Forest Science Major

Forest science is conserving and stewarding our forests

Forest science relies on scientific principles, tools, and social values to understand, manage, and sustain forests and trees in the face of environmental and social changes.

As a Forest Science major you will:

Gain the skills to put management ideas into practice with a fundamental knowledge of ecology and forest resources measurement, management, and policy
Learn how to steward forest ecosystems, prevent deforestation, and respond to disturbances from insects, diseases, wildfire, climate, and fragmentation
Understand how technology such as geographic information systems and environmental remote sensing can be used to map and inventory forests

Career Paths

Forest science graduates are prepared for careers as foresters, park rangers, conservation scientists, educators, researchers, environmental planners, arborists, and more.

Here are just a few examples of what our forest science graduates are doing with their careers:

What CALS alumni do:

Forester

Arborist

Forestry Specialist

Restoration Manager

Urban Forester

Where CALS alumni work:

US Forest Service

State Departments Of Natural Resources

Pike Lumber Company LLC

Bartlett Tree Care Company

Forest Products Laboratory

International Paper

What CALS alumni do:

Environmental Technician

Restoration Manager

Wildland Firefighter

Physical Scientist

Researcher

Natural Resources Specialist

Consultant

Where CALS alumni work:

US Fish and Wildlife Service

State Departments Of Natural Resources

Bureau of Land Management

National Park Service

Citizens for Conservation

What can CALS offer you?

CALS students are curious to discover how our living world works and are passionate about using science to improve it.

Our programs span five areas of study and encourage students to pursue their passions in the classroom and beyond. Learn more about how our students are set up for success:

Scholarships
Career Services
Study Abroad
Honors Program
QuickStart – online, summer program for first-year students

Want to learn more about forest science?
Explore admission requirements, course offerings, 4-year plans, and more on UW–Madison’s undergraduate Guide.

View guide

Your CALS Experience

Join an accredited forestry program

The Forest Science major program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and is a key credential for many jobs. A SAF accreditation demonstrates that a program meets quality standards set by the profession.

Kemp Natural Resources Station in Woodruff, WI

Learn in the Wisconsin north woods

Spend three weeks at Kemp Natural Resources Station in northern Wisconsin and learn first-hand about forest ecosystem structure, function, processes, and services. This summer field course is required for all forest science students.

Develop the knowledge necessary to conduct a comprehensive forest resource assessment through working with faculty and natural resource professionals in a real-world setting.

Study abroad and gain a global perspective

Travel internationally and complement your coursework and research with a study abroad program. Learn about sustainable agriculture and local food systems in France, land use change and ancient rainforests in Australia, or natural resources in Sweden.

You can also choose from one of UW–Madison’s many semester, summer, and short-term study abroad programs and map your study abroad experience as a forest science major.

Gain real world experience with internships

Forest science students complete an internship as part of the major curriculum. Complement what you learn in class and gain real-world experience by interning with a federal, state, or local government agency, an environmental nonprofit organization, timber industry firm, or environmental consultant.

Get involved. Find your people.

Explore a few of the environmental and sustainability-related student organizations at UW–Madison:

Customize your path

Follow your passions and explore a topic you’re interested in by choosing electives from a wide variety of topics:

Soil and landscapes
Economics and business
Urban and wildlife forest management
GIS/Remote sensing
Wildlife and fisheries ecology

Ecology and biological diversity
Conservation biology
Natural resource management and policy
Earth and atmospheric science
Human and social dimensions of ecology

Get involved with research

Join a faculty lab and explore forest science through a hands-on perspective. Step out into the field, develop your skills, and learn first-hand from staff, graduate students, and faculty.

Study terrestrial ecosystem and land surface modeling, tree physiology, remote sensing, landscape ecology, forest biometry, and so much more.

1

3-week summer field course

100%

Students who complete an internship

100%

Students who participate in research

Advisor & Contact Information

Advisors can answer your questions, help you create a degree plan that meets your personal and professional goals, and connect you to resources across the UW–Madison campus.

Incoming students should reach out to CALS Academic Affairs to direct your questions. Current UW–Madison students should schedule with their assigned advisor using Starfish.

CALS Academic Affairs

116 Agricultural Hall
1450 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706

academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu
(608) 262-3003

Wildlife Ecology Major Advising

284 Russell Laboratories
1630 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706

student-services@russell.wisc.edu
(608) 262-9926

Want to learn more about forest science?

View requirements, Courses, and more on Guide

View the Forest Science website

View all CALS Majors