Willamette's 3+2 Forestry program

Explore graduate programs in forestry

Pursue a career in forestry without a forestry major. Willamette University has partnered with top forestry programs at Oregon State University and Duke University to provide additional opportunities for students. The 3+2 Forestry program offers an easy path toward a forestry master's program.

Willamette students can take advantage of powerful learning opportunities at Zena Forest and work with expert faculty while earning their degrees. Pair the best of a liberal arts education with industry-specific knowledge to advance your career. Whether you're keen on working for a government agency like the US Forest Service or pursuing a career as a Geographic Information Systems Specialist, getting a graduate degree will prepare you for the future.

• The Oregon State Forestry Program

  The OSU forestry program, located near Willamette University, offers students an easy pathway toward their goals. Students will have a chance to establish relationships with OSU graduate faculty. They'll also become familiar with OSU’s College of Forestry during their bachelor’s degree experience.

  After completing three years of coursework at Willamette University and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0, the OSU Master of Forestry program will consider students for provisional admission. Students will have the choice to pursue a Sustainable Forest Management degree or a Forest Ecosystems and Society degree. To be eligible, students must declare their intention to enroll in the Oregon State Forestry program by their third year. They will also need to formally apply to OSU according to graduate school admission deadlines.

  Please see our sample timeline to map out your path to a master’s degree in forestry at OSU.

• Duke University's Forestry Program

  Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment provides a path to a master’s degree in environmental management or forestry.

  After completing three years of required coursework at Willamette, students can begin pursuing a Forestry master's program at Duke. You can choose to pursue a 3+2 format or a 4+2 format to fit your schedule. The program requires the following prerequisites:

  • Natural or social science courses related to your area of interest
  • College-level course in Calculus (required)
  • College-level course in Statistics (required)
  • Undergraduate experience and training in professional writing

  You must earn a grade of B- or better in each prerequisite course and earn college credit for it to count toward the prerequisite. Pass/Fail and self-paced courses are not acceptable.

Diverse opportunities and coursework

Willamette's 3+2 Forestry Program offers an array of courses and opportunities, to ensure a fundamental education in forestry and environmental science. Whether you want to research forests, maintain forest resources, or even work in forest operations, the 3+2 program will ensure your path to success. As an undergraduate student, Willamette University offers many on-campus resources to learn more about sustainability. Graduate students can quickly expect to turn their knowledge into action.

Subjects to explore include:

Forest Ecology: Dive deep into the intricate ecosystems that make up our forests. Understand the delicate balance of life within these environments and the critical role of forest ecology in sustainable land management.

Soil Science: Explore the foundation of our forests – the soil. Gain insights into soil composition, nutrient cycles, and the vital relationship between soil health and forest growth.

Fire Science: Understand the ecological importance of fire in forest ecosystems. Learn how controlled burns and wildfire management strategies contribute to forest health and sustainability.

Natural Resources Management: Discover the complexities of natural resources management, including the responsible use of land and the preservation of biodiversity.

Sustainable Forest Management: Develop a deep understanding of sustainable forestry practices, including the responsible harvesting of timber, reforestation, and ecosystem preservation.

Forest Land: Learn about the intricacies of forest land management, including land acquisition, timberland investment, and land-use planning.

Forest Science: Delve into the science behind forests, from tree biology to forest genetics, and gain the knowledge required to make informed decisions in the field.

A timeline for success

Explore potential career paths in government agencies dedicated to forest conservation and environmental protection, such as the United States Forest Service or Weyerhaeuser. The 3+2 program provides a solid foundation for pursuing roles in these esteemed organizations.

Willamette University also provides hands-on learning. You'll have the opportunity to engage in fieldwork, research, and practical exercises, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Blend your education in liberal arts with a focused graduate-level degree to stand out in the job market.

Contacts and more information

For further information or to receive personalized guidance on your academic journey, please reach out to Professor Joe Bowersox.

The 3+2 Forestry Program is an experience that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and passion to become future leaders in environmental science.

Are you ready to take the next step toward a Forestry program? Review the specific degree requirements from OSU and Duke University to prepare for the program. Willamette University's team of academic advisors can also help you navigate the 3+2 Forestry program seamlessly.