2-Year Forestry Degree Online: 6 Best Programs in 2023

Are you interested in a 2-year forestry degree online? How about finding out about the best online forestry degree programs? Online degrees are excellent for those unable to attend traditional, on-campus programs. The benefits include flexibility, affordability, and learning at your own pace. In addition, with a forestry degree, you can start a stable career in a growing field (no pun intended). Let’s get started on taking a look at what forestry degrees are available to you today!

Article Navigation: Online Forestry Degrees |  2 Year Forestry Degree Online Programs | Top Online Associate’s Degrees in Forestry | Best Master’s – Online Degree – Forestry | Accreditation | Admission Requirements for Forestry Degree Programs | Is A Two-Year Online Forestry Degree Worth It? | Programs Related to Forestry Degrees | Forestry Degree Careers | Frequently Asked Questions | Still Interested in Getting Your Online Degree in Forestry?

2-Year Online Forestry Degrees

A forestry online degree begins with foundational biology, chemistry, and geology courses. As a student, you then progress to coursework in:

• Forestry – While some positions in forestry only require an associate’s degree, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field.
• Ecology – A bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, biology, etc., is typically required for entry-level positions in ecology. Advanced positions may require a master’s or doctoral degree.
• Natural resources forestry management degree – A bachelor’s degree is generally required.
• Hydrology – A bachelor’s degree in hydrology, geology, environmental science, etc., is the typical requirement for this career. As with other majors, a master’s degree helps you advance in the field.
• Geography – You can qualify with an associate’s degree. However, most employers would like to see a bachelor’s degree.
  Environmental science – Just like geography, the same expectations should be met.

Forestry degrees online offer specialized courses to prepare students for their chosen careers. Yet, any undergrad program starts with foundational courses before moving on to more specialized coursework. For example, biology, chemistry, and geology.

Associate and bachelor's degree programs in forestry may also cover topics such as:

• Forest ecology
• Silviculture
• Forest management

These programs provide students with the principles and practices of forestry. They are often entry-level requirements for this field.

Master’s degree programs in forestry, on the other hand, are more advanced. They typically require students to have a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field. Online master’s in forestry programs offer more specialized coursework and research opportunities. Students get further in-depth into specific forestry areas and prepare for advanced jobs.

2 Year Forestry Degree Online Programs

Degrees have a few different time spans. An associate’s degree takes two years. A bachelor’s degree traditionally takes four; a master’s takes another two to three, give or take.

Most colleges allow students to transfer credits into their programs in order to shorten the timeline. There are also colleges with accelerated programs. Accelerated degrees allow students to finish their program in less time.

For example, say you’ve completed an associate’s degree in forestry. But you want a job that requires a bachelor’s degree in forestry. In this case, you may be able to transfer your associate’s degree credits to the bachelor’s program. However, not all credits may transfer. It depends on the specific courses and grades earned.

Similarly, say you have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology or environmental science. Now you want to pursue a master’s degree in forestry! You may be able to transfer credits from your bachelor’s degree program. Again, the specific courses and grades earned will be taken into account.

In some cases, work experience may also be considered for credit transfer. This is particularly true if you have already worked in the forestry or environmental science field.

Associate’s Degree in Forestry – 2 Year Forestry Degree Online

An associate degree forestry program is a 2-year program. Generally, it provides students with an introduction to the field. Associate-level graduates can qualify for entry-level positions in forestry. However, students may choose to transfer their credits to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

When it comes to an associate degree in forestry, there are two types:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees and
• Associate of Science or Arts (AS or AA) degrees

An AAS degree provides more technical skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce after graduation. Specifically, AAS programs offer hands-on training. They may even include more vocational or practical coursework. In brief, they’re pursued by students interested in a specific career path, such as forestry. They are a great way to gain skills to start working as soon as possible.

On the other hand, an AS or AA degree provides students with a more broad-based education. This often includes general education courses in addition to specialized courses. An AS or AA degree is great for transfer to a four-year institution. Subsequently, students who pursue an AS or AA may further their education beyond the associate level.

Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry

A bachelor’s degree is the most popular type of degree in forestry because professional jobs tend to require it. Unfortunately, there aren’t any accredited bachelor's programs in forestry online that only take two years. General requirements include a minimum GPA and GRE or GMAT scores. Licensing and registration after getting a bachelor’s degree varies by state, but usually requires:

• 4-year degree program
• Training time
• Passing exams

There are more likely two-year bachelor’s degrees in programs related to forestry. For example, fields such as environmental science and agricultural science.

