Member Login  | Contact Us  | Site Map     

 

SWST

Society of Wood Science and Technology

Directory of Schools

SWST DIRECTORY NORTH AMERICAN SCHOOLS OFFERING BACCALAUREATE AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS OF STUDY IN WOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


For further information concerning the programs of study, research activities, requirements for admission or other aspects of the programs listed in this directory, please write directly to the program of interest using the addresses provided in this directory, or telephone or FAX the appropriate contact person(s) listed under the program of interest.

 

 

 

 

Status of Accreditation of Wood Science and Technology Programs

At the time of printing of this directory, the following schools had successfully completed accreditation review by the SWST: North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh; Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg; Univ. of Maine, Orono; Univ. of Minnesota, St. Paul; Mississippi State Univ., Miss. State, MS; West Virginia Univ., Morgantown; Oregon State Univ., Corvallis; Pennsylvania State Univ., Univ. Park; State University of New York (SUNY), Syracuse; Univ. of Idaho, Moscow, ID. Requests for current and/or more comprehensive information regarding accreditation of Wood Science and Technology programs can be addressed to the Society of Wood Science and Technology.

Current information regarding the accreditation of programs of study is typically found within the general catalogs and/or other informational materials for most universities. Prospective students may therefore expect that information regarding accreditation of various programs within a university will normally be incorporated somewhere within the standard packages of information that are mailed to prospective students upon their request for information regarding a program of study.

For Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD):  Where universities have their own collection of electronic theses and dissertations, that link is included below.  In addition, the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) is an international organization dedicated to promoting the adoption, creation, use, dissemination and preservation of electronic analogues to the traditional paper-based theses and dissertations.  Access NDLTD to browse or search through several ETD collections, typically across multiple institutions simultaneously.


Auburn University

School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama 36849-5418

Undergraduate: The program in Wood Science and Technology at Auburn University is administered through the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.  Undergraduate courses in Forest Products are incorporated within two of nine undergraduate "Emphases".  These are the Forest Operations and the Products Emphases.  Certain courses are required in each Emphasis, others are selected by the student from a list of optional choices.

Graduate: The graduate program offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees with specialties in wood composite structures, wood and wood composites processing, wood mechanics, wood physics, and forest products production management.

Details about both undergraduate and graduate programs in Wood Science and Technology at Auburn are available in the School's comprehensive web site (see below).

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://graduate.auburn.edu/auetd/ 

Contact

Dr. Greg Somers, Associate Dean for Education Program
Phone: (334) 844-1006
FAX: (334) 844-1084

http://www.sfws.auburn.edu/


Clemson University

Department of Forest Resources
College of Agriculture, Forestry & Life Sciences
Clemson University
261 Lehotsky Hall
Clemson, South Carolina 29634-0331

Forest Products program is administered by the Department of Forest Resources. A minor is offered in Forest Products for undergraduate students, along with graduate programs that lead to M.S., M.F., and Ph.D.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://www.lib.clemson.edu/libcoll/where/dissertheses.htm   

Contact

Dr. Andy Lee
Phone: (864)656-4838
FAX: (864)656-3304

http://virtual.clemson.edu/groups/CAFLS/


Iowa State University

Department of Forestry
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011

Undergraduate: The Department of Forestry offers a bachelor's degree in forestry with an option in forest products.  The program is fully accredited by the Society of American Foresters.  Graduates of the forest products option understand the anatomical, physical, and chemical properties of wood and know wood processing operations involved in drying, machining, gluing, and chemical treatment of wood.  They are skilled at applying their knowledge in the development of products and processes.  They are able to provide scientific and technical problem-solving decisions for customers of wood products.  Within the forest products option, students may choose from a broad array of elective courses to  develop a minor or area of concentration.  Typically, students opt for coursework in business or industrial engineering.  Many of our undergraduate students are employed on campus, doing work that contributes to our research program in wood products.  In addition, abundant opportunities are available for summer internships with industry.  Often, these valuable experiences lead to permanent job offers. Iowa State graduates generally find technical employment in the wood composites industry in the Upper Midwest and Southeast.  However, students find placement throughout  the U.S. and in positions ranging from sales and marketing to research and development.  Students who concentrate in science and engineering electives are well prepared for advanced study in wood science.

Graduate Iowa State University has offered a professional forestry curriculum since 1904. Graduate-level scientific study has always been an important aspect of the program. The current programs are closely coordinated with intensive and expanding research programs in selected areas including wood science and technology. The department offers a M.S. degree in Wood Science and Ph.D. in Forest Biology/Wood Science.  Wood Science graduates with a Master's degree usually obtain employment with industry in product and process development, production control, engineering, marketing, and personnel management.  Graduates with a Ph.D. obtain employment in research with large wood products firms and government and in teaching and research with universities. Because the graduate program at Iowa State University stresses fundamentals, graduates have broad opportunities for employment.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://www.grad-college.iastate.edu/thesis/homepage.html   

Contact

Undergraduate Program: 
  Dr. Monlin Kuo
  Phone: (515)294-1225

Graduate Program:
 Dr. J. Michael Kelly
 Phone: (515)294-1166
 Email: jmkelly@iastate.edu

 Web site: http://www.forestry.iastate.edu/


Louisiana State University

School of Renewable Natural Resources
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803

Undergraduate: The School of Renewable Natural Resources offers undergraduate and graduate education to students who wish to study forestry, forest products, wildlife and fisheries disciplines. The school offers a wide range of academic programs, basic and applied research, and outreach activities. These programs involve natural resource subjects such as forest biology and management, coastal issues, wildlife, natural fisheries, aquaculture, forest products, and many more. Two undergraduate curricula are available that provide students with professional education in various fields of renewable natural resources. Students within both degree programs take courses as part of a school core and then select an Area of Concentration.

