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Forest Ecosystem Science and Conservation
Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Forest Ecosystem Science and Conservation (FEC) is designed to provide students with the breadth and depth of understanding required to become active participants in promoting the sustainability of our forests in the future.
Flexible Curricula
The FEC curricula are organized into core
requirements and two areas of concentration – Forest Ecosystem Science
and Forest Conservation. The Forest Conservation concentration is
flexible and allows the student to explore a wide range of topics
involving trees, wildlife, soils, ecology, policy, and ecosystem
management. The Forest Ecosystem Science concentration outlines a
program that will make students highly competitive for graduate studies
in such areas as forest ecology, silviculture, forest health, or tree
physiology.
View the concentration and course requirements
Double Majors and Minors
The FEC program is a partner to the long
established Forestry program at the University of Maine. While the
Forestry program focuses on the management of forests, the FEC program
emphasizes the biology and conservation of forest ecosystems from the
molecular to the biosphere level. It is possible to have a double major
in FEC and Forestry as well as in FEC and Wildlife Ecology. Other
program options include the declaration of academic minors in such areas
as biology, botany, ecology & environmental science, environmental
management & policy, fisheries, forest products, forest recreation
management, geological sciences, plant science, soil science, surveying,
or zoology.
The “Maine” Difference
Maine is the most forested state in the country
and provides an ideal setting for studies in Forest Ecosystem Science
and Conservation. Students can expect courses and work opportunities to
bring them into the Maine woods as an integral part of their education.
In addition, faculty have active research programs and are the primary
instructors and advisors for students resulting in an educational
experience of exceptionally high quality.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available through the
University, College, and Forest Resource programs. Incoming first-year
students are automatically considered for awards. Students are eligible
for additional awards throughout their matriculation. There are over 40
scholarships in Forest Resources worth over $90,000.
Career enhancement
We encourage FEC students to work with faculty
and graduate students on research projects including: Old-growth
forests, silviculture, ecosystem management, forest health, climate
change, tissue culture, tree biology, and other challenging projects.
College and University funds are available for travel to meetings and
for student projects.
View an example of a senior research project!
Positions for our recent graduates
Graduates in FEC have entered graduate school at
Northern Arizona University, Oregon State University, Penn State University, University of
Massachusetts, University of Minnesota, University of Tennessee, and
University of Maine. Our graduates have also been hired in such
positions as research technician, GIS specialist, tree health specialist, forest service research specialist, plant health inspector, forest biologist, and high school science teacher.
Requirements for Admission
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Students applying to B.S. programs must submit scores on the College
Entrance Board Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with their application. In addition to the
general requirements of the University of Maine, admission to the B.S. in Forest Ecosystem
Science from high school requires 4 units of English, 3.5 units of math (algebra and
senior math), and at least 2 units of lab science.
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View the concentration and course requirements
View an example of a Senior Research Project
