The Bachelor of Science in Forestry (B.S.F.) program provides the foundation for the professional management of stands and forests for a broad array of uses and purposes. Forests grow in a wide range of environments and are managed under a variety of arrangements globally. The program provides a strong background in the biological, physical, and social fundamentals of forestry that are relevant in any ecosystem and political jurisdiction. Consequently, graduates of this program may be found working in different regions of Canada and in many other countries.
The B.S.F. program offers two majors, both of which are accredited by the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board as providing the academic requirements for becoming a professional forester in the eight Canadian provinces that have professional forestry organizations.
The Forest Resources Management major covers the biological, physical, and social sciences upon which forest resource management is based, and provides a working knowledge of the characteristics of forest resources, their interactions, and the ways in which they can be managed to yield a socially desirable mix of goods and services. This major offers a concentration that allows students to focus on community and Indigenous forestry (including a Minor in Commerce).
The Forest Operations major also provides broad coverage of the biological, physical, and social sciences upon which forest resource management is based, but places additional emphasis on the operational aspects of forestry. This major offers two different paths that allow students to focus on harvest planning and engineering or to officially pursue a Minor in Commerce.
Students select a major upon initial registration in the B.S.F. program. Switching between the majors is possible with little academic penalty within the first year of either of the majors. Switching majors at a later point may require more than the standard number of credits to be completed in order to meet all of the requirements of the new major.
The B.S.F. program contains several integrated courses and labs requiring fieldwork and three extra-sessional field courses. Students must be prepared to participate in field trips off-campus (including some weekends and evenings) and to pay the extra costs associated with these field trips. It is each student's responsibility to make the necessary arrangements regarding employment, extracurricular activities, personal commitments, and so on, so that they are able to participate fully in required field trips.