The Bachelor of Science in Forestry (B.S.F.) degree is one of two undergraduate degree programs within the School of Renewable Natural Resources.  The B.S.F. and the choice of one of three Areas of Concentration are aimed at delivering a broad education in renewable natural resources specifically related to forest ecosystems and forest products. The B.S.F. is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and leads to a professional degree in Forestry. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes SAF as the specialized accrediting body for forestry education in the United States. The curriculum in Forestry consists of a School-wide core of courses taken by all students in the School of Renewable Natural Resources to assure a broad understanding of renewable natural resource ecology, sustainability, policy and management.  The Forestry curriculum also contains the university general education requirements, support courses from closely related disciplines, a forestry core, required and directed elective courses within the selected Area of Concentration, and allows for a number of hours of free electives. The B.S.F. degree program is flexible and allows students, in consultation with faculty, to select an area of concentration closely associated with their career goals in renewable natural resources. Additional flexibility is allowed within each Area of Concentration.   Problem-based learning and multidisciplinary team activities are used to put students in “real-world situations” with present-day problems, and better prepare them for successful careers. Critical thinking skills are stressed in a broad-based curriculum. A total of 128 hours is required.

Areas of Concentration:

Forest Resource Management (FRM) Area of Concentration

The Forest Resource Management Area of Concentration (FRM AOC) is intended for those students that are primarily interested in managing forests as a sustainable renewable natural resource.  The Area of Concentration, in conjunction with the School Core courses, are designed to provide students with an appreciation of numerous aspects of forest resource management including timber and non-timber resources and prepare them for employment with public and private entities in forest resource management.

Ecological Restoration (ER) Area of Concentration

Development/disturbance mitigation is on the rise as is the desire to restore systems disturbed and disrupted by anthropogenic and natural causes.  The Ecological Restoration Area of Concentration (ER AOC) provides the foundation for students planning a career in environmental and ecological consulting, ecological restoration, or remediation work. Knowledge of plant and animal taxonomy, geographic information systems, and wetlands delineation are currently in demand by environmental consulting/engineering firms. 

Forest Products (FP) Area of Concentration

The Forest Products Area of Concentration is intended for those students that are planning a career related to forest products or preparing for an advanced degree in wood science, manufacturing, business, industrial applications. The FP Area of Concentration, combined with the School core courses, provides a background in basic wood and wood product properties, efficient processing techniques, and business and industrial applications.

Graduate: Graduate programs (M.S., Ph.D.) emphasize research in several fields including Forest Products Marketing, Wood Composites and Adhesives, Wood Physics, Wood Quality, Wood Preservation, Wood Chemistry, International Trade, Timber Harvesting, and Safety. The Forest Products Program is administered as part of the Louisiana Forest Products Development Center (www.rnr.lsu.edu/lfpdc).

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://etd.lsu.edu/

Contact

Undergraduate Program:  
Dr. Leroy Shilling 
Phone: (225)388-4192

Email: cshilling@agcenter.lsu.edu

 

Graduate Program: 
Dr. Richard Vlosky
Director, Louisiana Forest Products Development Center
Phone: (225) 578-4527
Email:
vlosky@lsu.edu

 


Michigan State University

Department of Forestry
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1222

Graduate: The department has no formal program of study in Wood Science but does have a significant research program in the area, in which graduate students are involved at the M.S. and Ph.D. levels. (M.S., Ph.D.).

Contact

Dr. Otto Suchsland for information
Phone: (517) 355-7562
FAX: (517) 432-1143

Web site: http://www.for.msu.edu/


Michigan Technological University

School of Forestry and Wood Products
Michigan Technological University
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, Michigan 49931-1295

Faculty teaching in the Wood Science degree program, School of Forestry and Wood Products, have experience in the following research areas: Performance-driven wood composites; biotechnology; preservation of wood-based products; thermoplastic/wood fiber composites; environmental studies and bioengineering. Degrees are offered at the B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. level.

Contact

Dr. Glenn Mroz
Phone: (906) 487-2454
FAX: (906) 487-2915
Email: gdmroz@mtu.edu

Web site: http://forestry.mtu.edu/iwr/


Mississippi State University
(SWST Accredited Program)

Department of Forest Products
Mississippi State University
P.O. Box 9820
Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762-9820

Undergraduate: MSU is currently seeking SWST accreditation for a forest products option in the forestry department.  This option will provide an integrated educational program between forest resource management and forest products;  a combination that is inextricably linked.  The SWST-accredited Undergraduate Program includes six options, all of which are multi-disciplinary: Wood Industries Management and Wood Materials Science.  The Wood Industries Management option is designed to provide Forest Products students with the background to pursue careers in the forest products and allied industries.  Four additional options are available including Forest Products Marketing,  Industrial Environmental Operations, Building Supply Operations, and Forest Products Technology.  Students pursuing these options can obtain a minor or certificate in various other disciplines (Management, General Business Administration, Marketing, or other business fields, Environmental Science, Industrial Technology).  All options provide a knowledge of the basic sciences, business, and wood science, and provides extensive training in the major wood processing operations.  A double degree program with the College of Business & Industry is also available.  The Wood Materials Science option provides Forest Products students with the background to pursue careers in research and product development or to continue their education at the graduate level.  The curriculum provides a knowledge of the basic sciences, mathematics, and a strong background in wood and materials science.  Judicious selection of electives allows the student to minor in other science fields such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, etc.  As of 9/2006 the Forest Products Department suspended enrollment of new freshman into the major.  Transfer students will be accepted through at least 1/2008.

