Forestry
Purdue University in West Lafayette
Learn to apply biological, ecological, economic and social knowledge to develop and administer forest management plans on both public and private forestland and in urban settings.
Graduates are charged with protecting and enhancing forest ecosystems and the social and economic benefits provided by forests. This program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters and includes concentrations in Forest Management, Forest Science, Sustainable Biomaterials, and Urban Forestry.
Student Testimonial: Leah Griffin
Major: Forestry
I used to get botanical field guides for birthdays and Christmas, which I would put in my backpack and take through the woods behind my house, trying to identify all the plants I didn’t know. I feel like I was always meant to find the Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) department.
I was sold on FNR by the summer practicum highlighted on the website. All wildlife, forestry, and aquatic sciences students spend five weeks of a summer in the upper peninsula of Michigan. We learn to take forest inventory, mark timber, climb trees, and navigate and orient ourselves in the woods. It bonded us students together and gave me the necessary skills for internships.
I’d never been out of the U.S. before college, and I studied abroad in Costa Rica and got to use my Spanish speaking skills outside of the classroom. One of our professors, Barny Dunning, led 18 students through nature studies there. I crossed night snorkeling and swimming in the water that lights up with bioluminescent organisms off my bucket list!
The people in my life are really important to me, and I appreciate our small department giving us more space for personal connections. Whenever I walk into the FNR student commons, I’m greeted by friendly hellos. I’m also blessed to have my support system in a church on campus and several clubs — if you see me skating with the 3rd Street Rollers, feel free to wave and say “hi!”
Base your studies on what you love, and then experiment and decide what you really like to do. There’s nothing wrong with changing your mind. Change is an important part of your growth and figuring out your future.
Plan of Study
- Forestry: Forest Management Concentration, BSFOR
- Forestry: Forest Science Concentration, BSFOR
- Forestry: Sustainable Biomaterials Concentration, BSFOR
- Forestry: Urban Forestry, BSFOR
Transfer to Forestry
Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Contact Information
Forestry and Natural Resources
(765) 494-3591
JoinFNR@purdue.edu
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Careers in Forestry
- Arborist
- District forester
- Procurement forester
- Geographic information systems (GIS) specialist
- Graduate school