Wood Science and Technology
Wood is the nation’s most important renewable resource for construction, furniture, paper, packaging and many other products used for sustaining a rapidly growing population. At the same time, protection of the environment requires proper use of natural resources. This responsibility requires development of innovative approaches to obtaining, manufacturing, using and recycling wood products.
Program Admission and Curriculum
Students who meet University admission requirements may be accepted directly into the Davis College as Wood Science and Technology majors. Students in the program choose one of two areas of emphasis – wood processing or forest utilization. To earn a bachelor’s degree, all students must complete 128 credit hours including the General Education Curriculum required by the University.
The wood processing emphasis prepares graduates for careers in the production of wood products, including primary products, architectural woodwork, furniture and cabinets, and composite materials. The forest utilization emphasis prepares graduates for careers in timber management and sales administration, forest engineering, primary processing of wood products, and timber procurement.
Core courses within the major include, but are not limited to, wood mechanics, timber harvesting, wood-based composite materials, and primary conversion and grading. Wood processing students also study wood machining, forest products protection, wood adhesion and finishing, and plant layout for wood industries. Forest utilization students also study land surveying, forest hydrology, forest ecology, forest management and silvicultural systems. Complete course requirements and descriptions can be found in the current WVU Undergraduate Catalog.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities for Wood Science and Technology graduates are excellent. Nationwide, it is estimated that there are more than two job openings for every graduate. Approximately half of our graduates find employment in West Virginia, but jobs are available in every state, internationally, and in both rural and urban settings. Entry-level salaries may range from $30,000 to $50,000. Jobs include quality assurance supervisor, technical director, procurement forester, estimator, sales representative and production manager.
Accreditation
The Wood Science and Technology major is accredited by the Society of Wood Science and Technology.