Master’s Degree in Forestry

A master’s degree in forestry is an advanced degree that can take two to three years to complete. Generally, master-level online forestry coursework may include advanced topics in:

• Forest ecology
• Forest management
• Natural resources policy
• Research methods
• Statistics

Because a master’s degree in forestry is beneficial in pursuing specialized knowledge in your career, in almost all occupations, a master’s leads to high-level leadership roles. Many online master’s programs in forestry offer opportunities for internships or research. These provide students with valuable experience in the field. Some master’s programs may also require work experience in addition to coursework.

Also, students with a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field might transfer credits into a master’s program. Consequently, this can reduce the time and cost of completing the degree.

Thesis and capstone requirements are common in master’s degree programs in forestry. A thesis is a research project that requires original data collection and analysis. A capstone is typically a project or paper demonstrating mastery of the program’s coursework. But both options require students to work closely with a faculty advisor to develop and complete the project.

In addition, online master’s degree programs in forestry are becoming more common. Many allow students to complete coursework 100% online. However, some programs still require students to attend in-person classes or complete fieldwork.

Graduates of a master’s degree program are qualified for leadership positions in forestry. Also, they may choose to pursue a doctoral degree in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jobs for those with a master’s degree in forestry are expected to rise by 5% over the course of 2021-2031.

Top Online Associate’s Degrees in Forestry

Online associate’s degrees in forestry provide foundational knowledge in forest ecosystems and management practices. They typically take two years to complete. Some of the top online forestry associate’s degrees include an Associate of Applied Science in:

• Natural Resource Management
• Urban Forest Management
• Natural Resources

1. Barton Community College

   Degree: Associate in Science in Wildlife Science
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $100-$200 per credit hour

   BCC’s Forestry Associate’s Degree in Science in Wildlife Science provides core wildlife degrees online. The online forestry courses prepare you to transfer to a four-year college.

   This 2-year forestry degree online program requires a total of 60 credit hours. You can complete the associate’s degree online, or various online forestry certificate programs are also available.

   Barton’s Community College prepares you for careers like:

   – Game wardens
   – Park rangers
   – Zoologists
   – Veterinary medicine

   The cost per credit hour at Barton’s online campus ranges anywhere from $100 to $200. They have an academic development center and programs for the military.

   Find Out More

    

2. Dakota College at Bottineau

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Urban Forest Management
   Total Cost (In-State): $2,600 per semester
   Total Cost (Out-of-State): $3,800 per semester

   Check out the Dakota College Urban Forest Management AAS. This 2-year forestry degree online program is for students looking for a career working in the tree care industry. Students learn:

   – Tree identification
   – Tree care
   – Disease management
   – Urban forest management

   The college also has a one-year diploma program with the same topics covered. Tuition for the forestry schools ranges from $2,600 to $3,800 per semester, depending on whether you are a resident or live out-of-state. The AAS and online forestry certificate programs often lead to jobs in municipalities or park and recreation departments.

   Forestry classes online freshman year include:

   – Urban Trees and Shrubs
   – Arboriculture
   – Soil Science
   – Plant Disease Management

   The sophomore year includes online forestry courses such as urban green spaces, arboricultural practices, and pruning principles.

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Best Master’s – Online Degree – Forestry

These master’s programs provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in forest management, conservation, and policy. Consequently, online master’s degrees come with several designations, including:

• Master of Forestry
• Forest Molecular Genetics
• Science in Forest Resources
• Conservation and Ecological Restoration

1. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

   Degree: Master of Forest Biomaterials
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $12,044

   NCSU has a non-thesis master’s program that consists of 30 credit hours. This is if you have one or more years of industry experience. With no experience, they require 36 credit hours to be taken. The complete cost of the program is $12,044.

   The graduate program also emphasizes the minor degree focus in areas such as:

   – Organic chemistry
   – Polymer chemistry
   – Chemical engineering

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2. American Public University System

   Degree: Master of Science in Environmental Policy & Management / Fish & Wildlife Management
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $425 per credit hour

   This program focuses on global problems such as pollution, natural resources, and wildlife management. Being one of the few wildlife degrees online, this program focuses on becoming a park ranger, biologist, or environmental scientist.

   The faculty at APUS has scholars from many reputable forestry agencies. Students get the most up-to-date information in the field from these experts.

   The cost of tuition per credit hour at APU is $250 for military veterans and $425 for regular students. Overall, the program is 36 credits in total. Those transferring can do so with up to 15 credits. Also, students can get credit for work experience, and books are provided at no cost.

