Undergraduate Programs
The Department of Forest Ecology and Management is committed to providing a program of high-quality instruction and personal attention to its students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Teaching awards have been granted at college, university, and national levels. The number of distinguished teaching awards is greater than half the number of faculty.
Undergraduate education provides the broad, science-based knowledge necessary for a student to assume a professional position in forest resource management and conservation, or to prepare for graduate studies. With a solid grounding in quantitative methods, the undergraduate program produces decision-makers with strong analytical skills.
The undergraduate major in forestry is offered as a Forest Science major with four options: forest management, forest conservation, forest ecology and international forestry. Three of these options (forest management, forest conservation and international forestry) are accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
Students often are undecided as to which option to follow, and we recommend talking with advisers and upperclassmen before making this decision. Students will often choose electives that satisfy two or more of the options until they are satisfied with their career direction.
For students who wish to become professional foresters working for the Wisconsin DNR or similar agency, or as a consultant forester working with small landowners, we recommend the 'forest management' option (or track) as most appropriate.
For students who wish to 'work in a forest environment' but may not wish to become professional foresters, we recommend following the 'forest conservation' option. This will allow students to elect more courses in conservation and related biological sciences in lieu of some professional forestry courses.
For students who are committed to graduate study and a possible research or academic career in ecosystem science, we recommend the 'forest ecology' option. Students choosing this program will complete several basic biological/microbiology courses central to the analysis of ecosystem structure and function.
Finally, for students contemplating an international career, we recommend the 'international forestry' option. Additional course work in foreign languages and culture, together with a study abroad experience or internship are requirements of the program.
In contrast with other departments in the region, the UW-Madison Department of Forest Ecology and Management offers the fullest complement of advanced classroom courses for graduate students.
Updated: 2008.04.14