COURSE CURRICULUM

This Forestry major at the University of New Hampshire is a highly structured, science-based professional program designed to prepare students for real-world forest management, conservation, and environmental problem-solving careers, requiring about 90 credits and a minimum grade standard across all courses, and what stands out immediately is its strong blend of biology, ecology, economics, and technology, ensuring graduates are not just knowledgeable about forests but also capable of managing them sustainably in a changing world; the curriculum begins with foundational quantitative and scientific skills such as biostatistics, calculus or finite math, chemistry or physics, and introductory biology, which build the analytical base needed for advanced environmental work, then moves into core natural resource subjects like field methods, dendrology (tree identification), wildlife ecology, soils, freshwater systems, and forest ecology, giving students a deep understanding of how ecosystems function; as the program progresses, it becomes more applied and career-focused, introducing specialized topics such as forest entomology, wildland fire management, silviculture (forest growth and cultivation), forest health, and forest management, all of which are critical for maintaining biodiversity, preventing disease, and ensuring sustainable timber production; alongside ecological science, students also study environmental policy, resource economics, and forestry economics, which is essential because real forestry work involves balancing environmental protection with economic and social needs; importantly, the program integrates modern technical skills like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and forest inventory modeling, allowing students to analyze landscapes, monitor changes, and make data-driven decisions; communication and practical experience are also emphasized through courses like public speaking and a required work experience component, ensuring graduates can present ideas clearly and gain hands-on exposure before entering the workforce; overall, this degree prepares students for careers in forest management, conservation agencies, environmental consulting, wildfire management, and resource planning, while also providing a strong foundation for graduate studies, making it ideal for students interested in nature, sustainability, and applied environmental science rather than purely theoretical study.