Graduate: Graduate programs (M.S., Ph.D.) emphasize research in several fields including Business & Production Systems (systems simulation, computer applications, wood processing operations, marketing, management); Environmental Biotechnology (bioremediation, biofiltration, wood waste remediation); Wood Property Enhancement (wood preservation, preservatives, biodeterioration & durability, treatment mechanics, test methodology, wood properties, drying); Wood Chemistry (VOC emissions, secondary plant compounds, bio-active compounds), Composites (adhesives, processing technology, engineered systems, properties); Furniture Production (frame design, fasteners, alternative materials, rough mill operations, marketing, production economics).

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://sun.library.msstate.edu/ETD-db/

Contact

Dr. Rubin Shmulsky .
Phone: (662)325-2243

Email: rshmulsky@cfr.msstate.edu
Web site:
http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/forestp/fphome.htm


North Carolina State University
(SWST Accredited Program)

Department of Wood and Paper Science
North Carolina State University
Box 8005
Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8005

Undergraduate:  The SWST-accredited Wood Products curriculum at NC State University offers a BS degree in Wood Products that emphasizes the uniqueness of the material wood. Graduates of this program have many diverse career path opportunities in the wood industry and are found in all phases of the industry in processing, production, management, and sales positions.  The basic curriculum emphasizes the properties and processing of wood and also contains sufficient elective hours to enable students the opportunity to pursue options or minors in business management, forestry, or other academic fields of choice. The 20,000 square foot Hodges Wood Products Laboratory contains production-size wood processing equipment that is used by the students in the required hands-on Wood Products Practicum.  A required summer work internship is also an integral part of the curriculum and enables the student to experience professional employment in the wood industry.

Graduate: : The Department of Wood and Paper Science at NC State University offers Master of Wood and Paper Science (non-thesis), Master of Science, and Ph.D. degree programs. Close cooperation with various departments provides a wide variety of interdisciplinary research opportunities. Major research and extension programs include: wood tool design, performance, and wear; high-speed machining and process monitoring; wood-moisture relations and lumber drying; wood anatomy and identification; computer-aided analysis and design of wood structures; wood engineering and mechanics; wood processing and production of wood composites; lumber manufacture and quality control; rough mill improvement for value-added manufacturing; consumer education on proper wood use; and waste minimization and recycling. 

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/etd/

Contact

Undergraduate Program: 
  Dr. Perry Peralta 
  Phone: (919)515-5731
  Fax: (919)513-3496
  E-mail: perry_peralta@ncsu.edu

Graduate Program: 
  Dr. Richard Venditti 
  Phone: (919)515-6185

  Email - richard_venditti@ncsu.edu

Web site: http://www.ncsu.edu/wood


Oregon State University
(SWST Accredited Program)

Department of Wood Science & Engineering
Oregon State University
119 Richardson Hall
Corvallis, Oregon 97331-5751

Undergraduate:  The Department of Wood Science and Engineering offers the SWST-accredited B.S. degree in Wood Science and Technology with options in:

·         Wood Industry Management

·         Forest Products Marketing

·         Wood Engineering and Science

·         Bio-based Composites Manufacturing

·         Wood Industry Production Planning and Quality Control

·         Wood Industry Environmental, Health and Safety

The curricula are adaptable to most lower division or community college programs having some science emphasis. Students in Wood Industry Management and Forest Products Marketing options will also obtain a minor in Business Administration, which could easily lead to an MBA.  A minor in Forest Products is available. A variety of multi-year undergraduate scholarships are available for qualified incoming and continuing students.

Graduate:  Graduate programs are offered which lead to M.S. and Ph.D. in Wood Science or M.F. degrees. Minor programs in other disciplines are encouraged and concurrent dual degree programs in many disciplines are very popular. Graduate programs are flexible but research emphasis is in the following areas: wood growth-quality, physical or mechanical properties, chemistry, adhesives, composite materials and products, wood-moisture relations, process control/machine vision, timber engineering, wood preservation/biodeterioration, materials science, or marketing. Most students are financially supported by graduate research assistantships. Graduate fellowships, which are supplemental annual awards ranging from $500 to $5000, are available on a competitive basis for qualified incoming and continuing graduate students.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/dspace/handle/1957/89

Contact

Undergraduate Program:
  Dr. Charles Brunner
  Phone: (541)737-4205

Graduate Program:
  Dr. Thomas McLain 
  Phone: (541)737-4257

FAX: (541)737-3385
Email: woodscience@oregonstate.edu
Web site:
http://woodscience.oregonstate.edu/


Pennsylvania State University
(SWST Accredited Program)

Wood Products Program Chairman
School of Forest Resources
Forest Resources Laboratory
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania 16802

Undergraduate: Wood Products program at the Pennsylvania State University is in the School of Forest Resources.  The undergraduate program offers a B.S. in Wood Products with two options: (1) Wood Products Processing and Manufacturing and (2) Wood Products Business and Marketing,  both SWST accredited .  Students in the Processing and Manufacturing option develop an in-depth understanding of the science and technology involved in converting wood into useful products.  They study the material science and engineering of using wood and wood fiber as manufacturing materials.  Students in the Business and Marketing option focus on the income-generating side of the wood products industry.  They examine basic concepts such as product quality and value, customer satisfaction, product perceptions, competitive advantage, and global competition.  In addition students in this option gain a technical knowledge of wood as a raw material, wood products, and related manufacturing technologies.

