Program Description
This program is designed for students wanting to complete an AAS Degree in Forestry Technology and enter the workforce. Students explore GIS applications, tree care, soils, forestry research and harvesting, water movement, and wildlife and fisheries management. The Forestry Technology program teaches the principles of forest science and related fields, conduct forestry field research, and gain field skills in hydrology and soil science. This program includes courses that involve walking a minimum of half a mile over uneven and steep terrain. This program prepares students for entry-level careers in forestry technology. This program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF).
Learn more about this program.
What You Will Learn
Upon completion of the program you will be able to:
1. Identify regionally important forest vegetation by genus and species
2. Describe four basic silvicultural systems and harvest practices
3. Understand and demonstrate ability to manage forest resources for diverse user groups and management objectives including interpreting and implementing prescriptions for forest health treatments, wildland fire, prescribed fire, and logging
4. Explain the concept of forest succession, the silvics of different species, and how the abiotic and biotic components of the ecosystem affect each other
5. Identify threats to the forest ecosystem including fire, insects, and diseases, and describe management strategies for each
6. Demonstrate competency in forest inventorying methods and measurements, including tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and height, as well as forest basal area
7. Complete survey, mapping, and orienteering exercises
8. Apply technology (remote sensing and GIS) to collect and interpret forest data
9. Demonstrate proficiency with a chainsaw, tractors, ATV, and woods safety
10. Complete an internship and job skills workshop
My Academic Plan: Full-Time
Courses are displayed in a full-time sequence showing the fastest path to your degree. Follow the pathway below to complete your AAS degree in 4 semesters (2 years). For more information, please see your Academic Advisor.
First Semester
Second Semester
Third Semester
Semester Note: Upon completion of NRE 1100, NRE 1110, and NRE 2015 or NRE 2050, you should apply for the Forestry Certificate.
Upon completion of GIS 1001, NRE 1100 or NRE 2205, and GIS 2012, you should apply for the Natural Resources GIS Certificate.
Upon completion of GIS 1001, NRE 1100, NRE 2205, NRE 2204*, and NRE 2022, you should apply for the Natural Resources Certificate.
Upon completion of NRE 1100, NRE 2025*, and NRE 1214*, you should apply for the Environmental Education Certificate.
Upon completion of NRE 2205, NRE 1214*, and NRE 2245* or NRE 2030*, you should apply for the Wildlife Certificate.
*Requires the course to be completed as an elective.
Fourth Semester
| BIO 2121 | Botany w/Lab: GT-SC1 | 5 |
| General Education | Environmental Science w/Lab (ENV 1111) or General College Ecology (BIO 2122) or Any GT Pathways Course | 4 |
| NRE 2028 | Forest Harvesting | 3 |
| NRE 2082 | Internship | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Semester Note: To fulfill the Forestry AAS degree requirements, you must complete 15 credits of general education coursework, including 4 credits of GT Pathways courses. The preferred courses are ENV 1111 and BIO 2122. If you complete a 3-credit GT Pathways course, you must take an additional 1-credit GT Pathways course to meet the 4-credit minimum.
My Academic Plan: Part-Time
Courses are displayed in a part-time sequence providing flexibility for the working professional. Follow the pathway below to complete your AAS degree within 8 semesters (3 years). This pathway may be accelerated by applying transfer credit, credit for prior learning, and/or completing one or more additional courses each semester. For more information, please see your Academic Advisor.
Fall Semester 1
Spring Semester 2
| GIS 1001 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| NRE 2205 | Wildlife & Fisheries Management | 3 |
| NRE 1110 | Forestry Field Techniques | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Summer Semester 3
Fall Semester 4
Spring Semester 5
Summer Semester 6
| NRE 2082 | Internship | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Fall Semester 7
| NRE 2050 | Forestry Field Techniques II | 3 |
| HLT 2011 | Arboriculture | 3 |
| General Education | Environmental Science w/Lab (ENV 1111) or General College Ecology (BIO 2122) or Any GT Pathways Course | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10 |
Semester Note: To fulfill the Forestry AAS degree requirements, you must complete 15 credits of general education coursework, including 4 credits of GT Pathways courses. The preferred courses are
ENV 1111 and
BIO 2122. If you complete a 3-credit GT Pathways course, you must take an additional 1-credit GT Pathways course to meet the 4-credit minimum.
Spring Semester 8