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CIP 03.0511 Natural Resources and Conservation

Forest Technology/Technician

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

200

2025 · 29 schools

International share

0.0%

0 international students

Overview

Forest Technology/Technician is a specialized field that focuses on the sustainable management and conservation of forest resources. This program typically combines principles of forestry, ecology, and environmental science, equipping students with the skills necessary to assess forest health, manage wildlife habitats, and implement conservation practices.

Students in this program learn about various topics including forest ecology, silviculture, forest inventory techniques, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and analyzing forested areas. The curriculum often includes hands-on training in the field, where students gain practical experience in tree identification, soil analysis, and the assessment of forest ecosystems.

Graduates of Forest Technology programs are prepared for careers in a variety of sectors including government agencies, environmental organizations, and private forestry companies. They may work as forest technicians, conservation officers, or environmental consultants, among other roles. Their work is crucial in addressing challenges such as deforestation, climate change, and habitat loss, ensuring that forest resources are managed sustainably for future generations.

As the demand for sustainable practices increases, the expertise of forest technicians is becoming increasingly valuable. They play a critical role in the stewardship of forest ecosystems, helping to maintain biodiversity while balancing the needs of industry and the environment. Overall, a career in Forest Technology offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on conservation efforts and environmental sustainability.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates fell 49% and the international share went from 1.5% to 0.0%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
87.0%
Asian
0.5%
Hispanic
4.5%
Black
3.0%
Other
5.0%
Intl.
0.0%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 29 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.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#109 University of New Hampshire-Main Campus New Hampshire 1 0
#208 University of Idaho Idaho 4 0
LAC #184 Glenville State University West Virginia 5 0
— Green River College Washington 24 0
— SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry New York 19 0
— Pennsylvania College of Technology Pennsylvania 19 0
— Haywood Community College North Carolina 18 0
— Horry-Georgetown Technical College South Carolina 13 0
— Lurleen B Wallace Community College Alabama 10 0
— Wayne Community College North Carolina 9 0
— Itawamba Community College Mississippi 8 0
— Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto Pennsylvania 8 0
— Montgomery Community College North Carolina 7 0
— Athens Technical College Georgia 7 0
— Allegany College of Maryland Maryland 5 0
— Gogebic Community College Michigan 5 0
— East Mississippi Community College Mississippi 5 0
— Spokane Community College Washington 5 0
— University of Maine at Fort Kent Maine 4 0
— Jones County Junior College Mississippi 4 0
— Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science New York 3 0
— Central Oregon Community College Oregon 3 0
— Mt Hood Community College Oregon 3 0
— Ogeechee Technical College Georgia 3 0
— Coastal Pines Technical College Georgia 3 0
— Holmes Community College Mississippi 2 0
— Bay de Noc Community College Michigan 1 0
— Three Rivers College Missouri 1 0
— Davis & Elkins College West Virginia 1 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Forest and Conservation Technicians 30,410 $28.39 $59,060
Forest and Conservation Workers 6,050 $21.00 $43,680

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.