Are you looking for a degree that challenges you academically, provides exciting opportunities to enrich your university experience, and opens the door to a breadth of in-demand careers? UBC’s Faculty of Forestry – one of the world’s top ranked forestry schools – has six degrees that span topics from wood engineering and sustainability to soil science and urban planning.
No matter which Forestry program you study, you’ll be part of a diverse, close-knit community where faculty get to know their students by name, and where you have ample opportunities to dig deeper into your specialization with hand on field and lab work, research, travel, and unique classroom experiences.
Bachelor of Science in Forest Sciences
If you have an inquisitive mind and want to unravel the mysteries of nature, Forest Sciences is an ideal program for you. You’ll study the scientific principles related to the growth and development of forest organisms and the ecology of plant and animal communities. This knowledge will help you better understand aspects of our forests such as wildlife, fire, insects, diseases, soil, tree genetics, and forest regeneration. When you graduate, you may be eligible for the Registered Professional Biologist accreditation through the College of Applied Biology, and for the Registered Professional Forester accreditation through the Association of BC Forest Professionals.
“I like the flexibility in terms of choosing what topic within Forest Sciences that I can focus on. There are suggested specializations, such as hydrology or entomology, but I’m also able to choose a topic that I’m interested in. There is a specialization in International Forestry, where students are required to spend time abroad and learn about forest ecosystems in a global context.”
–Jennifer Hong, alumna, Forest Sciences
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Bachelor of Science in Forestry
The interdisciplinary Forestry program combines biological, physical, and social sciences with technology to advance your understanding of sustainable forest management. Among other areas, you’ll develop your knowledge in topics spanning forest planning and management to the operational aspects of extracting timber.
“I decided to go into Forest Resources Management at UBC because I love being in the forest. I am extremely passionate about protecting our natural resources and managing them properly. It has given me the opportunity to learn to manage B.C. forests in a sustainable manner. The field schools provide a safe outdoor learning environment that allows students to apply their skills prior to working in the industry.”
–Thomson Kennedy, 4th year, Forest Resources Management
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation
Have you ever considered working in conservation? Do you want to play an active role in protecting and managing our natural environment, such as wildlife, forests, rivers, oceans, and land? In Natural Resources Conservation, the faculty’s most popular degree program, you’ll learn about the maintenance of habitats and the persistence of diverse natural resources, and gain a better understanding of the balance that is needed among environmental, social, economic, cultural, and aesthetic values. With certain criteria, students may be eligible for the Registered Professional Biologist accreditation through the College of Applied Biology.
“The Natural Resources Conservation Program will give you the skills and knowledge to meet the big challenges our world is facing right now. It will help you think holistically about how different disciplines can come together to solve our biggest environmental challenges and achieve a balance between our increasing needs for goods and services and the protection of our ecosystems.”
–Valentina Coy, 3rd year, Natural Resources Conservation
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Bachelor of Science in Wood Products Processing
UBC – home to one of the tallest wood buildings on the planet – is considered a world leader in the development and advancement of innovative and sustainable wood products. In the wood products program, you’ll gain a broad understanding of wood science, business, and advanced manufacturing operations while you develop essential transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, leadership, and teamwork.
“If you are interested in building a successful professional career in an innovative, creative, and sustainable industry, then the Wood Products Processing program will provide you with a strong foundation. The faculty offers a strong co-op program, a positive tri-mentoring program, and a range of leadership-building classes.”
–Jonathan Jean-Hwa Chu, 4th year, Wood Products Processing
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Bachelor of Urban Forestry
The Urban Forestry program – the first of its kind in Canada – teaches you about planning and managing urban green spaces and ecosystems for human welfare, ecological health, and the protection of our cities’ support systems. You could learn how to tackle the problems arising from increased urban populations and global warming, and help create more sustainable and greener communities.
“The program gave me the ability to balance an urban lifestyle while pursuing my passion for the outdoors. When I was just getting started, I quickly realized that the industry is buzzing and that the skills I was learning were in high demand. The design aspects of the program allowed my ideas to come to life and curated a set of practical skills for producing green sustainable landscapes. My favourite part of the urban forestry program was solving real-life problems by using green design, making cities more liveable. The integrated foundation of traditional forestry, landscape architecture, and design makes the urban forestry program the most competitive degree in the expanding greenspace management industry.”
– Reginald Daniel, Alumnus, Urban Forestry
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Forest Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology (BEST)
Are you interested in being a part of the world’s shift from fossil fuels to sustainable sources? The BEST program is the faculty’s newest BSc degree and the first in Canada to focus on the growing bioeconomy including the production of renewable biological resources and transforming them into valuable products. You’ll learn how to design and develop innovative products and biofuels from forest and plant materials, as well as guide government policies and land use strategies for a sustainable future.
“Starting this September, the BEST program will enrol its inaugural class, learning the sciences required to address the global challenge of combatting climate change using biobased alternatives.”
-Dr Scott Renneckar, Program Director Forestry Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology
Learn more about Forest Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology
Elevate Your Degree
Choosing to do your undergraduate degree in Forestry opens some exciting doors. Discover how you can also major in business or education, be a part of an exchange program, connect with mentors, or enjoy field schools.
Co-operative education opportunities
Completing a co-op is your chance to get real-world experience, make an average salary of $3,133 per month, and begin building your professional network. All six Forestry programs offer co-ops so that you can learn about possible careers and jobs in your field of interest. UBC Forestry students have completed co-ops at companies like West Fraser, Interfor, and J.D. Irving, as well as local municipalities, the provincial and federal governments, UBC’s Advanced Renewable Materials Lab, Pioneer Forest Consulting, and many more.
Check out the Forestry co-op Instagram account to see the kinds of experiences UBC students are gaining as they get their hands dirty in labs and forests, and travel as far as South Africa, India, Indonesia, Japan, Finland, and Germany. Plus, you can read students’ stories about their work terms.
Land One
Land One is open to a limited number of first year students looking to ease their transition to university and have a great experience while they do. In Land One, students are part of a small cohort which allows them to easily build strong connections with their instructors and peers. They receive mentoring if they need it, and opportunities for special, experiential learning such as going on field trips and enjoying hands-on activities. Learn more about this first-year study option here.