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:
- Interpret maps for the implementation of natural resource management.
- Apply the principles of forest protection from fire, insects, and disease for the implementation of forest management.
- Perform land area, trees, and forest stands measurement for the implementation of natural resource management.
- Apply ecological concepts of species, communities, succession, and forest structural development for the implementation of natural resource management.
- Apply the principles of conservation for the implementation of natural resource management.
- Demonstrate the behaviors of a forestry professional.
Course Requirements
Course List | Course | Title | Credits |
| FOR 100 | Forestry Program Orientation | 1 |
| FOR 110 | Wildland Fire Science I | 2 |
| FOR 111 | Forestry Perspectives | 4 |
| FOR 126 | Field Studies Pacific NW Forests | 1 |
| FOR 127 | Plants of the Pacific Northwest | 1 |
| FOR 180 | Co-op Work Experience Forestry | 3 |
| FOR 208 | Soils: Sustainable Ecosystems | 4 |
| FOR 210 | Wildland Fire Science II | 2 |
| FOR 211 | Supervision and Leadership | 3 |
| FOR 215 | Forest Resource Capstone | 3 |
| FOR 230A | Map, Compass and GPS | 3 |
| FOR 230B | Forest Surveying | 3 |
| FOR 235 | Resource Measurements | 4 |
| FOR 236 | Aerial Photo | 3 |
| FOR 237 | Resource Sampling | 4 |
| FOR 240A | Forest Ecology | 3 |
| FOR 240B | Wildlife Ecology | 3 |
| FOR 241A | Field Dendrology | 3 |
| FOR 241B | Dendrology | 3 |
| FOR 260 | Conservation of Natural Resources | 3 |
| FOR 271 | Applied Forest Ecology | 3 |
| FOR 272 | Forest Entomology/Pathology | 3 |
| FOR 273 | Silviculture and Harvesting Systems | 5 |
| 1 | 3 |
| FW 218 | Survey of Northwest Mammals | 2 |
| or FW 212 | Survey of Northwest Birds |
| GEOG 265 | Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| CIS 120 | Computer Concepts (or Computer Competency Test) | 0-4 |
| HHP 252A | Fitness/First Aid | 3 |
| MTH 102 | Applied Technical Mathematics (or choose one course from the foundational requirements math list) | 4 |
| WR 121Z | Composition I 3 | 4 |
| 4 |
| Public Speaking | |
| Introduction to Intercultural Communication | |
| Interpersonal Communication | |
| Small Group Communication | |
| Total Credits | 91-95 |
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 Humboldt State University, 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.
