This is an archived copy of the 2017-2018 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://ecatalog.socc.edu.

The Associate of Science (AS) degree, with an emphasis in Forestry, provides students with an introduction to the technical and scientific knowledge related to the field of forestry and forest management. This set of classes satisfies the requirements for an AS degree and also meets the lower division requirements at Oregon State University (OSU) for a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. There is a signed articulation agreement with the Forestry Department at Oregon State University that allows students who complete this AS degree and two additional courses to enter OSU as a junior in the Forestry program.

This degree is also articulated with the University of Idaho. If interested in transferring to the University of Idaho, talk to an advisor for the specific details surrounding this articulation.

Check out the Forestry/Natural Resources program website!

The forestry field is projected to have many career opportunities coming up in the next decade as many forestry and natural resources professionals retire in the next few years. Students who enjoy working outdoors and want to have a career that focuses on managing our valuable forest lands to conserve and protect resources as well as produce valuable products for society should consider this degree.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 93 credit hours with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses in this program must be completed with a 'C' or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the AS degree is awarded.

Courses that are developmental in nature, designed to prepare students for college transfer courses, are not applicable to this degree.

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Pre-Program Courses

Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:

WR90Paragraph Fundamentals (or placement in higher writing course)3-4
or WR90R Academic Literacy
MTH95Intermediate Algebra4

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
F111 Introduction to Forestry 4
MTH111
College Algebra
or College Algebra w/Honors
4
PE231 Wellness for Life 3
SP111 Fundamentals of Public Speaking 3
WR121
English Composition
or English Composition w/Honors
3
 Credits17
Winter
BI202 Introductory Biology 4
CIS125S Spreadsheet Applications 3
ECON201 Microeconomics 4
MTH112
Trigonometry
or Trigonometry w/Honors
4
 Credits15
Spring
F241 Dendrology 5
MTH243 Intro to Probability and Statistics 4
WR227 Report Writing 3
Western Culture Course 1 3
 Credits15
Second Year
Fall
CHEM221 General Chemistry I 5
ENV235 Introduction to Soil Science 4
GEOG265 Intro to Geographical Info Systems 3
PH201 Gen Physics I: Mechanics 5
 Credits17
Winter
F222A Elementary Forest Surveying 4
FE209 Forest Photogrammetry & Intro to 4
F250 Forest Biology 4
Literature & Arts Course 2 3
 Credits15
Spring
F251 Recreation Resource Management 4
MTH241 Calculus for Bus and Soc Science I 4
Cultural Diversity Course 3 3
Western Culture Course 4 3
 Credits14
 Total Credits93

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to:

  • Integrate technical field skills with analytical skills to identify important forest management challenges and identify potential solutions for these problems.
  • Explain and discuss important current issues, and social and political components of forest management in the United States and other countries.
  • Demonstrate basic skills in forest surveying, recreation management, soil science, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and spreadsheet applications.
  • Identify important tree species in the Pacific Northwest.