The curriculum in Forest Management is a professional program accredited by the Society of American Foresters that has long been ranked as one of the best in the country. The Forest Management curriculum satisfies the education requirements to become registered (licensed) forester by the North Carolina State Board of Registration for Foresters. With a rigorous math and science base, the curriculum produces graduates with a broad education in natural sciences, humanities and social sciences, communications skills, technology and the practical knowledge and skills needed for sound management of the multiple resources of natural and managed forest ecosystems. Preparatory courses in the freshman and sophomore years are followed by the nine-week forestry summer camp where the woods knowledge and field skills that are essential for all foresters are acquired. Core courses of the junior and senior years focus on forest ecosystem processes, applied economics, operational practices in forest stand management, measurement and analysis of forest stand components, policy issues in natural resource management and the management decision-making tools and skills needed to develop and implement forest management plans. Production and Ecology options have been created to further flexibility, and all students should now examine the concentrations and decide which they will pursue.
Forestry Summer Practicum
An intensive, full-time, nine-week summer practicum with training in the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Mountain regions of North Carolina is required in the Forest Management curricula. The experience is based at the college's Hill Demonstration Forest located in Durham County, NC with trips taken to other regions. Students gain this practical experience between the sophomore and junior year and earn nine-semester credits in required courses that provide a base of knowledge and skills for the advanced courses in the junior and senior years.