Forest Resources Technology - Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Description

The Associate of Applied Science in Forest Resources Technology provides the education and practical skills needed to succeed as a technician in forestry and natural resource fields throughout the western U.S. Job opportunities exist in government agencies (both state and federal) and in private industry (contractors, consultants, and private companies). The U.S. Forest Service is the primary employer for graduates of this program.

Traditional forest technician positions are now often referred to as natural resource technicians. Technicians spend considerable time outdoors. Typical entry-level positions include forest management activities, such as evaluation of reforestation efforts, timber sale layout, tree measurements, forest damage assessment, and other required forest management activities. Additionally, entry-level natural resource technicians may perform noxious weed identification and eradication, plant and wildlife surveys, fire protection and suppression, and stream monitoring and restoration. 

The program has the advantage of being located near several national forests. Most program courses include outdoor lab opportunities, which provide hands-on experience and knowledge essential to being an effective natural resource technician. Additionally, students are able to take advantage of opportunities working with local agencies to develop and implement land management plans in the capstone course at the end of their second year.

The program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Interpret maps for the implementation of natural resource management.
  2. Apply the principles of forest protection from fire, insects, and disease for the implementation of forest management.
  3. Perform land area, trees, and forest stands measurement for the implementation of natural resource management.
  4. Apply ecological concepts of species, communities, succession, and forest structural development for the implementation of natural resource management.
  5. Apply the principles of conservation for the implementation of natural resource management.
  6. Demonstrate the behaviors of a forestry professional.

Entrance Requirements

Academic Entrance Requirements

Recommended:

  • Completion of MTH 060 Beginning Algebra or higher or minimum placement Math Level 10
  • Completion of WR 065 Rhetoric and Critical Thinking II or higher or minimum placement Wr/Comm Level 7

Additional Program Costs (Beyond Standard Tuition/Fees and Textbooks)

Material Costs

  • Equipment (hardhat, boots, vest, compass, GPS, datum, plant press, hand lens, rain gear, field book, etc.): $665 to $915
  • Students are expected to provide their own appropriate field clothing and tools.

Enrollment Fees

  • Lab fees: approximately $250

Course Requirements

Course Title Credits
Core Courses
FOR 100Forestry Program Orientation1
FOR 110Wildland Fire Science I2
FOR 111Forestry Perspectives4
FOR 126Field Studies Pacific NW Forests1
FOR 127Plants of the Pacific Northwest1
FOR 180Co-op Work Experience Forestry3
FOR 208Soils: Sustainable Ecosystems4
FOR 210Wildland Fire Science II2
FOR 211Supervision and Leadership3
FOR 215Forest Resource Capstone3
FOR 230AMap, Compass and GPS3
FOR 230BForest Surveying3
FOR 235Resource Measurements4
FOR 236Aerial Photo3
FOR 237Resource Sampling3
FOR 238Forestry Data Analysis3
FOR 240AForest Ecology3
FOR 240BWildlife Ecology3
FOR 241AField Dendrology3
FOR 241BDendrology3
FOR 260Conservation of Natural Resources3
FOR 271Applied Forest Ecology3
FOR 272Forest Entomology/Pathology3
FOR 273Silviculture and Harvesting Systems5
Forestry Resource Elective 12
FW 218Survey of Northwest Mammals2
or FW 212 Survey of Northwest Birds
GEOG 265Geographic Information Systems4
Other Required Courses
CIS 120Computer Concepts (or Computer Competency Test)0-4
HHP 295Health and Fitness3
MTH 102Applied Technical Mathematics (or choose one course from the foundational requirements math list) 24
WR 121ZComposition I 34
Choose one course from the following: 44
Public Speaking
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Small Group Communication
Choose one course from the list of OSU Bacc Core Discipline Studies courses offered at COCC 53-5
Total Credits95-101
1

Choose a minimum of 2 credits of courses not already required, with the following prefixes: BI, CH, FOR, FW, G, or GEOG.

2

Students planning to continue education beyond the AAS should consider MTH 111Z Precalculus I: Functions and consult with their advisor for other specific transfer requirements.

3

Students planning to continue education beyond the AAS should also take WR 227Z Technical Writing.

4

Students planning to attend Oregon State University following completion of the AAS should consider COMM 111Z Public Speaking and consult with their advisor.

5

Select from OSU Baccalaureate Core Course list.

Advising Notes

This program can be completed within two years provided the student is adequately prepared to take MTH 102 Applied Technical Mathematics and WR 121Z Composition I and coursework starts Fall term. Students entering in Winter or Spring term and/or who require developmental writing and/or math courses can complete the program within three years.

This degree is designed for students planning to enter their chosen career upon graduation. As such, only selected credits are considered transferable to public or private baccalaureate institutions. This will vary by institution. Institutions with which COCC has articulation agreements in forest resources technology are Oregon State University and Oregon State University-Cascades.

Students planning to transfer to California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, Oregon State University, or the University of Idaho to acquire a Bachelor of Science degree should meet with a forestry program advisor to discuss current transfer requirements. Many of the required undergraduate courses for the Bachelor of Science degrees can be taken at COCC and transferred accordingly.

Students are encouraged to meet with a faculty advisor in the forestry program to discuss a two- or three-year educational plan. Students who have obtained a degree or completed coursework from another institution may be able to transfer some coursework to apply toward the AAS in Forest Resources Technology. A meeting with faculty or their advisor is strongly recommended.

Performance Standards

  • Academic Requirements:
    • Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree.
    • All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of C or higher.

Sample Plan

Sample Plan Grid
First Year
FallCredits
FOR 100Forestry Program Orientation1
FOR 230AMap, Compass and GPS3
FOR 240AForest Ecology3
FOR 241AField Dendrology3
MTH 102Applied Technical Mathematics (or choose one course from the foundational requirements math list)4
 Credits14
Winter
CIS 120Computer Concepts (or Computer Competency Test)0-4
FOR 111Forestry Perspectives4
FOR 230BForest Surveying3
FOR 235Resource Measurements4
FOR 271Applied Forest Ecology3
 Credits14-18
Spring
FOR 110Wildland Fire Science I2
FOR 126Field Studies Pacific NW Forests1
FOR 127Plants of the Pacific Northwest1
FOR 236Aerial Photo3
FOR 241BDendrology3
FOR 272Forest Entomology/Pathology3
WR 121ZComposition I 34
 Credits17
Summer
FOR 180Co-op Work Experience Forestry3
 Credits3
Second Year
Fall
FOR 210Wildland Fire Science II2
FOR 240BWildlife Ecology3
FOR 273Silviculture and Harvesting Systems5
HHP 295Health and Fitness3
Choose one of the following:4
Public Speaking
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Small Group Communication
 Credits17
Winter
FOR 211Supervision and Leadership3
FOR 237Resource Sampling3
Forest Resource Elective or OSU Bacc Core Discipline Studies Course3-5
GEOG 265Geographic Information Systems4
FOR 238Forestry Data Analysis3
 Credits16-18
Spring
FOR 208Soils: Sustainable Ecosystems4
FOR 215Forest Resource Capstone3
FOR 260Conservation of Natural Resources3
FW 218
Survey of Northwest Mammals
or Survey of Northwest Birds
2
Forestry Resource Elective or OSU Bacc Core Discipline Studies Course2-5
 Credits14-17
 Total Credits95-104

Outside of
expected

Use the COCC Catalog to find extraordinary classes and degree programs. Start your journey here »