Detailed Look at Online Forestry Degrees
Explore top-rated colleges with online forestry degrees, from undergraduate certificates to advanced degrees. Take the next step toward protecting our natural forest ecosystems by finding the right program for you below.
The Best Online Forestry Degree Programs
A forestry degree can lead to a variety of exciting career options as a ranger, conservation specialist, environmental biologist, and many more for those who are environmentally conscious. Before selecting a specialization, however, choosing the right forestry degree program for you is the real first step to making your career goals happen.
No two online forestry degree programs are the same: Each offers different combinations of education philosophy, subject focus, program format, curriculum requirements, and other elements. The key is to find the online programs that best fit your professional goals, personal needs and study preferences.
A great way to begin your program search is with this list of the best online forestry degree programs below. We’ve chosen these top-ranking schools based on several important factors for prospective forestry students like you: affordability, financial aid availability, accreditation, and course delivery format. Learn more about our top choices for online forestry degree programs by reading on.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for graduate students per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Gainesville, Florida
The University of Florida's School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences offers a Master of Science (MS) in Forest Resources and Conservation, and the program's 30 credits can be completed in-person or online. You will have the option of completing original, graduate-level research if you choose the thesis option for your degree program. Regardless of whether students choose thesis or non-thesis plan, everyone is assigned faculty advisors. The thesis students are assigned three advisors, while non-thesis students are only assigned one advisor. You will also have the option of choosing a specialization in one of several focus areas, including geomatics, natural resource policy and administrtion, and ecological restoration. Interested prospective students should apply online if they have an accredited undergraduate degree.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Forest Resources & Conservation
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 Years
- Cost: $565-$620/credit
- Mode: In-Person, Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
2
Auburn, Alabama
The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University offers two different online master's degree programs--the Master of Forest Business and Investment, and the Master of Natural Resources. While the former focuses on the forest industry from a business perspective, and the economics of forestry, the latter is an interdisciplinary program which can be personalized to include diverse courses such as forest ecology and businessaspects of natural resources. For both programs, prospective students with an accredited undergraduate degree and a minimum GPA of 2.75 should apply online. Neither degree has a requirement for thesis or GRE score.
Program Highlights:
Master of Forest Business and Investment; Master of Natural Resources
- Credits: 30-31
- Length: 1-2 Years
- Cost: $594 (in-state)-$1,782 (out-of-state)/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
3
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Mississippi State University offers a fully-online Master of Science in Foresty program. The program consists of 30 credits, which focus on the ecological sciences as they pertain to forestry, natural resource management, hydrology, and forestry from a business perspective. Students will also become well-versed in forestry measurements and statistics. All online degree students are eligible for in-state tuition, regardless of residency. Interested students should hold an accredited undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and apply online. Applications are open twice per year.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Forestry
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 Years
- Cost: $537/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
4
Columbia, Missouri
5
Fort Collins, Colorado
6
Corvallis, Oregon
7
East Lansing, Michigan
Program that might interest you:
Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: BS in Environmental Science
Learn to analyze environmental issues and repair and prevent damage caused by climate change with this online bachelor’s from Southern New Hampshire University. Enjoy 24/7 online accessibility and one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation. Courses include geology, ecological principles & field methods, environmental research methods, and more. Request info today.
Top 5 Reasons to Enroll
1
Broaden your career opportunities in the natural resources field.
A forestry degree or certificate allows you to pursue a broad range of related occupations, including forest ranger, forest management technician, wetlands specialist, conservation specialist, environmental biologist, and many, many more.
2
Complete your forestry education while still working.
Schools offering online forestry degrees and certificates design their programs with the convenience and flexibility that allows you to complete your studies while maintaining your current employment.
3
Study at a potentially lower cost than on-campus programs.
Online forestry programs sometimes feature lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. You can take the money saved and use it for major expenses like housing and transportation.
4
Earn respected professional certifications.
Possessing a certification, like the Society of American Forester’s (SAF) Certified Forester or Candidate Certified Forester, demonstrates a high level of professional competence. Both SAF certifications require a college degree from a SAF-accredited degree program.
5
Fulfill your continuing education requirements remotely.
Online continuing education programs and courses, like those offered by the (SAF), allow certified and state licensed forestry professionals to conveniently fulfill their continuing education requirements from the comfort of their own homes or offices.
