Forestry Undergraduate Program
What is forestry?
Forestry is the science, art, and practice of sustainably managing forested resources for the benefit of humans. Forestry is a profession – not just a job or occupation. Forestry is guided by the principles of sustainability and involves more resources than just trees. Forests provide ecosystem services such as cleaner air and water, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities and aesthetic beauty. Kentucky’s forests are one of the most diverse forests in the United States.
Learn why forests are important
Earn a Bachelors of Science in Forestry
Our forestry degree program trains students to grow, manage, and protect forest ecosystems. The forestry major is a professional degree program and is the only one in Kentucky accredited by the Society of American Foresters. We have small classes with hands-on outdoor training. Students can tailor their professional electives to their skills and interests. Interested in wildlife, GIS, entomology, urban forestry? Having a minor or undergraduate certificate in these areas helps students along their career path. Learn about forestry classes, spring field semester, professional electives, minors, and certificate programs.
Learn about the forestry degree program
Get Involved
Learn about the Forestry Club, UK Fire Cats, and other ways to get involved while earning your forestry degree at the University of Kentucky.
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Forestry Careers
Forestry careers in your hometown to around the globe. Urban forestry to remote forests. Learn about where a degree in forestry can take you.
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Forestry and Natural Resources Job Board
Seasonal and summer jobs, internships, permanent positions, graduate school opportunities
View jobsSpring Field Semester
The Spring Field Semester is a semester-long immersion into the practice and application of forestry. The first half of the Spring Field Semester is spent traveling throughout Kentucky to learn about different ecosystems, land uses, landownership types, and wood industry facilities. During the second half of the Spring Field Semester, you will be at UK’s Robinson Forest with a 14,800 acre classroom at your cabin doorstep. UK’s Robinson Forest is one of the largest research and educational forests in the eastern United States.
Learn more about the Spring Field SemesterEnrollment and Job Placement
View enrollment and job placement information for the forestry program
View dataSAF Code of Ethics
The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to protect and serve society by inspiring, guiding, and governing members in the conduct of their professional lives.
View SAF Code of EthicsLicensure
Some states may require a professional license, certification, registration, or permit be obtained before engaging or working in forestry. Students interested in practicing forestry in another state should learn more about whether their undergraduate or graduate program will lead to licensure or certification, etc. in each state.
View licensure informationUK Disclosure Information
Links to general institutional information, costs, financial assistance information, health and safety, student outcomes, and campus communications.
View disclosure informationQuestions?
For questions or additional information on the undergraduate forestry program, contact Laura Lhotka, Forestry Academic Coordinator at 859-257-8718 or laura.lhotka@uky.edu. Also, email Laura if you would like to arrange an in-person visit or a Zoom meeting. Let us know how we can help!
Email Laura Lhotka