiple-use principles; stand scale management; system and landscape management; forest engineering and road design; harvesting systems; utilization; policy development, sociological influences; administration, environmental regulation; land and resource planning; budgeting, finance, personnel management, cost, and economics
  • capable practice of critical thinking; writing; quantitative thinking; public speaking, debate and persuasion; leadership; group cooperation; conflict resolution; time management; professional integration; independent life-long learning; computer literacy and skills
  • the attributes of adaptability; integrity; open-mindedness; professional decorum.

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