Plan Code 328, CIP Code 03.0101
Award: Associate of Applied Science
Program Head: Richard (Scott) Reigel, rreigel@mgcc.edu, (540) 863-2894
Length: Five Semesters (Two years of full-time study)
Purpose: The Forest Management Technology program is designed for persons who seek employment in forestry occupations. The program is designed with the fundamental philosophy of delivering classroom instruction coupled with a hands-on experience. Students use industry-standard equipment and gain practical experience through summer internships regionally and across the country with organizations such as the U.S. Forest Service, Virginia Department of Forestry and private forestry employers.
The program supports forestry and forest-related industries that are vital to the economy of Virginia, where 60 percent of the total land area is forested. The use of these resources by forest industries and land management agencies requires forest technicians trained in forest management, protection, timber harvesting and utilization.
Graduates of the program will be qualified for positions in forestry, urban tree care and forest products.
Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet the admission requirements to the College to be eligible for enrollment into the program. Students are expected to be proficient in basic English, writing mathematics and reading. Appropriate developmental courses are available for those who need to improve proficiency in these areas.
In addition to the general admission requirements for the College, entry into the program requires:
- completion of one unit of high school algebra
- completion of one unit of high school geometry or its equivalent
- one unit of biology is helpful, but not required
Any student who needs prerequisite mathematics courses should anticipate a three-year program of study.
This program serves residents throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and other states. Students may complete developmental and/or general education studies at another Virginia community college and transfer to MGCC to complete the forestry courses needed for the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) Degree. Due to course sequencing, at least two years at MGCC will be necessary to complete the program.
Transfer into the MGCC Forest Management Technology program necessitates close coordination of required courses or their equivalent with the MGCC academic/forestry advisors. To transfer from another College into the MGCC Forest Management Technology program, application should be submitted one year in advance of the anticipated start date. Students who wish to transfer should contact their transfer advisor at the College and the MGCC Student Services Department.
Program Requirements: The first year of the Forest Management Technology curriculum includes general education as well as basic forestry courses.
During the summer between the first and second years of study, students are required to complete a work-based field experience of approximately 225 clock hours. The work-based experiences may be paid or unpaid. The College will assist with placement; however, the student is ultimately responsible for locating and retaining the position as an unpaid worker or paid employee. For credit, the employment must be approved prior to beginning the assignment.
Graduation Requirements: Students must achieve an overall 2.0 GPA (“C” average) in the required curriculum courses to be eligible for graduation. Upon successful completion of all program graduation requirements, the student will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Forest Management Technology.
Related Program: Urban Forestry Career Studies Certificate
Accreditation: Society of American Foresters (SAF). The Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes SAF as the specialized accrediting body for forestry education in the United States.
Program Costs: In addition to the regular tuition and cost of textbooks, students in the program are required to buy specific types of personal protective gear.
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