Forestry and Wood Science

As complex ecosystems, forests feature worldwide among the most significant biodiversity hotspots and fulfill numerous functions. They offer habitats for plant and animal species, produce wood – the most important renewable resource in terms of surface area and quantity – and make a fundamental contribution to the common good of society. Forest ecosystems must therefore satisfy numerous demands and, as such, are increasingly in the focus of sociopolitical discourse.

In order to balance these diverse and, in part, conflicting interests, careful, long-term and calculated planning is essential. In addition to well-founded knowledge of the forest ecosystem, this demands a comprehensive understanding of systems and far-reaching methodological competence. To this end, the master's program "Forestry and Wood Science" offers the required specialization. The program's goal is to convey the scientific basis for sustainably managing the forest ecosystem and, in the process, to cover the entire value-added chain, from production in the forest to finished wood products.

As such, the focus is equally on the scientific foundations of forestry as well as the technical aspects of exploiting and marketing raw materials produced in the forest. The four supporting pillars of the program – "Environment", "Production", "Society" and "Wood" – are reflected too in six available specialist areas: "Wood as raw/building material", "Mountain forestry", "Forest management", "International forestry", "Site assessment and use", as well as "Landscape development and nature conservation". The course content can be combined and therefore offers, together with an extensive catalog of elective modules, a high level of flexibility in creating one's own individual study profile.

Which further expertise and skills will I acquire?

Our graduates have at their disposal an advanced technical training in the economics of forestry and wood and can conduct scientific work independently, as well as plan, realize and lead complex projects. They are able to think through systems, take on responsibility, and incorporate the latest scientific developments into their work. Given the practical nature of the program, graduates are in a position to analyze and assess business and organizational structures, and to independently plan.

Graduates understand complex ecological phenomena and can describe how they relate to one another. They can assess the reactions of ecosystems to biotic and abiotic environmental factors and deduce the consequences for ecosystem conservation as well as forest management. They are in a position to evaluate various forms of land use and make judgments about opportunities for, and limits to, sustainable uses.

Graduates are able to assess biogeographic, technical and commercial production conditions, and to analyze concepts for the production of forestry resources in accordance with current standards, as well as to develop such concepts independently. They are able to conduct forestry business analysis and planning that takes into account economic, social and ecological factors. At the same time, they are capable of factoring in the demands of the wood industry. Moreover, they are familiar with the market structures of the wood industry and able to distinguish between its production processes.

In addition, they can identify diverse interests at play in the use of the forest as resource and analyze actor constellations. They are able to conduct conflict analysis and formulate possible courses of action that are solution-oriented and take into consideration legal and political conditions. They are able to take into account affected interest groups and to communicate their findings in an appropriate manner.

Which professional opportunities can I take up with this qualification?

The degree prepares graduates for diverse areas of employment in the field of forest and wood management, paving the way for activity in science and business. It also offers the opportunity to acquire the necessary technical training for admission to the fourth tier in the state training program for the German forest service. Here, a bachelor's degree in forestry is a requirement. Upon completion, the degree also offers openings in NGOs and development aid, or as a freelance expert.