Seventh Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources
March 14, 2008
Reasons and Reservations for Enrolling in
Forestry Degree Programs: A Survey of
Undergraduate Students
Terry L. Sharik and Stacey Frisk
Department of Environment and Society
College of Natural Resources
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-5215
Relativized* Undergraduate Enrollments in Natural Resources
by Region, for NAUFRP Institutions, 1980-2006
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
NORTHEAST (n=6)
NORTH CENTRAL (n=8)
0.40
SOUTH (n=12)
0.30
WEST (n=10)
TOTAL ALL REGIONS (n=36)
* Values are relative to the highest reported enrollment in each respective region.
2005
2000
1995
1990
1985
1980
0.20
Undergraduate Enrollments in Forestry Dropping Sharply
since mid-90’s: A Concern
Forestry
7000
Wood
6000
Wildlife and Fisheries
4000
Recreation
3000
Water
2000
Range
1000
Natural Resources and
Environment
Years
20
05
20
00
19
95
19
90
19
85
0
19
80
No. of Students
5000
Soils and Geology
Geography
Potential Reasons for Declining Enrollment
•Considerable uncertainty in the existence of jobs in natural resources.
•Relatively low salaries compared to other professions.
•Increasing disconnect between society, particularly young people, and
natural resources (with increased urbanization).
•Tendency for minorities to gravitate toward programs that are perceived as
addressing issues affecting their communities.
•Rigid, narrow curricula.
•Science “phobia” by students.
Potential Reasons for Declining Enrollment
•
Relatively long period of time beyond a bachelor’s degree to obtain a
terminal professional degree compared to other fields such as business,
law, and the health professions.
•
Increase in similar degree programs outside formal colleges of natural
resources.
•
Negative perceptions of natural resource management.
•
Lack of intellectual leadership and charisma nationally in natural resource
issues.
•
Lack of marketing/communications/education
•
Fewer students matriculating in colleges and universities.
Survey Methods
Undergraduate Leaders in Forestry and Related Natural
Resource Programs were surveyed for:
•Demographics
•Reasons and reservations about choosing to matriculate in
Forestry/NR
2004: SAF Convention, Edmonton
N=72
2007: SAF Convention, Portland
N=121
Demographics
Female, 33%
7%
Male , 67%
Hispanic
Asian
White, Non-Hispanic 82%
American Indian
3%
8%
Student Backgrounds
5%
21%
7%
7%
27%
26%
26+
11%
4%
21 to 25
22%
18%
30%
5%
13%
34%
23%
7%
Urban
5%
9%
22%
3%
Suburban
Rural/Wildlands
16 to 20
11 to 15
6 to 10
1 to 5
0
“List the factors that lead to your decision to major
in forestry or a related NR program”
Personal
Goals
14%
Love of
Nature
27%
Positive
Influences
19%
Academic
Interest
5%
Working
Environment
35%
Working Environment
Reliable/Available
Employment
9%
Job Locations
3%
Interest in Specialty
6%
General Interest in NR
Career
20%
Outdoor Work
62%
Positive Influences
Conservation Ethic
24%
Family Member in
NR
16%
Family
Encouragement
13%
Awareness of
Environmental
Issues
16%
High School
Exposure
13%
Childhood Activity
in Outdoors
18%
“What factors caused you to be hesitant about majoring
in forestry or a related NR program?”
None
17%
Job Opportunities
24%
Academic
Concerns
17%
Social Concerns
7% Career Challenges
8%
Earning Potential
27%
Career Challenges
Adverse Work
Conditions
27%
Contentious/Political
Issues
46%
Over-Commodification
of Resources
27%
Academic Concerns
Need for Continuing
Location of Program Education
3%
3%
High Cost of Study
7%
Low Awareness of
Programs/Specialties
Available
54%
Hard/Uninteresting
Courses
33%
Social Concerns
Family Disapproval
8%
Negative Image of
Forestry/Resource
Management
46%
Gender Concerns
46%
Suggestions
•Increase High School Exposure:
Science & Math
Forestry Undergraduate Programs
Career Possibilities
•Enhanced skills in managing contentious/political issues
•Greater sensitivity to gender concerns
•Re-Branding of Forestry
•Evaluate Salaries
•And Remember… Love of Nature is the
greatest attraction!
Future Research
Comprehensive National Survey of
Undergraduate Students:
Within Natural Resources
Beyond Natural Resources
Contact Information
Terry.Sharik@usu.edu
Stacey.Frisk@aggiemail.usu.edu