Forestry: Explore the Possibilities at Purdue University
View Video TranscriptForestry: Explore the Possibilities at Purdue University
View Video TranscriptPASSIONATE ABOUT CONSERVING FORESTS AND NATURAL RESOURCES?
Why Purdue Forestry?
Turn your passion into impact. Learn to conserve, protect and manage forests through Purdue’s Society of American Foresters accredited program.
Hands-On Training
Get out in the field. Build skills in Martell Forest, our local experimental forest,
and at an immersive 4-week
Summer Practicum experience.

Professionally Accredited
Accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), enhancing student preparation
for the forestry profession.
Forestry and aquatic sciences double major Bison Lowe shares three things he loves about Purdue Forestry.
Hear from Donatella Mudica as she shares what she loves about her Purdue Forestry experience.
Four Paths, One Future. Explore forest management, wood products, urban forestry and conservation or design your own path through research.
Four Paths, One Future. Explore forest management, wood products, urban forestry and conservation or design your own path through research.
Minors
Digital Natural Resources
Courses include: Remote Sensing Of Land Resources, Introduction To Uncrewed Aircraft System Operations, Remote Sensing Analysis And Applications
Furniture Design
Courses include: Furniture Development, ID And Basic Properties of Wood & Furniture Product Development, Sustainable Wood Products
Urban Forestry
Courses include: Arboriculture Practices, Urban Forest Issues & Urban Ecology, Soil Science, Insects of Urban Landscapes, Spatial Ecology
Wood Products Manufacturing Technology
Courses include: Sustainable Wood Products Manufacturing, ID & Basic Properties of Wood & Furniture Design & Manufacturing
Concentrations
Forest Management
The Forest Management concentration focuses on the conservation, restoration and wise use of wildlands and forest ecosystems, including management of timber, wildlife habitat, water resources and recreational opportunities.
Forest Science
The Forest Science concentration allows students to customize a part of their curriculum to gain advanced knowledge in an interest area of their choice. Students then develop a research project in that area with a faculty mentor. Students must then write and defend a short thesis on their project. This concentration targets students that wish to continue their forestry and conservation training in graduate school.
Wood Products
The Wood Products concentration focuses on the use of wood, especially hardwoods, as a raw material in the production of both primary goods, such as lumber, and secondary goods, such as furniture, cabinetry and structural timbers. This concentration aligns with careers in procurement forestry, timber grading and various positions in wood product manufacturing and design.
Urban Forestry Concentration
The Urban Forestry concentration focuses on the maintenance and management of the urban and periurban forest ecosystem from ecological, social and economic perspectives. This concentration aligns with careers in arboriculture, urban planning and urban forest management.
Careers Rooted in Impact
Working in the world of forestry brings diverse options for positions:
- Career Opportunities - Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources shares position descriptions that include: forester, forest fire fighter/manager, forest researcher, forest products manufacturer, natural resources educator, tree care specialist, urban forester and wood products designer.
- Arborist and Urban Forester - Tree Care Industry Association provides answers to your questions of what an arborist does and positions.
- District Foresters - Indiana Department of Natural Resources shares description for a professional trained manager in the state of Indiana.
- Career Center - the Society of American Foresters provides an easy search field which allows you to take a look at forestry positions.
- Welcome to the World of Forestry - the Indiana Society of American Foresters shares descriptions of position statements and much more.
- Forest Service Careers - the U.S. Forest Service shares job opportunities along with application tips.
- Conservation Scientists and Forestry - the U.S. Department of Labor provides descriptions of what these positions do and the qualifications needed.
The Workforce is Waiting
High-Demand, Meaningful Careers
From public lands and consulting to urban forestry and wood products, your future starts where forests thrive. Explore the partners and organizations that help Purdue Forestry students build connections, gain experience and launch rewarding careers.
- Purdue Student Society of American Foresters
- Purdue Student Society of Arboriculture
- Indiana Arborist Association
- Society of American Foresters
- Purdue Extension - Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR), find resources in our 500+ publications and videos. Students have the opportunity to help write, design and aid in production of videos.
START YOUR JOURNEY Here
Connect With Us
See student stories, photos and videos on Instagram (@Purdue FNR), Facebook (Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources), Twitter (@PurdueFNR) and YouTube (Purdue FNR).
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