Forest Sciences and Biology
Total graduates
360
2025 · 19 schools
International share
8.9%
32 international students
Bachelor's degrees
192
0.0% international
Master's degrees
115
12.2% international
Overview
Forest Sciences and Biology is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the study of forests, their ecosystems, and the biological processes that occur within them. This discipline combines principles from forestry, ecology, and biology to analyze the complex interactions between trees, plants, animals, and the environment.
Students in this program typically explore topics such as forest management, conservation biology, wildlife habitat, and the impact of climate change on forest ecosystems. They learn about sustainable practices for managing forest resources, including timber production, recreation, and biodiversity conservation. The curriculum often includes fieldwork, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in forest assessment, data collection, and ecological research methods.
Graduates of Forest Sciences and Biology can pursue various career paths, including roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. They may work as forest ecologists, conservation scientists, wildlife biologists, or environmental consultants. Additionally, they can contribute to research that informs policy decisions related to land use, conservation efforts, and climate resilience.
Overall, Forest Sciences and Biology plays a crucial role in addressing pressing environmental challenges, promoting sustainable resource management, and enhancing our understanding of the vital functions that forests provide to the planet and its inhabitants. The field is not only essential for maintaining biodiversity but also for ensuring the health of ecosystems that support human life.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2002 to 2025, graduates grew 4% and the international share went from 5.5% to 8.9%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 19 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #20 | University of California-Berkeley | California | 7 | 0 |
| #34 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Wisconsin | 13 | 3 |
| #49 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Washington | 26 | 2 |
| #52 | University of Georgia | Georgia | 50 | 10 |
| #55 | The Pennsylvania State University | Pennsylvania | 19 | 0 |
| #55 | Purdue University-Main Campus | Indiana | 19 | 4 |
| #80 | Clemson University | South Carolina | 8 | 3 |
| #100 | Auburn University | Alabama | 29 | 0 |
| #116 | Iowa State University | Iowa | 19 | 1 |
| #148 | University of Kentucky | Kentucky | 18 | 0 |
| #169 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Colorado | 13 | 1 |
| #169 | Michigan Technological University | Michigan | 3 | 0 |
| #208 | Mississippi State University | Mississippi | 42 | 0 |
| #227 | West Virginia University | West Virginia | 2 | 1 |
| #262 | University of Maine | Maine | 10 | 5 |
| #276 | Northern Arizona University | Arizona | 63 | 2 |
| #288 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Illinois | 8 | 0 |
| LAC #49 | The University of the South | Tennessee | 3 | 0 |
| — | SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry | New York | 5 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation Scientists | 25,950 | $37.08 | $77,130 |
| Foresters | 10,430 | $38.06 | $79,170 |
| Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,520 | — | $102,450 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.