Forest and Rangeland Stewardship (B.S) SAF Accreditation
Colorado State University’s Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship program undergraduate Forest and Rangeland Stewardship major is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF).
SAF programmatic accreditation is a non-governmental, peer-review process that ensures forestry programs meet high educational and professional standards, offering students a robust, science-based curriculum that prepares them for the field. Students gain a well-rounded understanding of forestry, including ecological, economic, and social principles critical for sustainable forest management. They are also prepared for entry into their profession through licensure and certification, mentorship and networking opportunities, and with the recognition of excellence that accreditation ensures.
Student success data:
2nd fall persistence (retention) rate*: 84.3%
6-year graduation rate: 68.3%
A SAF-accredited B.S. in Forest and Rangeland Stewardship allows for the following concentrations of study:
- Forest Biology Concentration
- Forest Fire Science Concentration
- Forest Management Concentration
Find the curriculum in the course catalog here.
Students pursuing a degree in Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University will gain a well-rounded education in both the arts and sciences, with a strong focus on practical forest management. The curriculum emphasizes the sustainable management of forest resources, products, and ecosystem services, preparing students for various roles in both public and private sectors. Graduates will be equipped to work as managers, administrators, or technical experts in areas related to natural resource use and management. Additionally, those who pursue advanced degrees will have opportunities in academia and research focused on the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
Professional skills gained:
- Demonstrate critical reasoning skills through the synthesis of multiple pieces of evidence.
- Communicate accurately and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Consider diverse perspectives and experiences throughout all aspects of the field of forestry.
- Demonstrates professional and ethical behavior, including the ability to accurately describe the SAF Code of Ethics.
- Demonstrate effective leadership skills by navigating contrasting viewpoints.
The programmatic learning objectives (PLOs) for all five Forest and Rangeland Stewardship major concentrations are below. Students will:
- Effectively communicate knowledge of forestry and natural resources, both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrate proficiency in subject areas outside their major study focus, including principles/issues in wildlife, water, recreation, wilderness, soil, range, and fishery resources.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of subject areas relevant to the major fields of study in forest sciences, including forest ecology and forest management, and apply this knowledge in a complex, problem-solving environment.
- Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of ecosystem components and ecosystem functioning, including human systems.
- Measure and assess ecosystem components, properties, and functioning, including human systems.
- Identify and evaluate management objectives.
- Demonstrate skills in management planning, practice, and implementation.
In addition to the PLOs shared amongst all FRS majors, students with a concentration in Forest Biology will:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of how plants function, including the acquisition of water and nutrients, photosynthesize, and respond to their environment, and apply this knowledge to the study of forest biology
In addition to the PLOs shared amongst all FRS majors, students with a concentration in Forest Management will:
- Demonstrate a holistic understanding of the basic principles of forest ecology and forest management.
In addition to the PLOs shared amongst all FRS majors, students with a concentration in Forest Fire Science will:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of fire as an ecological process and apply this knowledge to managing both prescribed and wildland fire.
*rate of persistence at Colorado State University of all Forest and Rangeland Stewardship majors that are full-time, non-transfer.