Change the world
With climate change threatening organisms and their habitats, there’s a demand for biologists who are passionate about protecting our environment. If you’re interested in life science and sustainability, consider majoring in biology with a concentration in forestry and environmental management.
Professionals in this field serve as environmental analysts, foresters, environmental services managers, and in related occupations.
PC’s biology major in forestry / environmental management provides a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics for these and other career paths. It also prepares you with the undergraduate hours you need to enter the School of the Environment at Duke University. Through this dual-degree program, you’ll earn both a bachelor’s in biology from PC and a master’s in forestry or environmental management from Duke.
The Power of Your Degree
- Expand your perspective.
Dive deeper into the fields of life science and sustainability. - Broaden your knowledge.
Pair your studies with other disciplines like economics, political science, and chemistry. - Solidify your skill set.
Don’t just read about the environment. Explore habitats and conduct real field research. - Become a critical thinker.
Learn how to accurately evaluate data, develop your findings, and present them clearly.
52-53 Hours
Required for Forestry & Environmental Management major coursework
Senior Capstone
To demonstrate your skills in forestry and environmental management research, writing, and presentation
12:1 Student-To-Faculty Ratio
In discussion-based classroom settings
What You’ll Study
As a biology major focusing on forestry and environmental management, you become proficient in biological concepts from multiple branches of the field. You also gain a solid foundation in math and chemistry, along with laboratory equipment and procedures.
PC’s forestry/environmental management program is part of a dual “3 + 2 degree” offered in cooperation with Duke University’s School of the Environment.
Get Involved
At Presbyterian College, you can actively pursue your passion for the natural world through programs and opportunities that will take you into a wide array of ecological environments —all while expanding your experience, perspective, and skillsets.
Careers in Forestry & Environmental Management
A Forestry and Environmental Management degree provides valuable knowledge and skills for graduates to effectively manage forest ecosystems. This interdisciplinary education covers ecology, conservation, resource management, and policy, preparing students to tackle critical challenges such as deforestation, climate change, and habitat loss.
The degree promotes a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of natural resources and encourages practices that ensure the long-term health and productivity of forests. Forestry professionals play a crucial role in driving sustainable development and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
Career Professions
Forester
Forest Resource Manager
Environmental Consultant
Conservation Officer
Park Ranger
Urban Forester
Natural Resource Manager
Environmental Policy Analyst
Wildlife Manager
Ecological Restoration Specialist
Forest Fire Management Officer
Silviculturist
Environmental Educator
Climate Change Analyst
GIS Specialist (Forestry/Environment)
Land Use Planner
Environmental Compliance Officer
Sustainability Coordinator
Reclamation Specialist
Forestry Technician
Acquired Skills
Forest inventory and assessment techniques
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing
Environmental policy and regulatory compliance
Sustainable resource management
Tree and plant identification
Fire ecology and wildfire management
Soil and water conservation
Biodiversity monitoring and habitat management
Data collection and ecological surveying
Natural resource economics and planning
Public land use and environmental law knowledge
Environmental impact assessments (EIA)
Climate adaptation and mitigation strategies
Mapping and spatial data analysis
Teamwork in field and office environments
Technical report writing and documentation
Community outreach and stakeholder engagement
Use of forest modeling and planning software
Safety procedures and risk management in the field
Project and land management planning
Quick Stats
$67,330
Average Median Salary
Graduates with a degree in Forestry and Environmental Management can expect median annual salaries ranging from $67,330 to $68,750, depending on their specific role and industry. Foresters typically manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes, while conservation scientists focus on preserving and managing natural resources. Salaries can vary based on factors such as geographic location, level of education, and years of experience.
3-5% Growth
Projected Employment Rate
The employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow by 5 percent over the next decade, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Specifically, employment of foresters is expected to grow by 3%, reflecting steady demand for professionals in forest management and conservation. This growth is driven by factors such as increased public interest in environmental conservation and the need for sustainable land management practices.
High Versatility
Career Diversity Index
A degree in Forestry and Environmental Management offers high career versatility, with opportunities in various sectors including federal, state, and local government agencies, private consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and the timber industry. Graduates can pursue roles such as foresters, conservation scientists, environmental consultants, and land managers.
Source(s): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