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3. Oregon State University

   Degree: Professional Science Master’s in Fisheries & Wildlife Administration
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): ~$25,000

   Oregon State’s program is 45 credit hours, and students have the ability to transfer up to 15 credit hours. It is just over $25,000 for the entire program.

   Overall, the degree focuses on students creating a thesis for peer-review publication. It has two kinds of MS degrees. One in wildlife science and one in fisheries science. Students must spend one term at the Hatfield Marine Science Center as part of their education. The Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit has research programs funded partially by:

   – Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
   – Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey

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4. Texas A & M University – Master of Wildlife Science

   Degree: Master of Wildlife Science
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $28,760

   Texas A&M uses problem-solving skills in science and technology to benefit humanity. They provide education on a broad spectrum of all wildlife science, along with real-world experience to add. It is a non-thesis degree, and you need a bachelor’s degree to be eligible to enter the program. Also, it is an asynchronous program, allowing you to work on your own schedule. In addition, it has both on-campus and online degrees in forestry possible, depending on your lifestyle.

   This forestry school’s tuition is currently at $28,760 and is 36 credit hours total. You can transfer up to 12 hours of graduate credit.

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Accreditation

To become accredited, a program must meet certain standards. Standards relate to curriculum, faculty, student experience, and other factors. Indeed, an accredited degree is not always required to work in the field of forestry. However, many employers prefer a degree from an accredited institution. Accreditation also affects transfer credits. Say you’ve earned an associate’s degree from a school without accreditation. Now you’re ready to apply to a bachelor’s program from an accredited school. The accredited school may not accept the associate credits, and your timeline and cost will change.

Regional accreditation is the most important and observed accreditation standard among all legitimate colleges and the US Department of Education. It’s an institutional accreditation, so it covers entire schools. Programmatic accreditation is important for more specialized fields. The programmatic accreditor for forestry degrees is the SAF.

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) provides programmatic accreditation for all forestry and natural resource programs. The SAF ensures that programs meet academic and industry standards. Overall, it verifies that a program will prepare students for careers in the field.

After a bachelor’s forestry degree program online, students can become SAF Certified Foresters. That includes the completion of an additional SAF exam. The SAF requires 60 continuing education credits every three years to maintain certification. To pursue the 60 continuing credits, you can attend workshops, seminars, and conferences related to the forestry field.

Forestry organizations or schools typically host these events. They provide continuing education and professional development. Additionally, you can pursue continuing education credits through online courses, webinars, or self-study programs. The SAF maintains a list of approved continuing education courses and events that count towards the 60-credit requirement.

Admission Requirements for Forestry Degree Programs

Associate

Overall, getting into an associate’s program is fairly basic. The requirement for acceptance into an associate’s degree in forestry online program is a high school diploma or GED. Still, the GPA requirement may vary depending on the school you which to attend. Check out your school’s admission requirements to determine if letters of recommendation or other things are needed.

Bachelor

To get into a bachelor’s online degree in forestry program, the following are essential:

• A high school diploma or GED
  ACT or SAT score (depending on the institution)
  Math and science courses in high school

To expand on this, many online bachelor’s degrees in forestry have more specific admission requirements. In addition to a high school diploma or GED, students may be required to:

• Submit their ACT or SAT scores
  Give transcripts from any previous college coursework
  Provide letters of recommendation

In terms of high school coursework, students should focus on math and science courses. For example, biology, chemistry, and physics. This will help build a strong foundation in the principles and concepts that are fundamental to the study of forestry. Some colleges may also require prerequisite courses in forestry or related fields before being accepted into the program.

Master

Master’s programs in forestry require:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Often in a related field such as biology, ecology, or environmental science.
• Some programs may have specific prerequisites, such as statistics or natural resources management coursework, that must be completed before admission.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA for admission to a master’s program in forestry. This varies depending on the institution and the specific program but typically ranges from a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA.

Many master's programs in forestry online also require the completion of a thesis or capstone project. Those involve original research and presenting the findings in a written or oral presentation. Generally, this is an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned and gain experience in research methods and analysis.

Not all master’s programs in forestry require a thesis or capstone project. Some programs offer a non-thesis option that involves completing additional coursework or an extensive exam in lieu of a thesis.