Graduate: Graduate degrees offered include an M.S., M.F.R., and Ph.D. in Forest Resources.  Faculty research projects and graduate student program emphasis may focus on business, marketing, processing, manufacturing, materials science, biological science, or engineering.  Specific faculty research projects are listed on the Web site for the School of Forest Resources.  Scholarships are available for Wood Products undergraduate and graduate students.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://etda.libraries.psu.edu/

Contact

Dr. Paul R. Blankenhorn
Phone: (814)865-6972
FAX: (814)863-7193

Email: prb@psu.edu
Web site:
http://www.sfr.cas.psu.edu/


Purdue University

Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1200

Undergraduate: Purdue offers a unique BS degree in Wood Products Manufacturing Technology. This curriculum in is a joint effort of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and the School of Technology. The curriculum is industry oriented, with emphasis on eastern hardwood tree species and application to the lumber and veneer industries in the Central Hardwood Region and the secondary wood products industries manufacturing wood furniture, cabinets, and architectural millwork.

Graduates in wood products manufacturing technology curriculum offer employers in the wood products industries an understanding of wood structure and properties combined with technical expertise in product development, production, and quality control. This combination of knowledge and skills places graduates favorably in the job market.

Engage in the challenge of a unique curriculum combining an understanding of wood structure properties, technical expertise in wood product development and processing and industrial technology.  The curriculum provides knowledge of the basic sciences, mathematics, and a strong background in wood and materials science.  A broad selection of electives allows the student to minor in other science fields. Modern equipment including a top of the line CNC router is available for instruction.

Graduate: Graduate programs (M.S., Ph.D.) include research in fields such as product and process engineering, wood quality, structural composites, furniture production (frame design, fasteners, alternative materials, rough mill operations). Well-equipped wood lab facilities, extensive computer capability, and joint projects with personnel in engineering and statistics provide broad educational perspectives.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/dissertations/

Contact

Dr. Rado Gazo
Phone: (765)494-3634
FAX: (765)496-1344

Web site: http://www.fnr.purdue.edu/


Southern Illinois University

Department of Forestry
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Mailcode 4411
Carbondale, Illinois 62901-4411

Graduate: Southern Illinois University offers a Master of Science degree in Wood Science and Technology. Areas of emphasis include wood quality (anatomy, growth-quality relationships) and forest products marketing. (Note: No undergraduate program is available in the area of Wood Science and Technology at this time.) (M.S.)

Contact

Dr. John Phelps 
Phone: (618) 453-3341
FAX: (618) 453-7475
Email: jphelps@siu.edu

Web site: http://www.siu.edu/~forestry/index.html


State University of New York
(SWST Accredited Program)

Wood Products Engineering
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
1 Forestry Drive
Syracuse, New York 13210-2786

Undergraduate:  Bachelor of Science degree in Wood Products Engineering focuses on the materials science of wood and its industrial uses.  Students select emphasis areas which concentrate on management, marketing, basic wood science or utilization.  All students learn the fundamentals of wood anatomy, mechanical and physical properties, processing and seasoning.

Programs are available for both entering freshmen and transfer students.  Articulation agreements exist with appropriate transfer schools. Practical industrial experience is available through internships and independent study courses.  A wide variety of electives available through Syracuse University provide access to engineering, arts, humanities and communications courses.   Environmental emphases in policy, biotechnology and ecology are taken at ESF.

Graduate: The graduate program offers Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.), Master of Science (M.S.) and Ph.D. degrees.  Research and course offerings cover a broad range.   Recent student projects have dealt with seasoning problems, new finishes for wood, decay, residential construction, adhesives, wood composites and ultrastructure studies.  Each graduate student has a specific program developed to meet the career objectives of the individual.  Advisory committees are composed of specialists in the student's chosen area of research.   The MPS degree is coursework only, but requires a practicum where the student works with industry or science professionals on current problems, while the MS degree requires a thesis. 

Contact

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs:
  Dr. Robert W. Meyer
  Phone: (315) 470-6881
  E-mail:  bobmeyer@esf.edu

Web site:  http://www.esf.edu/wpe/


Université Laval
(Canada)

Department of Wood and Forest Science
Faculty of Forestry and Geomatics
Universite Laval
Quebec
CANADA G1K 7P4

Undergraduate: Undergraduate co-op program offers a B.Sc. in Wood Engineering with emphasis on wood science, wood processing, wood engineering, wood composites, and wood marketing.

Graduate:  Graduate program offered in wood science (M.Sc. (2-year) and Ph.D. (3-year)) with emphasis on wood science, process automation, wood engineering and development of new utilizations. (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:    http://www.fes.ulaval.ca/sgc/mte

Contact

Undergraduate Program:
  Dr. Michel Beaudoin 
  Phone: (418) 656-5942
Web site:
http://ww2.sbf.ulaval.ca/index.php?id=210

Graduate Program:
  Dr. Yves Fortin 
  Phone: (418) 656-2181

FAX: (418) 656-5262
Web site:
http://www.crb.ulaval.ca/default.htm


University of British Columbia
(Canada)

Department of Wood Science
Faculty of Forestry 
2900 - 2424 Main Mall
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia
CANADA V6T 1Z4

Undergraduate: B.Sc. Wood Products Processing.  Students can complete a Minor degree in Commerce.  The program is designed to produce graduates capable of managing a wood manufacturing facility using state-of-the-art computer driven equipment.  Students gain a thorough understanding of the material properties of wood, as well as computer, business, marketing and engineering concepts.  Most students complete a Co-op degree in which paid work experience in industry is combined with the academic portion of the program.

