The program's goal is to educate professional forest managers who can think critically and integrate ecological principles within sociopolitical frameworks. Foresters work in a variety of environments and for many kinds of organizations. 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.
Research and teaching can also be rewarding careers for those who pursue graduate degrees. Urban forestry option Urban forestry is the management of forested ecosystems dominated by human activity. Urban foresters are responsible for caring for trees and forests which exist within or close or cities, towns, and villages. Urban forestry differs from traditional forestry and arborculture in that it takes an ecological approach to management of the urban forest as a whole rather than concentrating on individual trees or stands. Career opportunities for urban foresters are expanding rapidly in both the private and public sectors.