For Undergraduate Students

The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources offers one of the most flexible Bachelor of Science degree programs in forest resource management available in the United States. Accredited by the Society of American Foresters, the curriculum combines a broad education in the arts and sciences with courses in applied forest sciences and the unique opportunity to minor in an area of special interest.

Majoring in Forest Resource Management

The Bachelor of Science degree in forest resource management prepares you for employment in both the public and private sectors. You may be employed as a manager or administrator by a forest landowner; as a technical specialist in the production of timber, water, wildlife, aesthetic values and/or recreational use of the forest; or as a professional in other areas dealing with the conservation of our natural resources.

Although most Clemson graduates remain in the Southeast, Clemson University foresters work in almost every state and in several foreign countries. The curriculum also provides the necessary prerequisites for students who wish to pursue graduate study.

During your first two years in the forest resource management curriculum at Clemson, you'll establish a strong base in liberal arts, mathematics, and biology. The program offers plenty of freedom through elective courses to develop personal interests and to achieve academic and career goals.

The department's summer camp program provides a special learning experience to complement time spent in class. After your sophomore year, you'll spend the summer in the field developing hands-on forestry skills. Not only is attending the summer camp an opportunity to develop close working relationships with members of your assigned crew and class, but it also gives practical experience as a foundation for your major course work.

During your last two years, you'll concentrate in natural resource management studies, developing and awareness of the interrelationship of wood, wildlife, and recreation rsources. You'll also select and work toward a minor. Some of the more popular minors chosen by forest resource management students include: urban forestry, forest products, environmental science, communications, administration, aquaculture, fisheries, and wildlife.

For more Information

The University has an online version of its annual Undergraduate Announcements publication. Refer to it for detailed descriptions of the Forest Resource Management Courses and Curriculum.

An application for enrollment may be obtained by filling in the University's Online Request Form in the university's Undergraduate Admissions site.

The department offers a number of Scholarships, Loans, and other forms of Financial aid for which prospective students are encouraged to apply. This page also contains links to University-wide financial aid information and the Departmental Honors Program.

 

For Graduate Students

The department offers three graduate degrees:
Master of Forest Resources, Master of Science (Non-Thesis), and Doctor of Philosophy.
The Master of Forest Resources in a professional degree designed to enhance the non-forestry undergraduates' understanding of natural resource management.
Both the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy are research-oriented degrees designed to help students understand and manipulate complex forest ecosystems and the products derived from them.

Graduate Studies in Forest Resource

Advanced study is a popular option for students who wish to specialize in a forestry discipline. It provides the opportunity to become immersed in a subject by intense study and research, and to become a highly trained specialist in one of the many fields of the forestry profession. Training above the bachelor's degree is becoming more common as natural resource and environmental concerns demand more complex solutions.
Clemson's graduate forestry programs welcome students from all undergraduate disciplines, for the profession of forestry requires talents from diverse backgrounds. A core of basic forestry courses, such as summer camp, is required for students with non-forestry backgrounds. Graduate students have great flexibility in choosing course work and research topics to fit their individual interests. In choosing course work, you are encouraged to look beyond the department for courses which will broaden your perspectives. As long as degree requirements are met, you may develop your own research project or participate in ongoing faculty research. An advisory committee will be formed to guide your course of study and research efforts.
Additional information is available on the graduate-level courses and curriculums of Forest Resources through the University's online graduate announcements.

Prior to applying, it's recommended that you get in touch with Clemson faculty specializing in your area of interest. Check the faculty and staff page to match your interests with that of the faculty. You may find someone who can provide funding for you to work on ongoing research. Even if funding is not immediately available, establishing faculty contact prior to your arrival will help smooth your transition into graduate school.

General research and teaching assistantships are available on a very competitive basis. In order to be considered, you must complete a Financial Assistance Application and submit it to Dr. David Guynn, the department's graduate program coordinator. Graduate assistantships include both a stipend and waiver of tuition. Graduate assistants are required, however, to pay a flat fee of $700-800 per semester for enrollment.
The deadline for admission and assistantship applications is April 1 for starting the following fall semester, October 1 for starting in the spring . You are encouraged to apply as early as possible, however, since vacancies and stipends become scarcer as the academic year progresses. All required materials must be received before you can be considered for admission.

Admission Instructions

Successful applicants must be graduates of a baccalaureate program of an accredited college or university, or in the case of a doctoral student, have earned a master's degree. Applicants must submit the following to Clemson's Graduate School:

* An application form may be obtained by calling (864) 656-3195 or by mailing the graduate school at:

Clemson University Graduate School
E-108 Martin Hall
Clemson, SC 29634-5713