In the process of providing these products, foresters must be able to understand ecological processes as well as social and economic frameworks and be able to communicate ideas effectively. The forestry program at Ohio State provides a balanced, integrated program of teaching, research, and service with specific strengths in forest biology, management, and reclamation. The program's goal is to educate professional forest managers who can think critically and integrate ecological principles within socio-political frameworks. Many foresters work for state and federal agencies managing public lands or providing technical assistance to private landowners. Students with an interest in other cultures and ecosystems will find excellent opportunities in international programs.
Private corporations employ foresters to manage woodlands for pulp and timber operations.
Opportunities exist for consulting foresters who operate their own businesses. Foresters who pursue graduate degrees can find rewarding careers in research and teaching. All freshman applicants are considered within a competitive admission process for Autumn, Winter, and Summer quarters for the Columbus campus. The GEC is a body of courses designed to assure that each student becomes acquainted with the basic areas of academic study. In addition, all students in the School of Natural Resources complete Integrated Natural Resources Management and a University capstone course.