Preparation for a career in the management of forestland and associated resources is provided in the Forest Resources Management Program. In forestry, demand is growing for wood products, while public consciousness of the value of wildlands for recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, aesthetics, and environmental protection is increasing. A balanced approach to forest management is offered; major emphasis is on sustainable management and use of timber resources, but the program also orients students to management of forests for recreation, wildlife, and water quality. The importance of environmental protection, and aesthetic qualities in forest management are also stressed. Majors in the Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences Agribusiness Management & Rural Development B Agricultural & Extension Education B, M Agricultural & Resource Economics M Agriculture Education M Agriculture, Forestry, & Consumer Sciences M Agronomy B, M Animal & Food Sciences D Animal & Veterinary Sciences B, M Basic Sciences B Biochemistry B Child Development & Family Studies B, M Entomology M Environmental Microbiology M Environmental & Natural Resource Economics B Environmental Protection B Family & Consumer Sciences M Forest Resources Management B Forest Resources Science D Forestry M Genetics & Developmental Biology M, D Horticulture B, M Human Nutrition & Foods B Interior Design B Landscape Architecture B Natural Resource Economics D Plant Pathology M Plant & Soil Sciences D Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Resources B, M Reproductive Physiology M, D Textiles, Apparel & Merchandising B Wildlife & Fisheries Resources B, M Wood Science & Technology B B = Bachelor's; M = Master's; D = Doctorate For more information, contact John Brooks at 304-293-2941, ext. 2421, jrbrooks@mail.wvu.edu or visit the Web site at: www.forestry.caf.wvu.edu/ wvu%5Fforest/

The WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences
The Davis College has 18 undergraduate major fields of study that are divided into five academic divisions: Animal and Veterinary Sciences; Family and Consumer Sciences; Forestry; Plant and Soil Sciences; and Resource Management. The excellent instructional facilities of the Davis College offer many learning opportunities. The Agricultural Sciences Building contains most offices, classrooms, and laboratories for agricultural programs. Percival Hall houses the Division of Forestry’s offices, classrooms, and laboratories, including the wood processing facilities. In Allen Hall, Family and Consumer Science classes are held, and the laboratory nursery school is located on the Evansdale Campus. Maintaining eight farms, two campus greenhouses, and more than 8,000 acres of forest land for teaching and research, the Davis College offers students a variety of educational opportunities with hands-on experiences.

Students are offered fields of study that complement various careers. The study of ecology is interwoven throughout courses to offer students the education necessary for careers emphasizing the protection of environmental quality and the management, utilization, and conservation of our soil, water, forests, wildlife, domestic animals, food, and fiber.

Admission
Students who meet University admission requirements will be accepted directly into the Davis College as Forest Resources Management majors.

Curriculum
To earn a bachelor of science in forestry in Forest Resources Management, a student must complete 138 credit hours of course work. Required classes include biological, physical, and social sciences, mathematics, forest science and management, General Education Curriculum courses, and English 101 and 102.

A five-week summer field practicum is required for Forest Resources Management majors. Coupled with laboratories in several courses, this requirement gives ample opportunity to gain field experience in the University Research Forest.

The curriculum is designed to provide the blend of scientific, technical, and managerial knowledge needed to manage public or private forest resources. Elective hours may be used to develop professional competence in additional areas.

Course Work

Accreditation
West Virginia University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Forest Resources Management Program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

Career Opportunities
Graduates find a variety of forestry career opportunities with government agencies such as the United States Forest Service and state forestry agencies. Graduates also fill positions with private forest products industries, which include lumber and wood products as well as pulp and paper companies. Others work for private forestry consulting firms or establish their own businesses.

Graduate School Opportunities
Attending graduate school is an option for a significant number of Forest Resources Management majors. While furthering their education, these students explore a wide range of scientific and technical specializations in preparation for careers in research, teaching, or management.

Salary Range
The average entry-level salary for a forest management employee with a bachelor’s degree is $28,000, while a master’s recipient may start as high as $35,000.