BS in Forestry in the Philippines

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) is a four-year degree program that helps students gain a thorough understanding of the forest ecosystem and how it can be properly conserved and managed. The course combines ecology, biology, economics, and social science to educate students on how to manage forest ecosystems and apply knowledge of forestry science to help solve natural resource, environmental and energy problems. The BS in Forestry program teaches students essential skills in the development of management plans and options for forested landscapes and implementing them while maintaining ecosystem integrity.

Recommended Senior High School Strand

Students who want to pursue a degree in Forestry are encouraged to take the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand under the Academic Track. They will learn relevant topics that will be useful in their college life.

Subjects and Curriculum

Forest Ecology
Morphology
Taxonomy and Dendrology
Forest Wildlife and Biodiversity
Forest Genetics and Tree Improvement
Geology and Forest Soils
Forest Health
Tree Physiology
Introduction to Forestry
Forest Surveying and Engineering
Forestry Statistics and Measurements
Forest Management

Admission Requirements

Qualifications

The student must be a high school graduate.

However, if they were not able to graduate high school, they may opt to take the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and pass the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) to qualify for college; the availability of courses for PEPT passers depend on the university.

The students must pass the College Admissions Test of the university.

Basic Requirements

Form 138 - High School Report Card (Original and Photocopy)
Recommendation letter from High school principal and guidance counselor
Most recent medical and dental health record
Copy of NSO Certified birth certificate
Certificate of Good moral character
Copy of honorable dismissal
Copy of high school diploma
(1) Latest 2”x2” ID Picture

Program Outcome

Graduates of Forestry are expected to be able to:

Manage forest resources using proper technologies
Interpret geospatial methods in natural resources
Apply forest policies and regulations accordingly
Develop plans and programs for an integrated forest management
Conduct research and methodologies related to forestry
Implement appropriate conservation and preservation strategies

On-The-Job Training/Internship

During the fourth year of the program, students are required to attend an On the Job Training (OJT) in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), private tree farms, forest nurseries, or other related agencies and establishments which will provide more practical experience in forest management.

Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an actual work setting. Usually, universities require them to submit a written report on their tasks, learning experiences, and hours rendered. Their work performance will also be evaluated by their immediate managers and will be submitted to their respective OJT coordinator. The number of hours required may differ in each university.

Board Exam

To become a Licensed Forester in the Philippines, a graduate of BS in Forestry needs to pass the Forester Licensure Examination. The examination is conducted by the Board of Foresters under the supervision of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Forestry may pursue a career path in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), private tree farms, forest nurseries, or other related agencies and establishments. They may apply for roles such as a forester in public and private agencies, conservation officers, urban foresters, procurement forester, soil conservationist, or natural resource policy analyst.

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Reviews of BS in Forestry graduates:

C. Q.

◈ Studied BS in Forestry
◈ At University of the Philippines Los Banos
◈ Graduated 2007

About my college education: Forestry is the one for you if you are nature smart, body smart and number smart.

Nature Smart:
The number one prerequisite is that you should have a genuine concern for Mother Earth. As the course name implies, everything evolves on maximum utilization of our forests without compromising the future generation. Prepare for a close encounter with hundreds of plant species, and get ready to memorize their scientific names.

Body Smart:
You do not necessarily have to be an athlete but it is a must to be physically healthy. We have lots of field trips which involves climbing mountains, tree planting, and the like. There are a handful of subjects that require long walks during laboratory time. It is inevitable that you'll get soaked up under the rain while you're in the middle of measuring the diameter of trees.

Number Smart:
Be ready with analytical skills too, because we have Statistics, Math and Economics. Of course, the science classes are a handful such as Botany, Ecology, Chemistry, Zoology and so much more. We make maps, innovate forest products, tend the soil, survey the trees and so much more that is why knowledge of those various fields are important.

My current job: I am a teacher.

Am I using what I learned in college: My current job is not exactly related to my course because I fell in love with imparting knowledge to young children after I graduated. However, I am using the subjects I took in teaching Science and Math to my students.

How long did it take to find a job: I found a job about a month after graduation.

Do I recommend studying Forestry: Employment opportunities for Forestry graduates is moderately low, because unlike graduates of other courses who can apply to different private companies, most of us go to either government or Non-Governmental Organizations. Timing and patience is the key, though because I have classmates who now work in Dept of Environment and Natrural Resources, Department of Agriculture, NAMRIA, Bantay Kalikasan, Haribon Foundation and even international environmental institutions.

The salary level has a very wide range because it really depends on the employer.

It is indeed very fulfilling career, because Foresters are one of the leaders in terms of safe-guarding our planet. Although I am not practicing the profession per se, my stay in our university has greatly influenced me to become an environmental advocate. Most of my college friends also get the perks of traveling for free.

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