Graduate: Graduate degrees offered are M.Sc., M.F., M.A.Sc., and Ph.D., in such areas as biomaterials chemistry, biotechnology, composites, drying, engineering, marketing, preservation, processing, quality improvement and wood quality. 

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  https://circle.ubc.ca/handle/123456789/2

Contact

Undergraduate Program: 
  Dr. Simon Ellis
  Phone: (604) 822-3551
 
simon.ellis@ubc.ca

Graduate Program:
  Dr. Colette Breuil
  Phone: (604) 822-9738
 
colette.breuil@ubc.ca

FAX: (604) 822-9104
Web site:
http://wood.ubc.ca/


University of Georgia

D. B. Warnell School of Forest Resources
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia 30602

Undergraduate: An area of emphasis (minor) is offered in Wood Utilization under the Forestry major in the undergraduate program.

Graduate: The graduate program in Wood Science and Technology is administered through the Warnell School of Forest Resources. The graduate programs (MFR, M.S, Ph.D.) are offered in areas of specialization. These include adhesive chemistry, wood and fiber quality, technology of adhesive bonded products (composites), wood process engineering and control.

Contact

Graduate Coordinator for information.
Phone: (706) 542-1183

Web site: http://www.uga.edu/wsfr


University of Idaho
(SWST Accredited Program)

Department of Forest Products
College of Natural Resources
University of Idaho
P.O. Box 441132
Moscow, Idaho 83844-1132

Undergraduate: The SWST-accredited Undergraduate Program includes three options: Forest Products Business Management and Marketing, Timber Harvesting, and Wood Construction and Design.  The Forest Products Business Management and Marketing option is designed to provide Forest Products students with the background to pursue careers in the forest products and allied industries.  It provides knowledge of the basic sciences, business, and wood science, and provides extensive training in the major wood processing operations.  Students pursuing this option can obtain a second B.S. in Business with two additional semesters of coursework.  The Timber Harvesting option provides Forest Products students with the background to pursue careers in planning and designing timber sales, supervising logging crews, designing and laying out roads, and managing logging and wood procurement operations.  It provides students with knowledge of the basic sciences, wood science, and forestry and provides training to access, harvest, and transport trees from the woods to a processing mill or factory.  The Wood Construction and Design option focuses on forest products technology, architectural design, and business management.  The curriculum provides students with knowledge of the basic sciences, wood science, and architecture and provides training for a variety of careers in the manufacture and design of wood products and constructed facilities.  Students in the Forest Products curriculums may gain field experience on the college's 7,200-acre school forest, on one of several regional industrial timberlands, or at regional forest products processing plants.

Graduate: Graduate programs (M.S., Ph.D.) emphasize research in several fields including Business Management and Marketing (systems simulation, wood processing operations, marketing, management); Timber Harvesting (site impacts, harvesting systems, production and cost control); Wood Science and Mechanics (test methodology, wood properties, drying, structural properties); Wood Chemistry (VOC emissions); and Wood Building Technology (architectural design, value engineering, affordable housing, alternative building materials).

Contact

 Dr. Thomas M. Gorman
 Phone: (208)885-7402 
          or 
 Ms. Jan Pitkin 
 Phone: (208)885-9663

 Email: forprod@uidaho.edu
 Web site:
http://www.cnrhome.uidaho.edu/forp/


University of Illinois

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
W-503 Turner Hall
1102 South Goodwin Avenue
University of Illinois
Urbana, Illinois 61801

Undergraduate: B.S. in Forestry with wood products specialization in the Forest Science Option. Study areas include wood science, wood engineering, wood composites, business, and quality control.

Graduate: The Master's degree programs prepare students for diversified careers in research and development, production, sales, and marketing in wood products industries. (M.S., Ph.D.)  

Contact

Dr. Poo Chow
Phone: (217) 333-6670
FAX: (217) 244-3219

Web site: http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/~nres/


University of Kentucky

Department of Forestry
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky 40546-0073

B.S. and M.S. in Forestry. Significant hands-on experience in primary and secondary manufacturing processes during wood utilization component of field camp. Excellent facilities exist at UK's Robinson Forest and Robinson Substation for primary and secondary processing research at the graduate level.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://www.uky.edu/ETD/   

Contact

Dr. Terry Conners
Forest Products Specialist
Department of Forestry
University of Kentucky
202 T.P. Cooper Building
Lexington, KY 40546-0073
Tel: (859) 257-2463 (office)
Cell Phone: (859) 619-9018 
FAX: (859) 323-1031
Email: tconners@uky.edu

Web site: http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Forestry/forestry.html


University of Maine
(SWST Accredited Program)

Wood Science and Technology Program
5755 Nutting Hall
College of Natural Resources, Forestry & Agriculture
University of Maine
Orono, Maine 04469-5755

