Forestry Technology Associate of Applied Science
Program Description
This program is designed for students wanting to complete an AAS Degree in Forestry Technology and enter the workforce. Students explore GIS applications, tree care, soils, forestry research and harvesting, water movement, and wildlife and fisheries management. The Forestry Technology program teaches the principles of forest science and related fields, conduct forestry field research, and gain field skills in hydrology and soil science. This program includes courses that involve walking a minimum of half a mile over uneven and steep terrain. This program prepares students for entry-level careers in forestry technology. This program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF).
Learn more about this program.
What You Will Learn
Upon completion of the program you will be able to:
1. Identify regionally important forest vegetation by genus and species
2. Describe four basic silvicultural systems and harvest practices
3. Understand and demonstrate ability to manage forest resources for diverse user groups and management objectives including interpreting and implementing prescriptions for forest health treatments, wildland fire, prescribed fire, and logging
4. Explain the concept of forest succession, the silvics of different species, and how the abiotic and biotic components of the ecosystem affect each other
5. Identify threats to the forest ecosystem including fire, insects, and diseases, and describe management strategies for each
6. Demonstrate competency in forest inventorying methods and measurements, including tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and height, as well as forest basal area
7. Complete survey, mapping, and orienteering exercises
8. Apply technology (remote sensing and GIS) to collect and interpret forest data
9. Demonstrate proficiency with a chainsaw, tractors, ATV, and woods safety
10. Complete an internship and job skills workshop
My Academic Plan: Full-Time
Courses are displayed in a full-time sequence showing the fastest path to your degree. Follow the pathway below to complete your AAS degree in 4 semesters (2 years). For more information, please see your Academic Advisor.
First Semester
Second Semester
| NRE 2205 | Wildlife & Fisheries Management | 3 |
| GIS 1001 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| NRE 1110 | Forestry Field Techniques | 3 |
| HLT 2140 | Introductory Soil Science | 4 |
| Forestry Technology Elective | Environmental Education (NRE 2025) or Ecology: Field Study (NRE 2000) or Any Forestry Degree Elective* | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Third Semester
| NRE 2015 | Fire Ecology | 3 |
| BIO 2121 | Botany w/Lab: GT-SC1 | 5 |
| HLT 2011 | Arboriculture | 3 |
| General Education | Any Art (ART), Any Communication (COM), Any Biology (BIO), Any World Language Course (1001 or higher), or Any GT Pathways Course | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Fourth Semester
| General Education | Any Art (ART), Any Communication (COM), Any Biology (BIO), Any World Language Course (1001 or higher), or Any GT Pathways Course | 3 |
| GIS 2012 | GIS Remote Sensing - Digital Image | 4 |
| NRE 2028 | Forest Harvesting | 3 |
| NRE 2080 | Internship | 3* |
| Forestry Technology Elective | Intermediate GIS (GIS 2010) or Environmental Education (NRE 2025) or Any Forestry Degree Elective* | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
My Academic Plan: Part-Time
Courses are displayed in a part-time sequence providing flexibility for the working professional. Follow the pathway below to complete your AAS degree within 8 semesters (3 years). This pathway may be accelerated by applying transfer credit, credit for prior learning, and/or completing one or more additional courses each semester. For more information, please see your Academic Advisor.
Fall Semester 1
Semester Note: You should select 3 credits of electives this semester.
Spring Semester 2
| GIS 1001 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| NRE 2205 | Wildlife & Fisheries Management | 3 |
| ENG 1021 or ENG 1022 or ENG 1031 | English Composition I (ENG 1021), or English Composition II (ENG 1022), or Technical Writing I (ENG 1031) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Summer Semester 3
| General Education | Any Art (ART), Any Communication (COM), Any Biology (BIO), Any World Language Course (1001 or higher), or Any GT Pathways Course | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Fall Semester 4
| NRE 1021 | Introduction to Hydrology | 3 |
| NRE 1110 | Forestry Field Techniques | 3 |
| HLT 2140 | Introductory Soil Science | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10 |
Spring Semester 5
| BIO 2121 | Botany w/Lab: GT-SC1 | 5 |
| Forestry Technology Elective | Wilderness Education (NRE 2065) or Principles Outdoor Recreation (REC 2010) or Any Forestry Degree Elective* | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 8 |
Summer Semester 6
| General Education | Any Art (ART), Any Communication (COM), Any Biology (BIO), Any World Language Course (1001 or higher), or Any GT Pathways Course | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Fall Semester 7
Spring Semester 8
Total Credit Hours: 60
Prior Learning eligible course
• Learn more about Credit for Prior Learning
• View all eligible courses
Important Program Notes:
To fulfill Forestry AAS degree requirements, you must complete a minimum of 7 Forestry AAS degree elective credits. In addition, students may not apply more than 6 credits in Internship or Independent Study programs to any AAS degree pathway in Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources.
*Forestry AAS Degree electives: BIO 1111, BIO 1112, BIO 2122, CHE 1011, ENV 1111, any FSW course, GIS 2010, NRE 1001, NRE 1214, NRE 2000, NRE 2204, NRE 2025, NRE 2030, NRE 2032, NRE 2050, NRE 2065, NRE 2078, NRE 2085, OUT 1250, OUT 1255, OUT 1260, OUT 2043, REC 2010, REC 2011, or REC 2012.
If you take MAT 1150 or MAT 1340 or more credits in mathematics than are listed, it will increase the total credits for the degree.
You must complete a minimum of 60 credits to complete this degree. If receiving financial aid, you should only take courses and credits as required for this degree. Check with your advisor to monitor your completion progress.