Understanding Your Options
There are seven types of forestry postsecondary education: the career diploma, associate and bachelor’s undergraduate degrees, master’s and doctoral graduate degrees, and undergraduate and graduate certificates. Each targets specific academic and career needs for students and has unique admissions requirements. All forestry degree and certificate types have some level of distance learning available. Take a look at the options below:
At a Glance: Comparing Different Education Options
| Program Type | Total Credits (Semester) | Time to Complete | Availability Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career Diploma in Forestry | Do not award credits typically | 4 to 6 months full-time Up to 1 year or longer part-time | Fully-online with asynchronous/self-paced study. |
| Undergraduate Forestry Certificate | 18-33 | 1 year full-time, although some programs allow more time for completion. | Fully-online coursework delivered asynchronously. |
| Associate Degree in Forestry | 60-65 | 2 years full-time Part-time options with longer completion times are common. | Programs may be entirely online or include some online/on-campus coursework and/or other in-person components. |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry | 180 | 4 years full-time. 2 to 3 years for some accelerated programs. 5 years or more for part-time programs. | On-campus, with some online coursework for some forestry-specific programs. Fully-online or partially-online for related majors. |
| Graduate Certificate in Forestry | 12-19 | 1 to 2 years full-time. Part-time study options up to 3 years are common. | Most certificate programs are 100% online, while others include hybrid coursework or other in-person components. |
| Master’s Degree in Forestry | 30 | 2 to 3 years full-time. Part-time completion times up to 7 years are common. | Programs may be 100% online, mostly online, or mostly on-campus. Some programs include additional in-person components. |
| PhD in Forestry | 40-80 (including didactic coursework, research, and dissertation) | Up to 7 or 8 years total, full-time or part-time, to complete all coursework and dissertation. | On-campus programs are the most common, although some may include online courses. In-person research and dissertation presentations are typically required. |
Forestry Diploma Online Options
Earning a career diploma in forestry qualifies graduates for entry-level positions in the wildlife and forestry conservation field. Diploma programs offer introductory courses in wildlife, forests, rangeland, fish, and parks management, as well as conservation and wildlife law enforcement. Graduates typically find jobs as forestry technicians and culturalists, and as tree farm and nursery laborers.
Online forestry career diploma programs can normally be completed entirely online via asynchronous coursework. Programs can be completed in as little as four to six months, but most programs are self-paced, allowing students ample time for completion. Program length and study flexibility make online forestry diplomas a great choice for those interested in entering the job market quickly but without the time or resources to take on a full degree program.
Undergraduate Online Forestry Certificate Programs
Undergraduate certificates in forestry and related subjects are designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in a range of occupations with federal, state, and municipal public agencies, as well as private businesses and nonprofit organizations. Curriculums often mirror the major-subject coursework of an associate degree program minus that degree’s general education requirements.
Online undergraduate forestry certificate programs are available from both two-year and four-year schools. Credit requirements vary by program, but most are designed to be completed with one year of full-time study. Programs are typically offered in a fully-online format with asynchronous coursework. Titles for online certificate programs include:
Online Associate Degrees in Forestry
Associate degrees in forestry serve two basic functions for students. First, they prepare students for entry-level positions in forestry, environmental science, natural resources, and other related fields. Second, they allow students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree in forestry (or closely-related field) to complete much of their general education and foundational major-subject coursework in a convenient and affordable associate program prior to transferring to a bachelor’s degree program.
Titles for associate degrees currently offered online include:
Specializations, such as environmental science, natural resources, and earth science, may be also be available.
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Forestry
To qualify for most forestry jobs, you will likely need to earn a bachelor’s degree. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor’s degree in forestry or related field – like environmental science, rangeland management, or agricultural science – is typically required for a career as a forester or conservation scientist.
Unfortunately, online bachelor’s degree programs in forestry are extremely rare. In fact, fully-online bachelor’s degree programs specifically in forestry are practically nonexistent in the U.S. There are, however, online bachelor’s programs in forestry-related major subjects, such as natural resources, environmental science, environmental studies, and geosciences. You will also find traditional on-campus programs that feature general education and even some major-subject coursework that can be completed online.
Examples of forestry-related online bachelor’s degree titles include:
Graduate Online Forestry Certificate Programs
Online forestry degree options grow substantially when you reach the graduate level. This is particularly true for graduate-level certificates. Online graduate certificates in forestry are designed to provide training to forestry professionals seeking to expand their knowledge base in a specialized area. They’re also an excellent option for professionals working in fields such as environmental science, agriculture, and natural resources, who are interested in expanding their career opportunities to include positions in forestry.
Online graduate certificate programs in forestry are available from public and private colleges alike. Titles for online graduate certificates in forestry and closely-related subjects include:
Online Master’s Degrees in Forestry
Online master’s degrees in forestry are quite popular and are designed primarily for mid-level professionals who are looking to pursue leadership and management positions in their areas of practice. Programs highlight knowledge and training in a range of subjects, including forest management, forest economics, and natural resource law and policy.
Some online programs require completion of a thesis or capstone project, which may include an in-person component. Final oral examinations which sometimes require an on-campus appearance may also be part of the degree program. Degree title examples include:
Learn more about online forestry degrees at the master’s level.
PhD in Forestry Online Programs
Online PhD programs in forestry are rare, but traditional on-campus programs are available from public and private colleges throughout the nation and more online programs may be offered in the future.
