Forestry is silviculture, combined with sustainability, backed by science. Forestry is determining the characteristics of forested ecosystems and their connections and discovering the value trees hold to landowners, recreational users, and timber companies. Foresters manage the land based on the needs of those directly impacted, as well as those who will be affected in hundreds of years.

Foresters assess the soils, water, and herbaceous understory beneath the trees. They also study invasive species in South Carolina forests, forest insects and pests, the future of the forest products industry in the state, intensive plantation systems, bottomland hardwood management, and family forest conservation. Forestry is a career focused on long-term planning, but it is impacted by fast-paced changes in social trends, technological advancements, and economic evolution outside the field of forestry. These human dimensions of forest management shape the future of the forestry industry now and for the future.

Class sizes are small for lectures and labs. All courses are taught by faculty and include lab work. This lab work gives students invaluable hands-on experience in learning the profession. Consistent contact with faculty allows both students and faculty to develop professional relationships which can extend beyond the classroom and aid in finding employment opportunities.

We believe that the best way to learn forestry is to do forestry. Motivated students will find plenty of opportunities to participate in research projects as well as working with partner organizations and companies during the summer. While participating in these practical experiences, students develop important field skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and the ability work in teams or independently. There will be opportunities for students to develop their own independent research projects as well.