(c) Pixabay

(c) Pixabay

Austria is a forest country: almost half of its area is covered with forests. Therefore, it is obvious that a lot of research is done on this topic, for example on the question how our forests can be preserved even in the climate crisis. After all, they are not only enormously important for local recreation, but also as protective forests, carbon reservoirs and natural "air conditioning" through the evaporation of water.

Around 300,000 people are employed in the forestry and timber industry in this country, and many of them have studied forestry at the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, the only university in Austria to offer this bachelor's degree. Forest managers are trained here to become managers, according to the unique three-pillar principle of BOKU studies, which combines natural sciences, technology and socio-economics including law in the curriculum.

In versatile, also international, master studies, the teaching content with practical relevance also qualifies students for the planning, implementation and monitoring of ecological and technical projects in torrent and avalanche control, in forestry, nature and environmental protection authorities or with associations and NGOs. National and biosphere parks are potential employers, as are technical offices. Forest managers are also needed at colleges, universities (such as BOKU) and research institutions (such as the Federal Forest Research Center), in European and international organizations and in development cooperation.

Accordingly, the chances on the labor market are good, especially with the completion of a master's degree, which 89% of the bachelor graduates choose: At least 98% of graduates have an adequate job, 40% of them abroad, where more women than men are attracted.

Two graduates emphasize how well and comprehensively the forestry program at BOKU prepares students for their careers with regard to the importance of the forest ecosystem for climate protection. Elfriede Moser, the provincial forestry director of Upper Austria, emphasizes that "all disciplines of forestry studies are required for the work as forestry and hunting experts, the BOKU basic subjects as well as the special fields of silviculture, forest protection, forest economics and forestry technology. I can recommend the study to anyone interested in the forest ecosystem and forestry." 

Sophie Ette, research assistant at the Federal Research Center for Forests, Natural Hazards and Landscape, says: "The versatility of the training helps me as a 'forest specialist' to look at problems and possible solutions from different perspectives. Forest scientists are specialized biologists for the forest ecosystem, but they also think economically and can contribute decisively to globally relevant issues such as carbon storage, raw material provision, biodiversity and ecosystem services."

There is no entry restriction for this degree, BOKU is looking forward to train many young people in this important field.

More information:

Link to the study program: https://short.boku.ac.at/fw 

Forestry on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8nmJRi21moGre1xDpyMZdb5PWe1kLlkB 

Graduate*study: https://short.boku.ac.at/karriere 

Enquiry reference:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sonja Vospernik (study program support)
sonja.vospernik@boku.ac.at 

DI Hannelore Schopfhauser (study program advising)
hannelore.schopfhauser@boku.ac.at
+43 1 47654-10430