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Forestry is the scientific management of forest lands for the continuous production of goods and services. Through application of knowledge, forestry enhances as well as maintains and protects forest environments. The field of forestry encompasses timber, water, wildlife, range and recreation resources as well as aesthetic values associated with forestlands. As managers, foresters are among the first conservationists to directly improve the quality of the forested environment.

Students in the TJC forestry program will be exposed to forest resource management and conservation methods and the proper identification of and roles played by various plants and animals.

With the addition of the program, TJC becomes the only community college in Texas offering an associate degree in forestry. The program is designed for transfer to SFA's College of Forestry or Texas A&M's Department of Forestry. Students completing an associate in applied science degree in forestry will transfer credits earned at TJC to SFA, Texas A&M or other forestry programs at upper-level institutions.

Individuals who complete a bachelor's degree in forestry find positions with the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, forest product companies and as resource management consultants. Foresters manage all natural resources, including timber, water, soil and wildlife.

To the Texas economy, the forestry industry provides $2 billion annually in wages and benefits and has an annual economic impact of $21.8 billion. Timber provides more than one-third of the state's agricultural income.

For information on the TJC forestry program, contact Dr. Ken Murphy at 903/510-2689 or the School of University Studies at 903/510-2548.