Beginning in fall 2026, new students enrolling in forest technology will start at Mont Alto before transitioning to Altoona for their second year in 2027-28. Beginning in fall 2027, all incoming students will complete the entirety of the program at Altoona.
Why an associate degree in forest technology at Penn State Altoona?
Penn State Altoona's associate degree in forest technology isn't just about trees. It's about nature and science, environment and research, conservation and technology. Forest technicians are trained to perform fieldwork in forest management, tree care, and wildlife management. They conduct forest inventories, gather research data, mark timber, and supervise timber sales.
Request Information about the Forest Technology Associate Degree
The program might be a good fit for you if:
- you want to make a difference in your outdoor environment;
- you are interested in field-oriented study;
- you are interested in ecology, forests, and wildlife;
- you want to work for the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry or for a tree-care company.
The forest technology associate degree program can help you prepare for a career in forestry and natural resources management, and you’ll gain classroom knowledge and field skills to build your career. Half of the forest technology class time is spent gaining hands-on experience in one of the many forested areas on or close to campus.
Forest Technology graduates can leverage their two-year associate degree as the foundation for several bachelor's degree programs offered by Penn State, including Penn State Altoona's environmental studies program (B.A. and B.S. options available).
Career Opportunities
Careers are available in both the private sector and state and federal government agencies. Forest Technology students have gone on to become:
- arborists;
- forest technicians;
- foresters;
- land surveyors;
- plant health care specialists;
- soil conservation technicians;
- wildland firefighters.
2+2, Forestry
Forest Technology graduates can leverage their two-year associate degree into the foundation for several bachelor's degree programs offered by Penn State, including the following:
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies at Penn State Altoona
- Bachelor of Science in Forest Ecosystem Management in the College of Agricultural Sciences at University Park
- Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management in the College of Health and Human Development at University Park
Consult with your adviser as soon as possible in your academic career for more information.
The Forest Technology program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
