How Many Years of School Does it Takes to Become a Forest Ranger?
Forest rangers, also called foresters, are responsible for overseeing national forests and direct activities for economic, recreational and conservational purposes in those forests. The competition for forestry jobs is high according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While it is possible to get a federal government forester job with experience and some education, earning a bachelor's degree or higher is recommended.
Other People Are Reading
-
Bachelor's Degree
-
There are 50 college and universities across the United States that have been accredited by the Society of American Foresters. These programs focus on forest ecology and biology, measurement of forest resources, management of forest resources and public policy. While these programs are considered desirable, other college and university forester degrees that offer equivalent programs are also considered. In fact, the degree does not have to be in forestry at all. Other degrees include: forest management, ecology, botany, biology, wildlife and fisheries management, or other related natural resource fields.
Additional Degrees
-
Students interested in the forestry industry may also consider doing field research and later begin teaching to help develop the next set of foresters. To be able to do research or teach an advanced degree, typically a doctorate is required. Related fields such as range managers and conservation scientists require degrees in natural resource management, rangeland management, agricultural science or environmental science. Additional degree programs range in length from one or two years for a master's degree and five or six for a doctorate.
-
Licensure and Registration
-
A license to be a forester is required in 12 states and voluntary in four others. States with licensing statues include Alabama, California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina require registration. Michigan, New Jersey, Oklahoma and West Virginia have voluntary registration statutes. Requirements differ from state to state but most include having a four-year bachelors degree, work experience and may require a test.
Volunteer Work
-
The job market for forestry is very competitive. One way to stand out, according to the USDA, who is a major employer of forest rangers, is to volunteer with the Forest Service department. Ask your college or university if volunteering will earn credits towards graduation. The Forest Service offers many opportunities for students to volunteer along with many student organizations and universities who partner and work closely with the service.
-
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
