School of Forestry
Located in the world’s largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest, NAU’s School of Forestry prepares you to explore, protect, and restore vital ecosystems. Study where curiosity becomes leadership, and learning becomes lifelong impact.
47,000-acre research forest
Where curiosity meets conservation
As Arizona's only Forestry School, NAU’s School of Forestry offers unmatched access to one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the country. Every trail, tree, and data point will deepen your understanding of how forests work and how to protect them. You’ll gain the expertise needed to balance the needs of forests for timber, clean water, recreation, and wildlife habitat while tackling challenges like wildfire and climate change.
The educational program in NAU School of Forestry leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry (BSF) is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), under its Forestry standard.
Why study forestry at NAU?
Programs in NAU’s School of Forestry combine fieldwork, research, and innovation to prepare you for a meaningful career in forestry and natural resource management.
Ready to lead, restore, and protect?
Whether you’re earning your Bachelor of Science in Forestry or pursuing a graduate degree, you’ll specialize in areas like silviculture, wildlife science silviculture, entomology, wildlife ecology, human dimension of forestry, and ecological restoration.
What to expect
- Extensive field-based coursework opportunities
- 47,000-acre Centennial Forest just minutes from campus
- Blend traditional forestry practices with modern tools like GIS, remote sensing, and data analysis
Learning outcomes
At the School of Forestry, you will:
- understand ecological concepts and principles including the structure and function of ecosystems, plant and animal communities, competition, diversity, population dynamics, succession, disturbance, and nutrient cycling.
- analyze the economic, environmental, and social consequences of forest resource management strategies and decisions.
- understand how federal, state, and local laws and regulations govern the practice of forestry.
- demonstrate an understanding of the global forces that shape professional forestry
- understand that there are diverse dimensions of the human experience and culture - and how it impacts the environment.
Dedicated support
Faculty rooted in research and impact
Guided by world-renowned faculty, you'll graduate ready to nurture resilient ecosystems, explore new technologies, and transform the future of natural resource management.
Personalized support from day one
From financial support (more than $150,000 awarded in scholarships) to career development (resume workshops, mock interviews, and alumni mentoring) and forestry-focused student organizations, you’ll feel supported from day one.
Place-based science
Through place-based learning, applied research, and internships, you’ll be prepared to step into careers with state, federal, tribal, and nonprofit agencies through studying subjects such as:
- forest stewardship
- fire ecology and management
- timber production
- ecological restoration
- natural resource policy
Student clubs and organizations
Connect with peers who share your passion for the outdoors and environmental leadership. Our student organizations and professional societies foster collaboration, service, and the chance to apply your learning in both local and international settings.
Take the next step
School of Forestry degrees
School of Forestry undergraduate degrees
"I’m working with an entomologist, a silviculturist; I’m talking with people who do hydrology and soils. And we’re working together to figure out these big, important problems. That’s something that makes NAU’s School of Forestry really cool. I’ve grown a lot from experiencing that."
Ready to apply?
As the only forestry school in Arizona, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind education that blends science, sustainability, and real-world experience.
Support the next generation of forest stewards
Your gift helps students at the School of Forestry turn their passion for the outdoors into meaningful careers. Donations provide scholarships, fund research, and support field experiences that prepare students to manage and protect our forests for generations to come.
Accreditation
Explore the School of Forestry’s accredited programs.