B.S. Forestry Learning Outcomes

The expected learning outcomes of the program include: emphasis on verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, and development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will be expected to gain an awareness and understanding of differing viewpoints, and to demonstrate knowledge of international forestry, sustainable forest management, certification processes, and broad ecosystems services.

Learning outcomes for the B.S. in Forestry program:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of forest ecology and silviculture principles to understand how forests and forested watersheds respond to natural disturbances or management activities.
2. Develop skills in geospatial analysis, basic surveying, mapping, and GIS.
3. Demonstrate ability to measure and inventory forest vegetation with precision and accuracy.
4. Develop an understanding of forestry investment analysis and be able to evaluate typical financial investments in forestry.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the development and execution of strategic, tactical and operational forest plans that support achievement of desired future stand conditions and strategic goals.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the social and political context of forestry and be able to describe current policies, laws, and regulations governing the management of forest lands.

Forest Management Option Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of the Forestry – Forestry Management Option, you will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of forest vegetation modeling and the ability to forecast its development over time using models of forest growth.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of communication in both planning and practice settings, and be able to communicate effectively with coworkers and stakeholders on forest resource issues and practices.
3. Demonstrate understanding of interaction of vegetation, wildlife, insects, and disease on forested landscapes.
4. Demonstrate ability to identify major forest ecosystems of the PNW and describe their changes over time, with and without human influence/management.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of inter-temporal management and planning at the forest and landscape levels, and the ability to develop alternative management scenarios for forest lands for an array of objectives including forest products, environmental services, social amenities cultural and other resource values.