Forestry PhD programs teach students advanced skills and deep subject knowledge. The curriculum often covers both high-level topics and specialized areas such as forest management, forest economics, restoration ecology, biotechnology, silviculture, hydrology, and natural resource and environmental policy. Degree programs feature intensive coursework and research leading to the writing, presentation, and defense of a dissertation. PhD degrees in forestry prepare graduates for top-tier forestry careers, as well as research and teaching positions in postsecondary academia.
Examples of forestry-related PhD degree titles (on-campus and online) include:
Degree Spotlight: Online Master’s in Forestry
Master’s degrees in forestry are geared toward providing the knowledge and skills needed for advanced practice and leadership roles in forestry research, management, policy, teaching, outreach, and more. Most students enrolled in these programs are working adults who must fit their degree studies into already busy job and life schedules. Colleges and universities know this and design their online programs with the working student in mind. Below is a comprehensive look at the elements and features you can expect to find in your online master’s degree forestry program.
Practical Forestry Skills Gained in an Online Master’s
Students in forestry master’s degree programs gain a wide variety of skills that can be applied to their professional practice, including:
Common Online Forestry Courses in a Master’s Program
Forestry master’s degree curriculums feature advanced coursework covering a wide range of issues and topics that apply the concepts and practices of the biological, physical, and social sciences to the forestry field. Below are descriptions of courses offered by online forestry-related master’s degree programs:
Carbon Sequestration in Forests
Carbon sequestration refers to the processes used to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Through lectures, discussions, and simulation modeling, students in this course learn about the various methods for controlling the sequestration of carbon in forests and wood products.
Ecology of Managed Forests
This course provides an overview of the underlying concepts surrounding the sustainable management of forests with a focus on such topics as insects, pathogens, and natural disturbance events. Included is a review of the evolution of silviculture and its relationship to timber and non-timber resource usage.
Fire Ecology
Fire ecology covers the origins of wildland fire and its effects on the surrounding environment. This course examines those effects, specifically in regard to native plant and animal species, including their adaptive behaviors, as well as the relationship between fire ecology and sustainable forest management.
Forest Policy
Students learn about governmental and non-governmental policies affecting forest land management. Topics discussed include biological diversity and ecosystem health, meeting sustainability goals, political and economic considerations, and the development of new policies to meet future business and environmental challenges.
Forest Resource Economics
This course teaches students the fundamentals of forest resource valuation, and covers a number of related topics such as risk assessment, property rights, regulatory policy, and the marketing of timber products.
Graduation Requirements to Earn a Forestry Master’s Degree
Besides standard coursework, online forestry master’s programs often include one or more additional graduation components, some of which require on-campus or other in-person appearances by the student.
Thesis
Some programs require completion of a research-based written thesis. Thesis requirements themselves include a given number of coursework credits and research hours. Students must also present an in-person defense of their thesis, although some programs allow the defense to be presented online.
Capstone Project
A capstone project differs from the thesis in that it focuses on the identification of a real-world problem and development of practical solutions to solve it, and is presentation-based. Presentations and defenses are typically made in-person.
Final Written or Oral Examinations
Final examinations may or may not be part of a master’s degree program. In most cases, oral exams will be administered on-campus and may be combined with an in-person thesis defense or capstone project presentation.
Admissions Criteria for Forestry Master’s Programs
Specific admissions requirements for forestry master’s programs vary from program to program. However, there are a number of requirements common to most.
By the Numbers: Tuition Costs for a Master’s in Forestry Online
Cost is always a major factor in choosing any college degree or certificate program, online forestry programs included. The chart below provides examples of tuition costs (as of summer 2019) for five online forestry master’s programs. These figures show tuition costs only, however. Total program costs will likely include additional fees.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University | 30 | $705 | $21,150 |
| Mississippi State University | 30 | $489 | $14,670 |
| Oregon State University | 45 | $560 | $25,200 |
| University of Florida | 30 | $565 | $16,950 |
| University of Missouri | 30 | $368 | $11,028 |
Need some help paying for your online forestry degree or certificate? Check out our financial aid and scholarships guides for helpful ways to save on college.
Checking Accreditation: A Vital Step in Your Program Search
Accreditation is the process used to confirm that colleges and universities – and their degree and certificate programs – meet or exceed stated minimum quality academic standards.
There are two types of postsecondary education accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is conferred on colleges and universities by both regional and national accreditation agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Programmatic accreditation of forestry degree programs in the U.S. is administered by the Society of American Foresters.
Proper accreditation is crucial, and prospective students should seek out only those degree programs with both institutional and programmatic accreditation. Students can determine the accreditation status of schools and programs they’re considering by visiting specific degree program websites or by visiting the websites of the accrediting agencies listed by the U.S. Department of Education.
What Can You Do with an Online Forestry Degree?
Getting an online forestry degree can lead to many rewarding career paths. Some of the most common careers are listed below, along with salary and career outlook information for each. Information and data were taken from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and O*NET websites.