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 Operations Management Option Learning Outcomes

In addition to the learning outcomes defined for the OSU Baccalaureate Core classes, the specific learning outcomes for the Bachelor of Science in Forestry - Forest Operations Management Option are: 

1. Demonstrate the knowledge of the potential effects of forest operations on soils, wildlife and water resources by being able to show the tradeoffs of various harvesting systems on soils, wildlife and water resources.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of business laws by being able to apply them to common business practices conducted in a contracting relationship.
3. Demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate knowledge of surveying and mapping tools to implement forest operations by being able to survey and map roads, critical habitat and other common forest features.
4. Demonstrate the ability to collect forest and financial data to analyze the profitability of various forest operations.
5. Develop expertise with technology, equipment, and systems by selecting the systems to be used in conducting forest operations to plan and conduct activities that achieve silvicultural objectives.
6. Demonstrate the ability to plan and administer safe working practices in a variety of forest operations.