Undergraduate: Wood Science and Technology is an SWST accredited program where the student can choose from a variety of options ranging from hands-on training in the area of Wood Design and Craftsmanship to study for a career in the Forest Products industry. As greater demands are made on the world’s forest resources by a growing and consuming population, the need for proper wood design and the understanding of both new and traditional technologies is essential to meet the need for wood products in an environmentally acceptable and sustainable manner.  Wood craftsman and wood scientists possess critical knowledge in designing and creating wood products, whether these be finely-crafted furniture pieces or the latest advanced engineered hybrid composites for the built-environment. The University of Maine’s program prepares students in ways to best use wood while minimizing environmental demands on our forests.  The curriculum also exposes students to a sound grounding in the sciences, including mathematics, chemistry, and physics. All students in the wood science and technology curriculum learn the fundamentals of wood material science (anatomy, chemistry, mechanics and physics), and they go beyond this then to specialize in a professional electives area that best suits them. Students can choose the Wood Design and Craftsmanship elective sequence that is taught in cooperation with the world-renowned Center for Furniture Craftsmanship on the Maine coast. In this sequence students learn the basics of wood tooling and joinery, as well as hand turning and finishing to design and build functional, beautiful, expressive work out of wood to the highest standard of craftsmanship. Students can also choose a more industrial wood products elective sequence in Wood Engineering, Wood Chemistry, or Business. Combining professional elective courses, for example combining Wood Design and Craftsmanship and Business courses, is also an option for students particularly those preparing to run their own businesses after graduation. Well-equipped work-spaces and laboratories, with numerous field trips to wood producers, wood craftsmen and designers, and industrial operations provide exposure to the breadth of ways that wood is taken from the forest and used. A capstone course allows students to apply learned wood science principles to case studies.  

Many of our students choose to work at the UMaine State-of-the-Art Advanced Engineering Wood Composites (AEWC) Center.  Students get a wealth of experience from working closely with Professors at this Center on important industrial problems and the development of new ways to use wood.  Alternately students can choose to obtain additional training in crafting and designing of wood.  The UMaine Wood Science and Technology program has a close working relationship and a credit-transfer agreement with the near-by Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, a world-class facility for training of wood craftsmen on the coast.  Opportunities also exist to take outside courses at three of the wooden boat programs for students with interests in this area.

Graduate: Graduate research opportunities at the M.S. and Ph.D. level are available in several areas. All work-spaces and laboratories have recently undergone major renovation (~5,000 ft2) and are well equipped with modern equipment. The facilities of the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center, a new 48,000 ft2 facility including state-of-the- art manufacturing and evaluation equipment, is also available for many projects. Research areas include Wood Preservation and Biotechnology, Wood Mechanics, Wood Physics, Marketing, Wood Adhesion, Composite Materials, and Wood Chemistry. Strong ties with researchers in other Departments including Chemistry (Wood Chemistry), Chemical Engineering (Pulp & Paper), Molecular Biology (Wood Biotechnology), and Civil Engineering (Wood Engineering) exist to create an excellent research infrastructure.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://www.library.umaine.edu/theses/

Graduate Certificate in Advanced Engineered Wood Composites

Educational Objectives: Students will acquire knowledge and will demonstrate comprehension on processing and manufacturing of wood-polymer and fiber-reinforced hybrid composites.  Students will conduct and analyze material property characterization of wood-polymer and fiber-reinforced hybrid composites.  Students will develop skills in assessing technology and systematizing application of the interdisciplinary graduate training to product development of low-cost, high-performance wood-polymer and fiber-reinforced hybrid composites.

Core Courses:

CIE 543    Introduction to Composite Materials in Civil Engineering       3 credits

CIE 644    Advanced Composite Materials in Civil Engineering              3 credits

WSC 531  Advanced Mechanics of Wood and Wood Composites       3 credits

WSC 540  Adhesion and Adhesives Technology.                                  4 credits

WSC 550  Wood-Polymer Hybrid Composite Processing                     3 credits

Total    Credits                                                                                     16 credits

Contact

Dr. Barry Goodell 
Phone: 1-800-WOOD-UNIV(1-800-966-3864)
Email: woodscience@maine.edu
         or 
Ms. Cynthia Paschal 
Phone: (207)581-2841
Email:
paschal@umenfa.maine.edu

Web site: http://www.woodscience.umaine.edu/


University of Massachusetts

Wood Science and Technology
Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Massachusetts 01003

Undergraduate Undergraduate program offers a B.S. in Wood Technology with program options in Wood Science and Building Materials Technology and Management.

Graduate:  Graduate program offers an M.S. and Ph.D. in Forestry (Wood Technology) with general areas of research and study in Wood Structure, Wood Processing, and Wood Composites.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:

http://scholarworks.umass.edu/theses/ 

http://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/
 

Contact

Undergraduate Program:
  R. Bruce Hoadley
  Phone: (413) 545-1834

Graduate Program:
  Phone: (413) 545-3755

Web site: http://www.umass.edu/bmatwt/


University of Minnesota
(SWST Accredited Program)

Department of Bio-based Products
2004 Folwell Avenue
University of Minnesota
St. Paul, Minnesota 55108-1305

Undergraduate: Undergraduate specializations in Bio-based Products Marketing and Management, Bio-based Products Engineering and Residential Building Science and Technology.

