Students who complete the Associate Degree with an acceptable grade point average have the option of transferring into the Forestry major to complete their bachelor's degree. One-half of the 40,000 professional foresters in the United States work for a government agency, manage publicly owned forest land or conduct research and educational programs related to forest management and conservation. Foresters are employed by the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, forestry departments in each state, and many other agencies. Many public agencies have strong affirmative action programs for women and members of ethnic minority groups. This type of forestry employment is widespread in New England.
Jobs exist with both city agencies and private tree-care companies.
Jobs of this kind are found throughout the U.S., but are concentrated in the southern and western parts of the country, and in northern New England. Many graduates gain their first professional experience in forestry as volunteers in the Peace Corps which has markedly increased the size of its forestry program in recent years. Summer positions are available with the U.S. Forest Service, the National ParkService, The Nature Conservancy, international exchange programs and numerous otheroptions. Three other majors in the department are Natural Resource Studies , Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation , and Building Materials and Wood Technology. A student chapter of the SAF is active in organizing seminars, working on projects in the University forests, and conducting service projects.