by our College Data Analytics TeamForests are an essential natural resource. They provide us with the timber to create different products, are habitats for many animals, and produce necessary nutrients and oxygen for our ecosystem. It is the job of Forest Engineers to ensure this important resource remains intact while designing and managing projects such as forest management, logging operations, and building roads or structures.
Forest Engineering students take classes to learn how to create equipment that will help with timber production, surveying, and other forestry related activities. These classes cover topics such as civil engineering, engineering design, physics, surveying, and calculus. In order to understand the impact these projects have on forests, students also take additional classes in forestry, ecology, and environmental science.
In 2020-2021, forest engineering was the 354th most popular major nationwide with 41 degrees awarded. This represents a 29.3% reduction in forest engineering degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 53.
This year's Best Forest Engineering Schools ranking compares 1 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom forest engineering rankings further below.
As with other engineering majors, students should have a strong background in math and science. Forest Engineering is rooted in civil and mechanical engineering making analytical and critical thinking skills necessary, as well a proficiency in computer-aided design. Students will learn how to handle multiple projects and lead a team of fellow professionals. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with help you work effectively with others as well as communicate with the general public about project plans and their expected impact.
Forest Engineering graduates can expect to work full time, often in an office setting. However, frequent visits to project locations will be important when surveying the ground to plan and to ensure the project is moving along on schedule.
When looking for new hires, employers place an emphasis on previous experience, making internships, summer jobs, or participation in cooperative engineering programs beneficial to students. While this career is based in engineering, work with places such as the U.S. National Park Service will also provide you with valuable experience and knowledge in forestry.
forest engineering degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific forest engineering careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are many different forest engineering degree levels. Forest Engineering programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest forest engineering degree you can get. The type of forest engineering degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to forest engineering, with approximately 39.3% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to forest engineering tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 47.2% |
| Master’s Degree | 20.8% |
| Doctoral Degree | 17.3% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 4.8% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 3.3% |
About 55.5% of workers in careers related to forest engineering obtain at least master's degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in forest engineering have received.
This of course varies depending on which forest engineering career you choose.
Many Forest Engineering graduates find jobs with organizations such as the U.S. Forestry Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Department of Environmental Conservation. However, others have gone to work for companies that specialize in housing developments, road and highway construction, or logging. This degree provides students with the skills to go into any engineering occupation that deals with forestry.
With the increasing desire to preserve natural resources, Forest Engineering graduates are in demand. Students should not have a difficult time finding a job after graduation.
Want a job when you graduate with your forest engineering degree? Forest Engineering careers are expected to grow 7.1% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to forest engineering.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 190,000 | 5.5% |
| Engineers | 141,000 | 6.4% |
| Engineering Professors | 54,600 | 14.7% |
Forest Engineering graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $50,115 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $50,115 to as high as $50,115. As you might expect, salaries for forest engineering graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for forest engineering graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers forest engineering grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $148,970 |
| Engineering Professors | $113,680 |
| Engineers | $99,410 |
With over 5 different forest engineering degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased forest engineering school rankings to help you with this.
Forest Engineering is one of 40 different types of Engineering programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 46,178 |
| Electrical Engineering | 28,844 |
| Civil Engineering | 21,388 |
| Computer Engineering | 17,987 |
| Chemical Engineering | 12,917 |
Image Credit: By Dresvyannikov Alexander under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
