Forest ecosystems cover one third of the worlds land area and nearly half of Wisconsin. They provide a range of benefits to society including wood and fiber, wildlife habitat, biological diversity, clean water, carbon storage, recreation, beauty, and cultural values. The Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology trains foresters to sustainably manage forests toward sustainable ecological, social, and economic outcomes. Forest science students also learn how to respond to forest disturbances from insects, diseases, fire, and other changes. Beyond a core of basic science and forestry coursework, students have flexibility to customize their learning experience within one of three tracks: forest conservation, forests and the environment, and forest management. All three tracks meet accreditation standards of the Society of American Foresters, a key credential that employers seek. Students are also well positioned to pursue graduate training in forestry, ecology, remote-sensing, natural resource policy, and related fields.
Students learn through a mix of classroom, laboratory, and field instruction that emphasizes independent thinking and problem-solving. Students make frequent visits to forests to develop and hone their skills, essential for future job opportunities. Students also engage professional and student-led trainings and networking that further build skills. Graduates go on to jobs in private, public, and non-governmental sectors or pursue graduate degrees.