Bachelor's Degree in Forestry

Who is this program for?

A bachelor's degree in Forestry is perfect for students committed to conserving natural resources, managing forest ecosystems, and promoting sustainability. This program prepares graduates for careers in forest management, environmental consulting, wildlife habitat conservation, or land-use planning, with expertise in areas such as ecology, silviculture, and natural resource policy.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Forestry at the University of Kentucky combines science, sustainability, and hands-on fieldwork to prepare students for meaningful careers in managing and conserving forest ecosystems. Accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), this program offers a strong foundation in forest ecology, natural resource management, environmental policy, and sustainability. Students gain practical experience through small classes, outdoor training, and field-based learning, while also tailoring professional electives to match their individual interests and career goals. Forestry is about more than trees—it's about protecting ecosystems that provide clean air and water, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, recreation, and climate resilience. Whether you're interested in forest health, wildlife management, watershed protection, or environmental consulting, this program equips you with the skills to address today’s environmental challenges. Join a community of students and faculty dedicated to stewarding natural resources for future generations.

Our Accreditation

The University of Kentucky’s Forestry program holds accreditation from the Society of American Foresters (SAF), the leading professional body for forestry education and practice in the United States. This SAF accreditation confirms that our curriculum, faculty, and experiential learning meet rigorous peer-reviewed standards—preparing students for professional licensure, certification, and successful careers in forestry and natural resource management.

Related Careers

Graduates are prepared for careers in forest management, conservation, environmental consulting, and wildlife habitat restoration.

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What You'll Learn

The Bachelor of Science in Forestry program focuses on the sustainable management, conservation, and restoration of forest ecosystems. Students study subjects such as forest ecology, silviculture, forest measurements, natural resource policy, and wildlife habitat management. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through fieldwork, lab activities, and applied research, helping students develop the technical and analytical skills needed to understand and manage forest resources in a changing world. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.


Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

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Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway

This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.

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University of Kentucky Accelerated Master's Pathways

Get a Head Start with an

Accelerated Pathway

This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.

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Explore Financial Aid Options

Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.

Get THE In-State

Tuition Rate

For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.

Maryland

Maryland

Expand Your Learning

There are very few majors that offer as many different opportunities to “learn by doing”, and even fewer that focus on learning in outdoor classrooms and laboratories. For example, during the spring semester of the junior year, forestry majors participate in a semester-long, field-oriented immersion into the practice and application of forestry, wildlife, and natural resource management techniques. The first half of the Spring Field Semester is spent traveling throughout Kentucky and the surrounding region to learn about different ecosystems, land uses, landownership types, and wood industry facilities. The second half of the semester is spent at the university’s 15,000-acre experimental forest in southeastern Kentucky to give students additional hands-on field experience.

Students on field experience
Students meet with student org representatives at an outdoor involvement fair.

Get Involved!

Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!

Learn About Student Organizations & Activities

Join the Martin-Gatton CAFE Living Learning Program

Live in a community full of others who share your interests in agriculture, food and environment! Community members also gain access to specialized programs that foster relationships, professional growth, and community.

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Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.

Hidden Conditionals





Things to do on this form:
Take away "Term" for Transfers - "Unknown Term"? As well as "Not in High School"
And the same for "Online"

Possibly remove the "Readmit" option.
Feel like it would be pretty easy to see if the person already exists in our system and has a program enrollment record associated with them, which would shift them from "Freshman" or "Transfer" to "Readmit"
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The University of Kentucky defines international applicants as those with citizenship other than the United States of America. Exception: Permanent Residents of the United States should complete a domestic application.

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