Graduate: Specific fields in which graduate degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.) may be earned include forest products marketing, building science, materials science, biodeterioration and protection, wood chemistry, paper and fiber science, pulping and bleaching, surface and colloids science and paper engineering and process control. (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.)  All programs accredited by SWST

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://www.lib.umn.edu/site/proquest.phtml

Contact

Dr. Shri Ramaswamy
Phone: (612)624-8797
FAX: (612)625-6286

Email: shri.umn.edu
Web site:
http://www.cnr.umn.edu/BP


University of Missouri

School of Natural Resources
University of Missouri - Columbia
203 ABNR
Columbia, Missouri 65211

Graduate: M.S., Ph.D. in Wood Science or Wood Technology. Program centers on tree growth-wood quality interactions.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations: https://tomsawyer.umsl.edu/webapps/weboffice/ETD/search.cfm

Contact

Dr. Bruce Cutter 
Phone: (573) 882-2744
FAX: (573) 882-1977

Web site: http://www.snr.missouri.edu/index.html


University of New Brunswick
(Canada)

Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management
University of New Brunswick
P.O. Box 44555
Fredericton
New Brunswick
CANADA E3B 6C2

Undergraduate: Undergraduate program offers BScF and BScFE degrees. Students can specialize in wood science and technology by taking a number of elective courses in the Wood Products minor.

Graduate: Graduate degrees offered include MF/MFE (courses-based) and MScF/MScFE and PhD (thesis-based). Prime research areas are: wood composites, wood engineering, wood drying and preservation.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/thesescanada/index-e.html

http://www.unb.ca/gradschl/etd/
 

Contact

Undergraduate Program:
   Prof. Charles Bourque, Assistant Dean

Graduate Program:
   Dr. John Kershaw, Director of Graduate Studies

Phone: (506) 453-4501
Fax: (506) 453-3538
Web site:
http://www.unb.ca/web/forestry/


University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee
Forest Products Center
2506 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN  37996-4570

Graduate: Graduate programs at both the M.S. and Ph.D. levels are offered. Opportunities for graduate research projects in many areas, but with emphasis in wood-based composites, statistical process control in the wood industry, hardwood lumber drying, and wood structures. Coursework can be taken from a number of allied departments including statistics, engineering, chemistry, management, and materials science. New laboratory and office complex offer excellent facilities to conduct research.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://web.utk.edu/~thesis/etd.shtml

Contact

Contact:  Dr. Timothy G. Rials
Phone: (865) 946-1129
FAX: (865) 946-1109
Email:
trials@utk.edu

Web site: http://web.utk.edu/~tfpc/


University of Toronto
(Canada)

Faculty of Forestry/Graduate
Department of Forestry
University of Toronto
33 Willcocks Street
Toronto, Ontario
CANADA M5S 3B3

Undergraduate: not offered

Graduate: Graduate programs (M.Sc., Ph.D.) emphasize research in Wood Protection (preservation, environmental impacts, waste management, biological deterioration, fire protection), Natural Fibre Composites (material science, properties and processing, adhesives, value added composites) and Natural Fibre Chemistry (pulp and paper, biomass characterization, recycling).  A new collaborative M.Sc. program in Wood Engineering has been established in cooperation with the Departments of Chemical and Mechanical Engineering.  This program features a 3-6 month student  internship with industry where a practical problem is identified and forms the basis of the M.Sc. thesis.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/etd/
 

Contact

Dr. Paul A. Cooper for program information.
Phone: (416) 946-5078
Email: p.cooper@utoronto.ca
              or
Dr. Sandy Smith
Phone: (416) 978-5751

Web site: http://www.forestry.utoronto.ca/


University of Washington

College of Forest Resources AR-10
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington 98195

Graduate: For further information on MS and Ph.D. programs:
 

Contact

Dr. David G. Briggs
Phone: (206) 543-1581 
FAX: (206) 685-3091 

Web site: http://www.cfr.washington.edu/


University of Wisconsin - Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison
120 Russell Laboratories
Department of Forest Ecology and Management
1630 Linden Drive
Madison, Wisconsin 53706-1598

Graduate: The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Department of Forest Ecology
and Management has active graduate programs at both the M.S. and Ph.D.
levels.  In addition to concentrations in wood processing, economics, and
forestry, students enjoy great flexibility and opportunities offered in
other departments throughout the campus.   Materials Sciences, Engineering,
Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Operations Management are a few
examples of areas where students have been able to compliment their wood
science studies.   

Contact

Dr. Scott Bowe, Assistant Professor
Phone: (608) 265-5849

Fax: (608) 262-9922
Email:
sbowe@wisc.edu

Web site: http://forest.wisc.edu/


University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481-3897

The College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has been recognized as a Center of Excellence within the state of Wisconsin, and it trains more forest managers than any other program in the United States. Wood science is offered as a Forest Administration and Utilization option within the Forestry discipline. This option was initiated in response to forest industry needs to provide students with an integrated background in wood utilization, forestry and business. Other options offered within the Forestry major are Forest Management, Urban Forestry and Forest Recreation. There are five other major disciplines within the College in addition to the Forestry discipline: Paper Science, Resource Management, Soil Science, Water Resources and Wildlife Management. Stevens Point is in a central location to Wisconsin's large and diverse forest industry offering students considerable opportunities to see virtually all types of forest products manufacturing facilities as a complement to their classroom instruction. (B.S., M.S.)

