College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
Canopy photosynthesis in temperate deciduous forest. Case studies of high-performing contract loggers with distinct harvest systems. Interpreting stand structures. Communicating with private forest landowners. Forests provide an array of ecological services—from recreational, to watershed protection. We seek to understand ecological effects and processes, and the impact our management has, from the impacts of bioenergy production on bird habitat to frameworks for coupled social-ecohydrological systems.
Program Strengths and Opportunities
- Understand ecosystem and organism functions in natural and managed forest landscapes, from invasive worms to beech reintroduction.
- 6,500 feet of lab space, 2,000 of greenhouse, 5,397 acres of research forest.
- Learn to balance forest management objectives for a variety of interests, from forest health to industrial and recreational needs.
- Tap into the wide breadth of expertise within our small, friendly academic community. Get to know us, and find who you want to work with.
- Research degrees are non-specific, and we intentionally set a low number of required classes, unless your committee requires them.
- Explore your interests with your committee and your advisor to define the optimal educational experience.
No Student Experiences for this program yet
Join our students and alumni working to design, create, and implement strategies and solutions to create an equitable, sustainable, and climate-resilient future.
Earn a GIS Certificate in about 12 months. Equip yourself with the analytical approaches and technical GIS skills to tackle environmental challenges. Ideal for advanced users and novices.
Study ecosystem management online at Penn State. Gain in-demand skills in quantitative and spatial data analysis, project management, and leadership. Apply now for 2025!