Forest management is the scientific planning and operational stewardship of forests to sustain ecological integrity, support community livelihoods, and optimize ecosystem services. Integrating forest biology, biometric modeling, wildfire science, and resource policy, it guides the conservation and responsible utilization of these natural landscapes.
In this comprehensive major within the Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources, you will explore forestry not as simple resource extraction, but as an essential, high-tech human activity that balances societal resource needs with long-term ecosystem health.
Forest Management teaches students how to analyze forest ecosystems, quantify multi-resource values, and guide land-use decisions with confidence. You will learn how to balance environmental, economic, cultural, and aesthetic considerations across extensive forested landscapes to maximize economic gain while steering sustainable natural resource policy.
The Forest Management curriculum grounds scientific theory in empirical field assessment, spatial computing, and professional land-use planning. Over four years, you will tackle real-world ecosystem challenges through intensive, hands-on field schools at UBC’s two research forests, cutting-edge spatial technology, and a capstone management plan.
Home of UBC FES, the Forest Sciences Centre (FSC) features over 240,000 square feet of classrooms, study spaces, and faculty research hubs inside a stunning glass-and-timber atrium.
UBC FES manages two forests, Malcolm Knapp Research Forest and Alex Fraser Research Forest, each situated in unique biomes. Together, they total more than 60,000 acres of living laboratory space dedicated to education, research, and experimentation.
Forest Management is fully accredited by the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board (CFAB), allowing graduates to become a Registered Professional Forester (RPF). The program is also accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), qualifying graduates to pursue Certified Forester designations in the United States.
Benefit from two distinct field practicums that contrast coastal temperate rainforests with interior dry-belt and mixed-wood ecosystems.
Study within small, collaborative class sizes supported by dedicated peer networks, faculty mentors, and professors.
Pair your degree with a Minor in Commerce from UBC’s Sauder School of Business. Master foundational topics in financial accounting, marketing, organizational behavior, and business development.
Stand out in a competitive job market with a Certificate in Geomatics for Environmental Management. Develop highly marketable GIS and spatial analysis skills to turn data into actionable insights in environmental consulting, urban planning, conservation, forestry, and natural resources management.
Earn a Master of Management from UBC Sauder and a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources simultaneously in only 4.5 years with the Dual Degree Program.
As a Forest Management student in the FES Co-operative Education Program, you can integrate up to 5 paid work terms (20 months) into your degree, earning an average of $64,680. Receive resume, cover letter, interview preparation skills, and personalized career development and support.
Work placements span companies, provincial and federal ministries, and research institutions in fields like environmental consulting, forest engineering, woodland operations, ecosystem restoration and conservation.
There are many courses you can take in the Forest Management program. Here are a few you might like.
Examine the taxonomy, anatomical structure, physiological processes, and reproductive biology of gymnosperm and angiosperm tree species across Pacific Northwest ecosystems.
Study the biological and operational principles used to establish, tend, harvest, and regenerate forest stands to sustainably fulfill ecological, cultural, and timber objectives.
Investigate wildfire dynamics, fire behavior modeling, weather extremes, and landscape-level fire management strategies used to build climate-resilient forest stands.
Analyze international and local models of community forestry, exploring public participation, social equity, rural economic development, and First Nations co-management partnerships.
Prepare for impactful leadership roles in sustainable natural resource management, environmental consulting, and landscape-scale ecological planning. As a Forest Management graduate, you will possess the specialized expertise to balance ecological resilience with societal resource needs, protecting critical ecosystems while ensuring economic viability. Find work in areas such as:
Job titles for Forest Management graduates include:
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
IB Diploma Programme
IB Certificate Courses
Note: Grade 11 Biology, Chemistry and Physics requirements listed above are only relevant to students who are not completing the equivalent IB Diploma Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics courses. For students studying outside of Canada, some examples of courses that may be accepted as Grade 11 equivalents are junior-level courses for American students, and IGCSE and O Level for those following British-patterned curricula.
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in Grade 11 and Grade 12.
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Visit the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship website to learn more about Forest Management.
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