BS Forestry at University of Kentucky

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Science in Forestry at the University of Kentucky combines science, sustainability, and hands-on fieldwork to prepare students for meaningful careers in managing and conserving forest ecosystems. Accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), this program offers a strong foundation in forest ecology, natural resource management, environmental policy, and sustainability.

Faculty: Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment | Duration: 120 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall, Spring, Summer | Location: Lexington, KY, United States

What you will study

The Bachelor of Science in Forestry program focuses on the sustainable management, conservation, and restoration of forest ecosystems. Students study subjects such as forest ecology, silviculture, forest measurements, natural resource policy, and wildlife habitat management. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through fieldwork, lab activities, and applied research, helping students develop the technical and analytical skills needed to understand and manage forest resources in a changing world.

Career pathways

The Forestry degree will prepare you for careers that help grow, manage, and protect forest ecosystems. Graduates work in a variety of sectors including private industry, academia, government, and nonprofit, such as: • Arborist

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University/college-level requirements (not programme-specific): official high school transcript with pre-college curriculum; ACT or SAT optional (test-optional admission). Applies to admission to Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year entry term: Fall 2027 (applications open August 1). Transfer entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer.

UK is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year; most freshman applicants may apply without an ACT or SAT score.

First-year applicants for Fall 2027: Early Action deadline December 1 (recommended for Lewis Honors College and competitive and academic scholarships); Regular Decision deadline February 15. Application fee is $50 for domestic and $60 for international applicants. Apply with the UK application or the Common App.

Transfer applicants: application deadlines are August 1 for Fall (scholarship deadline June 15), November 15 for Spring and April 15 for Summer. The application fee is $50, waived for applications fully submitted on listed Transfer Tuesday dates.

Graduate applicants apply online through The Graduate School application system; deadlines and supplemental materials are set by each programme page. Minimum undergraduate GPA 2.75, minimum graduate GPA 3.0, and 2.5 for graduate certificate applicants (programmes may require more).

Apply through the official page: https://academics.uky.edu/apply

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