Forestry

Why Study Forestry at Reedley College

Forestry offers students a unique opportunity to become a qualified Forestry Technician. This is the only California, 2-year college with a Forestry and Natural Resources Program leading to an Associate of Science in Forestry degree provisionally accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Graduates are typically recruited as utility foresters and timber management technicians for federal, state and private natural resources companies and agencies.

Classes include academic and extensive hands-on training within a 700-acre RC forest and a 1.5-mile riparian zone on campus along the Kings River.

We offer you a unique opportunity for career preparation. You can earn an Associate of Science degree while receiving certifications to qualify for many natural resources jobs. Areas of emphasis include; forest recreation, wildland fire management, wildlife management, and timber management.

Our five month summer work experience is the key to success. Upon graduation you may choose to work for public or private employers which include the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Army Corp of Engineers, CA Department of Parks, and the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife.

We teach skills that will lead you to a job.

Courses and Programs

The Forestry and Natural Resources curriculum meets strict standards of quality and excellence and is continuously evaluated and upgraded. Our students have access to state-of-the art equipment training both in the classroom and in the field.

Our program offers degrees and certificates that fit a variety of student's needs. We offer certificates in surveying technology, recreation, and wildland fire, to name a few. A certificate will help you gain the training needed to enter the industry quickly. Students can obtain an Associates Degree in Forestry or Natural Resources. Additionally, our program has articulated courses with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Humboldt, and the University of Idaho, for those students who want to transfer to a four-year university.

Whatever educational path you choose, you can be assured that Reedley College Forestry and Natural Resources holds the key to opportunity and adventure!

Forestry Degree and Certificate Programs:

Program Map DEGREES/CERTIFICATES
Forestry (AS) Associates in Science (AS)
Forestry and Natural Resources Training (CA) Certificate of Achievement (CA)
Forest Surveying Technology (CA) Certificate of Achievement (CA)
Forestry Technician Firefighting Emphasis (CA) Certificate of Achievement (CA)

Program maps represent one possible pathway through the program and are for reference only. Detailed information is available in the course catalog.

Students should make a counseling appointment to create a customized education plan to fit their needs.

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Financial Aid

Find out what Financial Aid is available.

Financial Aid

Work Experience

We have strong ties to industry employers, and they continue to hire our students.

In the Reedley College Forestry and Natural Resources department, we believe that hands-on work experience is essential to your development into a capable, proficient resource manager. Our students are employed through internships that are required prior to earning degrees or certificates, but internships are also paid employment. Students have held positions as:

  • Natural Resources Interpreter
  • Hot Shot crew member
  • Student Park Ranger
  • Cave Naturalist
  • Forestry Technician
  • Recreation Technician
  • Timber Marker

Internships are such a vital aspect of the program that we plan classes around them. Our program is structured around the natural resources work season, which lasts from mid-May through mid-October. Several of our Fall classes are shortened to nine weeks so students, returning from their internships, can still get in a full semester.