What Can I Do With a Major In Forestry?

UGA Specific Information for Forestry

Forestry is the profession of sustainably managing forest lands to meet society’s demands for wood, clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation, conservation of forest flora and fauna, and climate amelioration. The Forestry major at UGA is the only 4-year degree program in the state of Georgia that is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), and it meets the educational requirements for the SAF Certified Forester credential. Graduates from this major are also eligible to become state-licensed, registered foresters. The Forestry major provides a firm understanding of forest ecosystems, the way people view and utilize the forest, and the management tools and concepts applied in forest management. The curriculum stresses “hands-on” field experience, teamwork, and developing critical thinking skills through problem analysis.

Graduates frequently take employment in the region’s dynamic forest products industry, with forestry or environmental consulting firms, or with public land management agencies. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EMPLOYERS/POSITION TITLES and GRADUATE SCHOOLS/PROGRAMS REPORTED FOR THIS MAJOR

Class of 2023 Career Outcomes for Forestry*

** Includes Self-Employed

Campus Resources

To find additional clubs and organizations, go to the Center for Student Organizations 

Connect with your Career Consultant for guidance and support

Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations

Licensure: 

Some states have forester credentialing laws including licensing and registration statutes. Some states may accept parts of the Society of American Foresters (SAF) certification program including, but not limited to, passage of the examination and Continuing Forestry Education. Please contact the state board for detailed information using the contact information available at the link below. 

Both licensing and registration requirements usually require a 4-year degree in forestry and several years of forestry work experience. Candidates who want a license also may be required to pass an exam.

*Source: The Society of American Foresters

Additional Career Research Resources

O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  

My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  

Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  

Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  

Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  

UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  

Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 

Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  

Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.

Employment Websites

GENERAL

  • Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  

  • LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 

  • Idealist (non-profit jobs) 

  • USAJobs (federal jobs) 

MAJOR SPECIFIC

Professional Associations/Resources

Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2023 Forestry majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer Position Title(s)
Florida Forest Service Forester
Georgia Power Company Utility Arborist
Interfor Procurement Forester Intern
Larson & McGowin LLC Forester
* denotes no responses received.
*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2023 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2023 Forestry majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School Program(s)
University of Georgia Forest Resources, MFR
University of Georgia Forest Resources, MFR
University of Georgia Forest Resources, MFR
University of Georgia Forest Resources, MFR
University of Georgia Forest Resources, MFR
University of Georgia Forest Resources, MFR
University of Georgia Natural Resources, MNR
* denotes no responses received.

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