Forestry

Forestry

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Bachelor of Science in Forestry

Concentrations Offered

Environmental Conservation, Forest Business, Forest Management, Urban Forestry, Wildlife Management

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Develop knowledge and skills needed to address forest-based issues through hands-on, field-based classes and paid research opportunities.

02

Learn from, and get to know, top-tier professors in applied forest management.

03

Gain the confidence and ability to develop forest management plans and perform prescribed treatments.

04

Help individuals, states, and the nation meet current and long-term goals for forest health and production.

05

Consider a wide range of potential futures, including graduate school or employment options that include state and federal agencies, forest industry, non-profit organizations, and many more.

Core
Skills

  • Develop technical competence in forest measurement, silviculture, and the sustainable management of diverse forest ecosystems.
  • Gain hands-on field experience using advanced technology and applied techniques to support forest-based operations.
  • Build expertise in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to make informed decisions about complex forestry and natural resource issues.
  • Establish professional connections through networks of forest landowners and practicing forestry professionals.
  • Communicate ideas and recommendations effectively to diverse audiences while integrating scientific, social, and ethical perspectives to make a positive impact at local, national, and global levels.

Sample
Jobs

  • Forest and Natural Resource Manager
  • Conservation and Wildlife Biologist
  • Forestry Operations and Supply Chain Manager
  • Forest Planning, Inventory, and GIS Specialist
  • Forestry Finance and Resource Analyst

Successful Career Outcomes

Strong Job Placement Our forestry graduates have a 100% placement rate.
Job Opportunities Overall employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034.
Now Hiring About 3,600 openings for conservation scientists and foresters are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Forestry and Natural Resource Management
  • Government Agencies (State and Federal)
  • Higher Education and Research
  • Wood Products and Biomass/Bioenergy
  • Conservation, Land Management, and Wildlife Services

Brag
Points

  • The forestry degree is accredited by the Society of American Foresters—the standard in forest management—bringing science, best practice and the best people together to actively shape the future of the profession.
  • Hands-on learning through our 9-week Forestry Summer Field Program, one of the few remaining hands-on, summer field experiences in the U.S.
  • MSU forestry students consistently perform well on the Mississippi Board of Registered Foresters' Exam.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career that makes an impact with Mississippi State’s forestry major. You’ll learn by doing as you gain hands-on experience assessing forest conditions, planning harvests, managing wildfires, and addressing forest health challenges. Through fieldwork, labs, and applied projects, you’ll build the practical skills needed to protect and sustain forests—vital for climate regulation, wildlife habitat, and renewable resources like lumber, paper, and energy. Our Society of American Foresters-accredited program equips you to lead in managing forests for both environmental and economic benefits, preparing you for a rewarding career in forestry and natural resource management.

Spotlight

Further your education through the Thrive in Five accelerated M.S. degree program, where students complete undergraduate and master’s coursework concurrently to graduate with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees within five years.
 

Forestry

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Forestry

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Learn about the professional resource manager’s role and career opportunities in providing forest-based goods and services with classes like Forest Resources Survey.    

1st Summer

Experiential Learning: Internship, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research

2nd Year

Build knowledge and applied skills that act as the groundwork in forestry including Dendrology and Forest Measurements.

2nd Summer

9-week Summer Field Program

3rd Year

In Forest Ecology and Practices of Silviculture, learn the specific principles and practices that guide the management approaches used by professional foresters

3rd Summer

Experiential Learning: Internship, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research

4th Year

Gain knowledge and training to complete a team capstone project in Professional Practices. Balance this knowledge with your remaining elective courses.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Engage in meetings and seminars offered by forestry student organizations that build relevant field skills.

1st Summer

Experiential Learning: Internship, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research

2nd Year

Learn applied knowledge and skills that will be used and honed during the nine-week Summer Field Program.

2nd Summer

9-week Summer Field Program

3rd Year

Consider undergraduate research to test-drive a research-based career, build vital skills, and interact at a deeper level with a professor.

3rd Summer

Experiential Learning: Internship, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research

4th Year

Strengthen your résumé by gaining valuable experience and in-demand skills through student organizations, internships, and undergraduate research.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Find like-minded friends by registering with MSU Cowbell Connect and get involved in the Bulldog and Starkville communities.

1st Summer

Experiential Learning: Internship, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research

2nd Year

Join one of the many student organizations in the College of Forest Resources to build community among your peers in forestry and related natural resources.

2nd Summer

9-week Summer Field Program

3rd Year

Explore serving in a campus leadership position such as a student organization officer, College of Forest Resources Ambassador, or with the MSU Student Association.

3rd Summer

Experiential Learning: Internship, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research

4th Year

Build your career network by actively participating in local, state, and national meetings of professional organizations aligned with the concentration you choose within the Forestry major.

Explore the World

1st Year

Attend the annual International Fiesta held on campus and learn about the many countries and cultures that are now represented around you.

1st Summer

Experiential Learning: Internship, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research

2nd Year

Explore study abroad opportunities offered by the MSU International Institute and the Office of Study Abroad.

2nd Summer

9-week Summer Field Program

3rd Year

Build professional experience through a summer internship in another part of the U.S. or in another country.

3rd Summer

Experiential Learning: Internship, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research

4th Year

Apply for career or graduate school positions in other regions of the U.S. or in another country. Forestry alumni have participated in many opportunities throughout the world.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Build a résumé in Forest Resources Survey, so you are well-prepared to apply for summer jobs and future career positions.

1st Summer

Experiential Learning: Internship, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research

2nd Year

Develop critical soft skills, such as writing, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management, through your general education courses.

2nd Summer

9-week Summer Field Program

3rd Year

Focus on your areas of interest by selecting upper-level classes that support your career goals.

3rd Summer

Experiential Learning: Internship, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research

4th Year

Finalize your résumé and write a meaningful cover letter for applications with help from the MSU Career Center and your faculty advisor. 

Alumni
Success

I really loved the atmosphere here; it felt like home. The professors here are genuinely invested in the students, and everyone is always willing to help each other succeed.
Molly Graham, Alumna

Student
Testimonial

I am interested in improving the management of natural resources. My experience at Mississippi State has taught me theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively manage our resources.
Rodrigo Vieira Leite, student 

Learn More

Curriculum – Environmental Conservation concentrationCurriculum – Forest Business concentrationCurriculum – Forest Management concentrationCurriculum – Forestry Wildlife Management concentrationCurriculum – Urban Forestry concentrationCollege of Forest ResourcesDepartment of ForestryApply to MSU