Advanced Silviculture for the Practicing ForesterGraduate Certificate

What is silviculture?

According to the US Forest Service, silviculture is the art and science of overseeing the establishment, growth, quality, and health of forests and woodland areas. Effective land managers must balance the needs of landowners and communities while considering the importance of biodiversity, wildlife habitats, water resources, and sustainable outdoor recreation. When carefully planned and implemented, various silvicultural tactics like planting, harvesting, thinning, pruning, and prescribed burning can help create a thriving forest ecosystem over time. The importance of silviculture and its impact can be clearly seen in well-managed forests, resulting in healthier trees, more accessibility for recreation, greater biodiversity, and improved habitats for wildlife.

Do I need forestry field experience to apply to the certificate?

Forestry field experience is highly recommended, but not a requirement to apply. However, the certificate is designed to culminate in a capstone course where you will use data and information from a forest stand of your choice to develop a comprehensive silviculture prescription. It is beneficial to have a forest in mind that you can access and gather data from to successfully complete the capstone course.

Do I need natural resource management experience to apply to the certificate?

This graduate certificate requires that students have a bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or another related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants with a degree in an unrelated field who have significant forestry experience may be considered. Examples of appropriate experience include:

• Worked as a forester or natural resources manager
• Significant volunteer experience in a natural resources-related field
• Field experience as an undergraduate student in forestry/natural resources

Do I need undergraduate coursework in statistics and ecology?

Undergraduate coursework in statistics and ecology is required for several courses within the certificate. You can take these courses prior to or after admission.

If I’m receiving a CSU employee tuition benefit for the Silviculture Certificate, will it be taxed?

Employees taking graduate courses or post-bachelor undergraduate courses are limited to $5,250 of tax-free tuition. Any amounts over that limitation will be included in taxable wages.

What happens if I miss course content because I’m on a fire assignment or working in the field without internet access?

Every instructor will have a policy on missed assignments, so it is very important to initiate good communication and work closely with course instructors.

Can I earn Continuing Forestry Education credits for coursework?

Yes. Please let the Silviculture Certificate Coordinator or faculty member know you are interested, and they can apply for Society of American Foresters continuing education credits.