Overview

The Forestry major at Iowa State University prepares students to apply rigorous scientific principles to the management, conservation, and restoration of diverse forest ecosystems. This undergraduate programme integrates biological sciences with practical environmental management to address the global need for sustainable wood and non-wood products. Students develop a deep understanding of natural resource ecology while gaining the technical skills required for professional forestry careers.

Why Forestry at Iowa State University?

Iowa State University offers a unique "Learn by Doing" approach, highlighted by the immersive Forestry Camp. This experience introduces students to professional management practices and ecosystems outside of Iowa, providing a broader perspective on the industry. The programme is a candidate for accreditation by the Society of American Foresters, ensuring that the curriculum meets high national standards for professional education. Students also benefit from a dedicated learning community and extensive safety resources for field and shop work.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15293 per semester
National fee: USD 14289 per semester
Local fee: USD 4765 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum begins with foundational studies in biology, mathematics, and environmental sciences. Students then progress to advanced coursework and must choose at least one emphasis area, such as Forest Ecosystem Management, Natural Resource Conservation and Restoration, Interpretation of Natural Resources, or Urban and Community Forestry. Modules may include:

Silviculture
Dendrology
Forest Insect & Disease Ecology
Dynamics of Forest Stands
Forest Resource Economics & Quantitative Methods
Ecosystem Management
Urban Forestry
Renewable Resources
Natural Resource Ecology & Soils

Careers with Forestry

Graduates are equipped for diverse roles in the management and protection of natural landscapes. The programme's focus on practical experience, including the required 400 hours of career-related work, prepares students for positions in land management, research, and urban forestry. Potential career paths include working as professional foresters, conservation scientists, or restoration specialists within government agencies, private industry, or non-profit organisations. The department maintains a dedicated job board to support students in finding relevant employment opportunities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Forest Biology

Sustainable Materials: Wood Utilization

Resource Measurements/Evaluation

Forest Ecosystem Decision-Making

Integrated Forestry Laboratory

Fall Forestry Camp

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Iowa State operates on rolling admission. We strongly recommend that you apply at least six to eight weeks in advance.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ames, United States

Disciplines

Forestry View 77 other Bachelors in Forestry in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

ACT composite (or converted SAT) score x 3

Cumulative GPA x 30

Number of years of high school core courses x 5

RAI (Regent Admission Index)

SAT scores will be converted to their ACT composite equivalents for this calculation.

High school GPA is expressed on a 4-point scale (you can use our GPA calculator to convert your GPA if it's not on a 4.0 scale).

The number of core high school courses is measured in years or fractions of years.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

30586 USD / year

≈ 30586 USD / year
Out-of-State

28578 USD / year

≈ 28578 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9530 USD / year

≈ 9530 USD / year

Living costs

Ames

United States

1158 - 1797 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Forestry.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Ames

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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