Earn your associate forest technology degree at the nation's first public forest academy.
At Mont Alto, the forest technology major isn't just about trees. It's about nature and science, environment and research, conservation and technology. As the nation’s first public forest academy and one of only twenty-four programs in North America accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), Mont Alto’s forest technology degree is part of a longstanding tradition of conservation and environmental awareness.
Why Study Forest Technology?
Forest technicians are trained to perform fieldwork in forest management, tree care, and wildlife management. They conduct forest inventories, gather research data, mark timber, and supervise timber sales.
The program might be a good fit for you if:
- you want to make a difference in your outdoor environment;
- you are interested in field-oriented study;
- you are interested in ecology, forests, and wildlife;
- you want to work for the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry or for a tree-care company.
The forest technology associate degree program can help you prepare for a career in forestry and natural resources management, and you’ll gain classroom knowledge and field skills to build your career. Half of the forest technology class time is spent gaining hands-on experience in one of the many forested areas close to campus.
Opportunities After Graduation
Many of our graduates continue their education toward a baccalaureate degree. Forest technology students can transition to bachelor of science programs at the Penn State Department of Ecosystem Science and Management.
Our forest technology faculty members are great at connecting graduates with prospective employers. After graduation, jobs are available in both the private sector as well as in state and federal government agencies. Our students have gone on to become:
- arborists;
- forest technicians;
- foresters;
- land surveyors;
- plant health care specialists;
- soil conservation technicians;
- wildland firefighters.
For more information, visit the Forestry: Careers and Job Opportunities page.
Penn State Mont Alto Forest Technology Program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.