Overview

See Department website and program contacts here

The Natural Resources Technology: Forest Resources (AAS) degree is designed for students seeking careers in forestry, natural resource management, conservation, and environmental field operations. The curriculum combines forestry science with hands-on technical training to prepare students for employment in a variety of outdoor and natural resource settings.

Coursework includes topics such as reforestation, mapping, timber appraisal, land surveying, stream surveys, wildlife habitat enhancement, wildfire suppression, and outdoor recreation management. Students develop practical field skills through outdoor laboratory experiences and applied learning activities.

The Forest Resources program is workforce-focused and prepares students for careers with local, state, and federal agencies, parks departments, forest management organizations, and private industry involved in forestry and natural resource management.

The Natural Resources Technology: Forest Resources program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) under its Forestry standards.

Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.

Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:

• Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
• Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings

Program Learning Objectives

At the completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Perform relevant field tasks required of natural resource technicians
• Use a broad range of technological tools to research, document, map, measure, record and analyze data relevant to natural resources
• Demonstrate a practical understanding of Pacific Northwest forest ecosystems
• Demonstrate knowledge of social influences on ecosystem management
• Demonstrate professional skills needed for successful job performance

Education Plan

This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.

Selected courses may be transferred to several four-year institutions in appropriate bachelor’s degree programs. Check with the program adviser for current information. Note: Students who placed into MTH060 Beginning Algebra I must complete it during their first term in the program.

General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program. 

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Students are expected to use Excel spreadsheets in their NRT courses. Those unfamiliar with spreadsheets are advised to enroll in an Excel course before first or second quarter.

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Successful completion of MTH095 Intermediate Algebra with Right Triangle Trigonometry or higher (excluding MTH098) will replace both MTH065 Beginning Algebra II and MTH084 Applied Trigonometry with Modeling

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PSY101 Psychology of Human Relations, HUM202 Ethics in the Workplace  (Cultural Literacy course)  or BA285 Leadership and Human Relations are recommended. See adviser for transferability information.

Related Electives to reach 90 credits, if needed:

Transfer Schools

• Oregon State University
• Humboldt State University
• University of Idaho

Career Information

Explore potential careers related to this program, including typical job roles, employment trends, and projected growth. This information can help you better understand how your education may align with future career opportunities.