B. S. Forest & Fire Sciences

About the major

The Forest and Fire Sciences (FFS) Degree Program prepares students for careers in the protection and management of our forest and natural resources. This program name was changed from Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) to better reflect the curriculum available to students. Any current FNR student can move to the 2021-2022 catalog and graduate with the degree title of FFS.

The FFS Program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Forest and Fire Sciences is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). Also, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recognizes employment as a forester with the Federal Government upon graduation. 

Graduates qualify for such positions as forester, environmental interpreter, natural resource manager, urban forester, park administrator, park ranger, resource planner, watershed manager, hydrologist, fire and fuels manager, and many other related environmental career areas.

Cal Poly graduates are employed throughout the world: establishing, managing and sustaining forests and urban wildland areas; providing opportunities for a full range of uses; teaching; extension; research; and protecting and managing the environment.

---

Program Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate critical-thinking problem-solving skills.
2. Effectively communicate scientific and technical knowledge in a professional manner.
3. Demonstrate competency in scientific and technical knowledge related to forestry, fire and fuels management, and environmental management in the following key areas:
   • Forest Ecology and Biology – watershed, vegetation, and stand classification; analysis and prediction of stand dynamics; disturbance ecology;
   • Measurement of Forest Resources – forest sampling and inventory, biometrics, GPS, GIS, remote sensing;
   • Management of Forest Resources – develop vegetation, fuel, stand, landscape prescriptions and management plans; environmental impact analysis, profitability and valuation analysis;
   • Forest Resource Policy and Administration – present and defend management plans, work in interdisciplinary (i.e., ID) teams, apply forest policies and regulations to management decisions.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative skills and information management specific to their discipline areas.
5. Exhibit an understanding of their professional and ethical responsibilities as forest managers, natural resources managers, environmental managers, including respect for diversity.
6. Promote life-long learning habits by exposing students to the discovery process of applied research and demonstration projects conducted by the faculty.

---

Society of American Foresters Code of Ethics

Preamble

Service to society is the cornerstone of any profession. The profession of forestry serves society by fostering stewardship of the world's forests. Because forests provide valuable resources and perform critical ecological functions, they are vital to the well-being of both society and the biosphere.

Members of SAF have a deep and enduring love for the land, and are inspired by the profession's historic traditions, such as Gifford Pinchot's utilitarianism and Aldo Leopold's ecological conscience. In their various roles as practitioners, teachers, researchers, advisers, and administrators, foresters seek to sustain and protect a variety of forest uses and attributes, such as aesthetic values, air and water quality, biodiversity, recreation, timber production, and wildlife habitat.

The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to protect and serve society by inspiring, guiding, and governing members in the conduct of their professional lives. Compliance with the code demonstrates members' respect for the land and their commitment to the long-term management of ecosystems, and ensures just and honorable professional and human relationships, mutual confidence and respect, and competent service to society.

On joining the SAF, members assume a special responsibility to the profession and to society by promising to uphold and abide by the following:

Principles and Pledges

1. Foresters have a responsibility to manage land for both current and future generations. We pledge to practice and advocate management that will maintain the long-term capacity of the land to provide the variety of materials, uses, and values desired by landowners and society.
2. Society must respect forest landowners' rights and correspondingly, landowners have a land stewardship responsibility to society. We pledge to practice and advocate forest management in accordance with landowner objectives and professional standards, and to advise landowners of the consequences of deviating from such standards.
3. Sound science is the foundation of the forestry profession. We pledge to strive for continuous improvement of our methods and our personal knowledge and skills; to perform only those services for which we are qualified; and in the biological, physical, and social sciences to use the most appropriate data, methods, and technology.
4. Public policy related to forests must be based on both scientific principles and societal values. We pledge to use our knowledge and skills to help formulate sound forest policies and laws; to challenge and correct untrue statements about forestry; and to foster dialogue among foresters, other professionals, landowners, and the public regarding forest policies.
5. Honest and open communication, coupled with respect for information given in confidence, is essential to good service. We pledge to always present, to the best of our ability, accurate and complete information; to indicate on whose behalf any public statements are made; to fully disclose and resolve any existing or potential conflicts of interest; and to keep proprietary information confidential unless the appropriate person authorizes its disclosure.
6. Professional and civic behavior must be based on honesty, fairness, good will, and respect for the law. We pledge to conduct ourselves in a civil and dignified manner; to respect the needs, contributions, and viewpoints of others; and to give due credit to others for their methods, ideas, or assistance.

SAF Code of Ethics Web Page

---

Student Achievement Data

Searchable Graduate Status Report Outcomes