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Reasons and Reservations for Enrolling in Forestry Degree Programs: A Survey of
Undergraduate Students
Terry L. Sharik and Stacey FriskDepartment of Environment and Society
College of Natural ResourcesUtah State University
Logan, UT 84322-5215
Seventh Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources
March 14, 2008
0.20
0.30
0.40
0.50
0.60
0.70
0.80
0.90
1.00
NORTHEAST (n=6)
NORTH CENTRAL (n=8)
SOUTH (n=12)
WEST (n=10)
TOTAL ALL REGIONS (n=36)
Relativized* Undergraduate Enrollments in Natural Resources by Region, for NAUFRP Institutions, 1980-2006
* Values are relative to the highest reported enrollment in each respective region.
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
Years
No
. of
Stu
den
ts
Forestry
Wood
Wildlife and Fisheries
Recreation
Water
Range
Natural Resources andEnvironment
Soils and Geology
Geography
Undergraduate Enrollments in Forestry Dropping Sharply since mid-90’s: A Concern
Potential Reasons for Declining Enrollment
•Considerable uncertainty in the existence of jobs in natural resources.
•Relatively low salaries compared to other professions.
•Increasing disconnect between society, particularly young people, and natural resources (with increased urbanization).
•Tendency for minorities to gravitate toward programs that are perceived as addressing issues affecting their communities.
•Rigid, narrow curricula.
•Science “phobia” by students.
• Relatively long period of time beyond a bachelor’s degree to obtain a terminal professional degree compared to other fields such as business, law, and the health professions.
• Increase in similar degree programs outside formal colleges of natural resources.
• Negative perceptions of natural resource management.
• Lack of intellectual leadership and charisma nationally in natural resource issues.
• Lack of marketing/communications/education
• Fewer students matriculating in colleges and universities.
Potential Reasons for Declining Enrollment
Survey Methods
Undergraduate Leaders in Forestry and Related Natural Resource Programs were surveyed for:
•Demographics
•Reasons and reservations about choosing to matriculate in Forestry/NR
2004: SAF Convention, Edmonton N=722007: SAF Convention, Portland N=121
Demographics
3%8%
82%
7%
Hispanic
Asian
White, Non-Hispanic
American Indian
Male , 67%
Female, 33%
Student Backgrounds
7%
34%
18%
4%11%
21%
5%
3%
23%
13%
5%
22%
27%
7%
22%
9%5%
30%
26%
7%
Urban Suburban Rural/Wildlands
26+
21 to 25
16 to 20
11 to 15
6 to 10
1 to 5
0
“List the factors that lead to your decision to major in forestry or a related NR program”
Love of Nature27%
Working Environment
35%
Academic Interest
5%
Positive Influences
19%
Personal Goals14%
General Interest in NR Career20%
Interest in Specialty6%
Reliable/Available Employment
9%
Job Locations 3%
Outdoor Work62%
Working Environment
Positive Influences
Childhood Activity
in Outdoors18%
High School
Exposure13%
Awareness of
Environmental Issues16%
Family Member in
NR16%
Conservation Ethic
24%
Family
Encouragement13%
“What factors caused you to be hesitant about majoring in forestry or a related NR program?”
Earning Potential
27%Social Concerns
7%
Academic
Concerns17%
None
17% Job Opportunities
24%
Career Challenges
8%
Career Challenges
Contentious/Political Issues46%
Adverse Work Conditions
27%
Over-Commodification of Resources
27%
Academic Concerns
Hard/Uninteresting Courses
33%
Low Awareness of Programs/Specialties
Available54%
Need for Continuing Education
3%
High Cost of Study 7%
Location of Program3%
Social Concerns
Family Disapproval
8%
Gender Concerns
46%
Negative Image of
Forestry/Resource Management
46%
•Increase High School Exposure: Science & MathForestry Undergraduate ProgramsCareer Possibilities
•Enhanced skills in managing contentious/political issues
•Greater sensitivity to gender concerns
•Re-Branding of Forestry
•Evaluate Salaries
•And Remember… Love of Nature is the greatest attraction!
Suggestions
Future Research
Comprehensive National Survey of Undergraduate Students:
Within Natural Resources
Beyond Natural Resources