PhD

To get your Ph.D. in forestry, you need a certain number of credit hours. Schools have certain requirements depending on where you attend. For example:

• Appraisal examination
• Preparation and defense of a thesis
• Original and independent research
• Research proposal and dissertation

Admission into a Ph.D. program in forestry can be highly competitive. That’s due to the limited number of available jobs and the high level of academic achievement required. Generally, students who apply to Ph.D. programs in forestry have already completed a bachelor’s and a master’s. They have demonstrated significant research experience and academic success. Not to mention dedication to the field of forestry.

For admission, applicants must typically submit a variety of materials, including:

• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose
• GRE scores

In addition to these materials, some programs require a writing sample or an interview process.

Furthermore, admission to a Ph.D. program in forestry often requires a well-defined research interest or project that aligns with the faculty and resources available through that program. Carefully research your programs of interest. Identify faculty members who are conducting research in areas that align with your interests.

Overall, a Ph.D. can be quite competitive. You must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, research potential, and a clear passion for the field.

Is A Two-Year Online Forestry Degree Worth It?

Are forestry degrees worth it? Yes! There are unique careers in forestry that make getting a degree valuable. Also, this is a degree heavily focused on natural science and management. In other words, a degree could apply to related careers as well.

Some careers directly related to forestry degrees include:

• Forest manager
• Urban forester or arborist
• Park ranger
• Wildlife manager
• Conservation officer
• Ecologist
• Firefighter

Online forestry courses will be different from in-person programs. As far as the benefits of online learning go, online degrees:

• Are often more affordable than traditional courses
• Offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling and course selection

When it comes to getting your degree, the more knowledge you have, the better. Higher degrees bring in significantly higher income for a person. Along with higher pay, degrees can lead to professional certifications. According to the BLS, your average conservationists and foresters make around $63,750 annually. With a degree, it’s possible to rank within the highest 10% of these professionals, earning roughly $100,440 annually.

Programs Related to 2 Year Forestry Degree Online

You may be set on pursuing a direct forestry degree online. However, many alternative programs can lead to forestry careers or a master’s in forestry. Most of these programs are in the science field, such as:

• Environmental science
• Environmental engineering
• Ecology
• Biology
• Geography
• Natural resource management

Forestry Degree Careers

Forestry degree programs lead to careers in the natural resources and environmental fields. Currently, the median wage with having an associate in forestry degree earns you roughly $64,000, according to the BLS. The following are some top career paths for those with a degree in forestry:

• Forester – Foresters manage and oversee the health of forests and other natural resources. This includes planning and implementing strategies to maintain the health and sustainability of the forest.
• Environmental Scientist –  Environmental scientists study the natural environment and develop strategies to protect it. They also work to minimize the negative impact of human activities on the environment.
• Conservation Scientist – Conservation scientists protect and preserve natural resources. They study the ecosystems and develop plans to protect them.
• Wildlife Biologist – Wildlife biologists study animal behavior, populations, and habitats. They develop plans to protect endangered species, manage wildlife populations, etc.
• Park Ranger – Park rangers manage and maintain national and state parks. They also protect the natural resources within them. Their day-to-day includes providing information to visitors about the park and enforcing park regulations.

FAQ – 2-Year Forestry Degree Online

What can I do with an online forestry degree?

An online forestry degree provides education and training for various jobs. For example, you develop expertise in ecosystems, forest management, natural resource policy, and other topics. You may seek employment right after college or pursue graduate education.

Are there any online Ph.D. programs in forestry?

Online Ph.D. programs in forestry are rare. But traditional on-campus programs are widely available. Forestry Ph.D. programs teach students advanced skills and deep subject knowledge.

How to make money with a forestry degree?

You can get many jobs with a forestry degree that pay well. Here are some examples:

• Logger – National average salary: $15.12 per hour
• Amenity horticulturist – National average salary: $17.15 per hour
• Forest ranger – National average salary: $35,775 per year
• Wildland firefighter – National average salary: $17.48 per hour
• Forester – National average salary: $52,639 per year
• Conservation science professor – National average salary: $4,429 per month

Which course is best for forestry?

The best classes are found in a mix of ecology and biology in the field.

Do most careers in forestry require a college education?

A degree in forestry or a related field, such as natural resource management or environmental science, is typically required for entry-level positions in the forestry industry.

Still Interested in Getting Your 2 Year Forestry Degree Online?

If you’re passionate about the environment, then an online degree forestry program can help you achieve your goals. With an online forestry degree, you can gain what’s needed to pursue a career in forestry and make a positive impact on the environment. Check out GetEducated.com for more information about online degree programs!