UBC admissions blog

Are you looking for a science-based 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 – ranked top three in the world – has six programs 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 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.

“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

Learn more about Forest Sciences

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. You can choose from two majors – Forest Resources Management or Forest Operations – which are both accredited by the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board.

“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, 4^th year, Forest Resources Management

Learn more about Forestry

Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation

Have you ever considered becoming a conservation scientist? 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.

“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, 3^rd year, Natural Resources Conservation

Learn more about Natural Resources Conservation

Bachelor of Science in Wood Products Processing

If you’re an innovative thinker who loves to tackle problems, you’ll enjoy the blend of science, engineering, and business in the Wood Products Processing 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, 4^th year, Wood Products Processing

Learn more about Wood Products Processing

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 Urban Forestry program at UBC was an unforgettable experience that has opened many doors for my career. The program gave me the ability to balance an urban lifestyle while pursuing my passion for the outdoors. I was amazed at how quickly I met friends with similar interests and how quickly professional opportunities emerged through the forestry community. 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

Learn more about Urban Forestry

Forest Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology (BEST)

Want to help lead 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 – the parts of the economy that involve producing 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

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.

Whether you’re interested in understanding the intricacies of animal behaviour or uncovering the secrets of the brain, you can begin your journey at UBC. Immerse yourself in a passionate community of like-minded professors and students who are dedicated to the study of human health, the biodiversity of our planet, and the living organisms we share it with.

Explore your program options

Microbiology

Discover the world too small to see with the naked eye in the Microbiology program at UBC Okanagan. You’ll master techniques that let you observe structures and organisms at the microscopic level, and become an expert on topics such as gene regulation, immune responses, and why certain people are susceptible to particular diseases. A lot of your learning will be hands-on in the lab, and you’ll have the chance to direct your own original research.

Food Science

Every wonder why things taste the way they do? The Food Science program at UBC Vancouver lets you apply knowledge from chemistry, biology, and engineering to understand what creates the unique flavours of food. You’ll learn how foods change during processing, how to prevent foodborne illnesses, and how land, food, and community influence each other. UBC’s Food Science program is accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists, and is the only Food Science Bachelor of Science offered in British Columbia.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Dive into the animal kingdom and learn how organisms interact with the world around them. In the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program at UBC Okanagan, you’ll explore animal behaviours and adaptations while gaining a deep understanding of biodiversity through lab work, job placements, and field work in British Columbia and overseas. You’ll develop a foundation that prepares you for a range of careers in conservation, environmental assessment, aquaculture, and more.

The student scoop

Meet Brooke, a Biology alumna who tracked cheetahs in South Africa as a volunteer before deciding to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Cognitive Systems

Are you fascinated by the human mind? The Cognitive Systems program at UBC Vancouver sits at the intersection of computer science, linguistics, philosophy, and psychology. Study the tools that allow people to think – such as language – and explore what it means for machines to generate their own knowledge. You’ll learn how to interpret data, design your own cognitive systems, and navigate ethical complexities. Through hands-on research experiences, you’ll work at the outer limits of scientific understanding, and push the boundaries of understanding the mind.

See a full list of health and life sciences programs at UBC

Do you have an excellent academic record, but don’t quite meet UBC’s English language admission requirement? If you fulfil UBC’s general and degree-specific requirements, there are alternative pathways to help you achieve your UBC degree.

What is Vantage One?

UBC’s Vantage One programs are designed for international students who do not yet meet the English language requirement to enter directly into a UBC faculty. Vantage One courses last 11 months, and add English language instruction to your first-year degree courses. You can choose from Arts, Engineering, or Science, and you’ll be taught by award-winning UBC faculty members.

The Arts and Science Vantage One programs take place at UBC Vancouver, while Engineering involves studying at both UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan. When you successfully complete your Vantage One program, you’ll progress into your second year at UBC, where you can study the following degree programs:

• Bachelor of Arts (at UBC Vancouver)
• Bachelor of Science (at UBC Vancouver)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (at either UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver)

Why choose Vantage One?

The program is designed specifically for international students. Vantage One is a first-year cohort program, which means you’ll follow a set timetable and take nearly all of your classes with the same people, helping you to make friends from day one. It also includes a one-week orientation, which will assist you with essential needs like health insurance, setting up bank accounts, and learning how to thrive in the classroom at UBC.

There are over 50 highly-trained faculty and staff at Vantage One, who will help you build on your academic performance, English language development, study skills, and readiness for your second year. While you will be completing the same courses as other UBC students, your classes will be tailored to you. They’ll offer options like smaller class sizes, innovative teaching methods, language instruction integrated with coursework, and the ability to connect closely with faculty. Best of all, taking part in a Vantage One program does not add extra time to your degree.

What are the requirements?

Vantage One accepts students with a minimum score of 70 on the TOEFL and 5.5 on the IELTS. Certain sub-scores apply for each test, so be sure to review the full English language requirements on the Vantage College website.

How do you apply?

1. Choose your UBC Vantage One program: Arts, Engineering, or Science.
2. Meet the Vantage One admission requirements.
3. Apply online and pay the fee.
4. Submit your required documents.
5. Stay in touch.