Forestry Associates

What Is An Associates in Forestry Degree?

An Associate’s degree in Forestry that gives students a foundational understanding of forestry and related fields, including environmental science, wildlife biology, and natural resource management. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the forestry industry, as well as for transfer to a 4-year program in forestry or a related field.

An Associate’s in Forestry degree typically includes coursework in areas such as forest management, tree identification, dendrology, wildlife ecology, and natural resource policy. The program also provides hands-on experience through laboratory work, fieldwork, and internships. The goal of the program is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of forestry, and the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively in the field.

How Long Does An Associates in Forestry Degree Take?

A traditional on-campus associates in forestry program will take a full-time student two years to complete. A number of colleges, however, offer an accelerated online associates in forestry degree. These accelerated online programs can be completed in as little as 12 months.

What Careers Does An Associates in Forestry Prepare You For?

An Associate’s degree in Forestry can prepare graduates for a variety of careers in the field of forestry and natural resources management. Here are 12 of the more common careers that an Associate’s in Forestry degree can prepare you for:

1. Forest Technician: Assist in the management of forests, including marking trees for harvest, monitoring tree growth, and maintaining forests for recreational use.
2. Wildlife Technician: Monitor and manage wildlife populations, assist in wildlife habitat restoration, and conduct wildlife surveys.
3. Park Ranger: Protect and manage park lands, educate visitors about park resources, and enforce park rules and regulations.
4. Natural Resource Manager: Plan and implement the management of natural resources, including forests, wildlife, and parklands.
5. Conservation Technician: Implement conservation practices, such as planting trees, controlling invasive species, and monitoring wildlife populations.
6. Land Management Specialist: Develop and implement land management plans, including the management of forests, parks, and wildlife habitat.
7. Forest Product Salesperson: Sell forest products, such as lumber, paper, and biofuels.
8. Reforestation Technician: Plant trees, monitor tree growth, and maintain forests.
9. Environmental Educator: Educate others about the importance of protecting and managing natural resources, including forests, wildlife, and parklands.
10. Soil and Water Conservation Technician: Develop and implement programs to conserve soil and water resources, including reforestation and other land management practices.
11. Natural Resource Surveyor: Conduct surveys of natural resources, including forests, wildlife, and parklands, to support natural resource management decisions.
12. Wildlife Biologist: Study wildlife populations and their habitats, and provide information and recommendations to support wildlife conservation and management efforts.

What Schools offer an Online Associates in Forestry Degree?

While there are more schools offering a bachelors in forestry degree online, there are a good number of colleges offering accredited online associates in forestry degree programs. Here are ten of the better recognized colleges offering online associate’s degree programs in Forestry or closely related fields:

1. Penn Foster College
2. Southern New Hampshire University
3. Arizona State University
4. Colorado State University Global Campus
5. Paul Smith’s College
6. University of Maine at Fort Kent
7. Central Oregon Community College
8. Montana State University
9. South Dakota State University
10. Walla Walla Community College