Online Forestry Degrees

A bachelor’s program prepares learners for careers including national and state forest ranger, environmental compliance inspector, and wildlife biologist.

Students typically complete a bachelor’s degree in four years. Learners can transfer an associate degree or significant credit to meet the bachelor’s general education requirements.

Some schools offer forestry-related degrees such as environmental science, parks and recreation management, or natural resources fully online or in a hybrid format. These programs may offer various specializations, including forestry.

The BLS projects a 5% job growth for foresters and conservation scientists.

Foresters and conservation scientists monitor and manage parks, forests, and other natural resources. They establish plans to manage these resources, determine ways to mitigate environmental damage, and ensure compliance with governmental policies and regulations. Most begin their careers with a major in forestry or related fields.

These scientists study animals and wildlife to document how they interact with each other and within the habitat. They spend a lot of time outdoors collecting data, conducting controlled experiments, and managing wildlife populations. Zoologists and biologists begin their careers with a zoology or related bachelor’s degree, but need a master’s for advancement.

Environmental scientists and specialists protect human health and the environment. They analyze samples and collect data for soil, water, air, and other materials. Governmental agencies and other organizations rely on their technical reports to address environmental challenges. They begin their careers with an environmental science or related bachelor’s, but need at least a master’s for career advancement.

Students learn the relationship between organisms and the environment. They study how the natural world functions through basic principles such as natural selection, and how organisms interact with each other. Other topics include factors that negatively impact biological communities, and sustainability. Participants learn about the scientific methods ecologists use to build their knowledge of the natural world.

This class focuses on forest conservation and sustainability. Enrollees build the knowledge necessary to protect forest health, water and waterways, and wildlife habitats. They explore how to identify and restore damaged ecosystems. The fieldwork component allows learners to apply their skills to measure forests, engage in silviculture, and manage wildlife and fire.

This course explores the timber harvesting business. Students examine topics such as management, economics, and forest biology. The class covers how to manage lands for economic efficiency and to address timber market fluctuations. Participants acquire expertise to determine the timber harvest level, where to harvest, and how much to harvest. Learners prepare for business roles at timber companies or as land managers.

Who Can Apply: A plant healthcare company, ArborJet awards a scholarship to a high school student planning to pursue a degree in forestry, plant sciences, or a related major. Applicants must intend to enroll full time at a two- or four-year college.

Amount: Up to $10,000

Who Can Apply: ACWA awards scholarships for students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a field such as agricultural and/or urban water supply or environmental studies. Eligibility requirements include scholastic achievement, California residency, and attendance at a University of California or California State University college.

Amount: $3,500