Forest Technology
School of Natural Resources Management
Schneebeli Earth Science Center, Rm. 105 · (570) 320-8038
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of job could I get with a degree in forestry?
- What if I want to transfer to a four-year forestry program at another college?
- What kinds of courses should I take in high school to prepare me for your College?
- What if I don't have the appropriate high school courses? Can I still be admitted to Penn College?
- I'm just interested in the technical courses in my major. Why do I have to take math, English, fitness and other courses? Why can't I just concentrate on the courses I'll be using after I graduate?
- What is the placement rate of your forestry graduates?
- What kind of salary can I expect with a two-year degree in forestry?
- What if I can't afford to go to college?
- How do I get to the Earth Science Center from Main Campus?
- I still have other questions. Who can I talk to?
- How do I apply?
Q: What type of job could I get with a degree in forestry?
A: Our graduates have gone on to work in a wide variety of areas ranging from forest fire control and wildlife habitat improvement to timber estimation and pulpwood improvement. In addition, students have become logging and lumber yard supervisors, lumber inspectors, kiln operators, mill managers, equipment sales representatives, arborists, forest and wood technicians, silvicultural technicians, tree technicians, analysis technicians, plant care technician, timber buyers, veneer graders, field foresters, forestry researchers, soil conservation techicians, survey technicians and quality control technicians. As you can see, the degree offers you many options.
Q: What if I want to transfer to a four-year forestry program at another college?
A: Several of our graduates have done just that. If you are planning to transfer, you should let your adviser know, as soon as possible, so that you can take the appropriate level coursework here to transfer elsewhere. We also have a transfer counselor in our Counseling Center to assist you in that process.
Q: What kinds of courses should I take in high school to prepare me for your College?
A: We recommend that you have at least two year of algebra, two years of science (biology and physics are particularly helpful) and four years of English. Although we are a technical school, we have the same general education requirements as other colleges, so a strong foundation is essential to your success here.
Q: What if I don't have the appropriate high school courses? Can I still be admitted to Penn College?
A: Yes! Penn College offers developmental coursework in math, English and reading. Once you've applied to Penn College, you will be scheduled for a placement test. This test provides us with information in regard to you skill level in those three areas. You will automatically be scheduled for developmental courses if your test scores indicate a need. Developmental coursework does not "count" toward coursework within your program, so you must recognize that it may take you an additional semester to complete your degree. Developmental courses offer you the opportunity to strengthen your skills so that you can go on to be successful in your program.
Q: I'm just interested in the technical courses in my major. Why do I have to take math, English, fitness and other courses? Why can't I just concentrate on the courses I'll be using after I graduate?
A: Unfortunately, this is a common misperception among some students. English, math, computer science, etc., WILL BE a part of your future career. Advisory board members, who are representatives from businesses and industries hiring our graduates, have specifically requested that our students receive instruction in these areas. We continually hear that our graduates need to be able to communicate effectively on the job. Also, students who graduate with a degree are likely to have more career advancement opportunities than those who have not earned degrees. English, math and electives are all part of that degree! Those courses help develop critical thinking skills and expose students to other view points and diversity - all important in the world of work
Q: What is the placement rate of your forestry graduates?
A: Our most current 2004/2006 SourceBook indicates a 74% overall placement rate.
Q: What kind of salary can I expect with a two-year degree in forestry?
A : Based on our most recent data collected from our 2004/2005 forestry graduates, the starting salary averages approximately $25,000 with a high of $31,000.. Of course, salaries vary based on location, job classification and company size.
Q: What if I can't afford to go to college?
A :Penn College's Financial Aid Office can give you good advice about paying for college. Many of our students use loans and grants to help pay for their education. In addition, there are many scholarship opportunities available based on economic need, previous academic achievement or award-specific criteria.
Q: How do I get to the Earth Science Center from Main Campus?
A: The Earth Science Center is located approximately 12 miles south of Williamsport, just off of Route 15. View Earth Science Map
Free City Bus transportation to the Earth Science Center is available for Penn College students. The schedule is based on Earth Science Center student schedules and fits the majority of student needs. (Main Campus classes may conflict with the bus schedule.) Note: The bus schedule is subject to change based on student use and City Bus determinations. View City Bus Schedule.
Q :I still have other questions. Who can I talk to?
A: Feel free to give us a call at (570) 320-8038, and we can answer your questions or put you in touch with faculty who can tell you more. You may also e-mail us at naturalresources@pct.edu.
If you'd like to come to our campus for a tour, please contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-367-9222 or schedule a tour on-line.
A: To obtain an application for admission to Penn College, you may phone our Admissions Office at 1-800-367-9222, or e-mail them at admissions@pct.edu. You may also apply for admission on-line.