General Information
This program develops graduates with the abilities required of foresters and of business professionals. Graduates appreciate the need to manage forested areas with due concern for all resources and be capable of managing forested areas as integrated ecological entities. Graduates also fully understand and appreciate the business management skills needed to manage organizations effectively and efficiently within the forest industry.
The Forest Business Management degree is intended to prepare students for careers as professional foresters and is for individuals planning careers focusing on forest practices, but who also demand specialized knowledge in business management practices. The Forest Business Management program prepares students for careers as Registered Professional Foresters. Graduates may immediately apply to the Alberta Registered Professional Foresters Association to complete the registration process.
The program is offered jointly by the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Business. Although it is administered in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, the program is managed by an interdisciplinary committee with representation from both Faculties. See BSc in Forest Business Management for admission and recommended courses in the first year of studies.
Students in the BSc in Forest Business Management program are provided with the analytical, scientific, and broad educational foundations on which to build the business and forestry components of their field. The forestry component includes courses in areas such as ecology, engineering, and conservation.
The program includes two field schools (FOR 101 and REN R 299 ) that provide training in technical aspects of forestry. FOR 101 should be taken in the first year (or in the initial year in the BSc in Forest Business Management program) just before the start of regular classes. REN R 299 is normally taken in the spring between second and third years. REN R 299 must be taken prior to the fourth year of study, to ensure that students are able to apply the skills learned in their last year in the program.
The business management component of this degree consists of introductory and advanced courses in business, including accounting, finance, marketing, and human resources.