The Promise and Performance of Forestry Education in the United States: Results of a Survey of Forestry Employers, Graduates, and Educators

In 2013, a national survey of forestry employers was conducted to assess the extent to which forestry degree programs at US universities and colleges are providing students with the knowledge and skills needed for contemporary professional practice in forestry. Results were compared with similar surveys dating as far back as 1911, with particular reference to a comprehensive survey conducted in 1998. The 2013 survey also queried recent forestry graduates, faculty members, and deans to compare their perspectives on performance relative to importance using a comprehensive list of general skills and technical competencies based on the Society of American Foresters (SAF) accreditation standards, the SAF certified forester standards, and social skills identified through previous research. Results highlight the continued shortcomings of social science education in forestry degree programs. Employers consider today's graduates generally well prepared (relative to importance) in technical forestry competencies. The greatest discrepancies between importance and preparedness were in the human dimensions of natural resource management, especially managing conflict, communicating effectively in the workplace, and communicating effectively with clients and the public. Deans and directors of programs reported particular consistent challenges, including low enrollments, lack of diversity, and curriculum pressures. Diversity continues to be weak among forestry students (and faculty); 97% of surveyed employers indicated they had difficulty in recruiting non-Caucasian employees for professional forestry positions.