Contact

Dr. Bob Govett for information
Phone: (715)346-4212
FAX: (715)346-3624
Email: rgovett@uwsp.edu

Web site: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/


Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
(SWST Accredited Program)

Department of Wood Science and Forest Products
210 Cheatham Hall
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0323

Undergraduate: The undergraduate major in Wood Science and Forest Products is granted in the College of Natural Resources' baccalaureate degree program. Students in the Department of Wood Science and Forest Products acquire a thorough knowledge of the properties and uses of wood and the various technologies used in converting wood into useful products.  Students learn the use and application of wood in industrial and consumer markets, ranging from shipping materials to housing and furniture markets.  From fiber-based products to engineered lumber products, and from manufacturing to sales, the field of study offers an exciting curriculum focusing on wood as a material and its use, supplemented with course work from other important disciplines such as engineering, chemistry, and business.  Additional emphasis is placed on problem-solving, quantitative and communication skills, team-work, leadership, innovation and creativity.

Within the major, there are six options offered: (1) Adhesion Science, (2) Forest Products Marketing and Management, (3) Manufacturing Systems, (4) Non-Timber Forest Products, (5) Packaging Science, and (6) Wood Structures and Materials.  Each option consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours of specialized coursework that supplement the core course work requirements for all students in the major.  Each option is an identifiable career track and provides the student with a focused area of study.

For students in other majors seeking to augment their course of study, the department also offers a minor in packaging science and in wood science.

Successful graduates of this program typically move into management and leadership roles throughout the industry or on to graduate programs.

The undergraduate program was accredited by SWST in 1985 and re-accredited again in 1991, 1995, and 2005.

Graduate:  The Department of Wood Science and Forest Products administers graduate programs leading to the M.S., M.F. and Ph.D.  With the exception of the M.F. program, each graduate student must conduct research, the results of which normally culminate in a M.S. thesis or Ph.D. dissertation.  The M.F. program requires no original research or thesis, and is considered a terminal, professional degree.

Students can focus their degree program in specialized areas of study by selecting coursework and thesis or dissertation research problems in specialized subject areas.  Matching their area of degree interest with a faculty member working in that area is a sure way to gain skills and knowledge in the particular subject under the umbrella of the general degree requirements.  General areas of degree specialization within our graduate program include the following:

  • Forest Products Marketing

  • Non-Timber Forest Products

  • Packaging Science

  • Pallet and Container Design

  • Wood Engineering and Wood Performance in Structures

  • Wood Composites

  • Wood Adhesion

  • Wood Formation and Woody Cell Wall

  • BioMaterials

  • Lumber Drying and Processing

  • Lean Manufacturing

  • Wood Industry Management

Graduates at the M.S., M.F., and Ph.D. levels are in high demand by universities, public and private research organizations, the wood industry, and suppliers.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/

Contact

Undergraduate Program:
  Dr. Audrey Zink-Sharp 
  Phone: (540)231-8820

Graduate Program:
  Dr. Robert J. Bush
  Phone: (540)231-8834

Email: vtwood@vt.edu
Web site:
http://www.woodscience.vt.edu/


Washington State University

Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington 99164-1806

Graduate: Faculty associated with the Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory supervise students in graduate programs emphasizing various engineering related areas of wood research.  Current research topics include in wood composites, structural design, connections, and non-destructive evaluation.  MS and Ph.D. degrees are granted through the faculty's home academic departments that include Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  https://research.wsulibs.wsu.edu:8443/dspace/handle/2376/36
 

Contact

Dr. Donald Bender for program information.
Phone: (509) 335-2829
Email: bender@wsu.edu
            or 
Dr. Michael Wolcott 
Phone: (509)335-6392
Email: wolcott@wsu.edu

Web site: http://www.wmel.wsu.edu/


West Virginia University
(SWST Accredited Program)

West Virginia University
Division of Forestry
P.O. Box 6125
Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-6125

Undergraduate: WVU offers a B.S. in Wood Science and Technology.  The degree requirements include completion of a University-approved minor (business, agribusiness, communications, etc.) or a specific course of study in Forest Utilization (forest operations/timber harvesting).  The program prepares graduates for careers in the production of wood products, including primary products, architectural woodwork, furniture and cabinets, composite materials, and marketing of wood products. The Forest Utilization degree track prepares graduates for careers in timber management and sale administration, forest engineering, primary processing of wood products, and timber procurement. Both programs require a summer internship with industry or an appropriate public agency. The Wood Industries program was named a "Program of Excellence" by the West Virginia University System Board of Trustees in 1996 and 2001. The B.S. program was accredited by SWST in 1989 and re-accredited in 1999. A minor in Wood Science and Technology is also offered. 

Graduate: Graduate programs in wood science are offered at the M.S. and Ph.D. levels with areas of emphasis in properties, primary and secondary processing and utilization of hardwoods. An interdisciplinary approach is employed in all degree programs (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.). 

Electronic Theses and Dissertations:  http://www.wvu.edu/~thesis/

Contact

Dr. James P. Armstrong
Phone: (304)293-2941
FAX: (304)293-2441

Email: jarmstro@wvu.edu
Web site: http://www.forestry.caf.wvu.edu/wvu_woodscience/


Information contained in this directory was updated in September 2005.  Electronic Theses and Dissertation as available were added in August, 2008.

This directory is not to be sold, but rather is intended to be offered free of charge to interested individuals or organizations. This directory may be reproduced or copied, in part or in total, for redistribution.

For additional copies of this directory, or information concerning the Society of Wood Science and Technology write to:

Society of Wood Science and Technology
One Gifford Pinchot Drive
Madison, Wisconsin 53705

 

Last updated: 8/8/08
For further information, please contact Vicki Herian at
vicki@swst.org

 

 

 
Home  | About Us  | Contact Us  | Site Map      ©2007 SWST