Forester or conservation scientist: bachelor's in forestry or natural resources; a license in some states
Conservation scientists and foresters typically need a bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources or a related subject such as agriculture or biology, with a background in GIS and remote sensing. Several states require some type of credential, and in some of them foresters must be licensed.
For: Outdoor-loving students who like ecology, maps and managing forests, parks and rangelands.
Bachelor's in forestry or natural resources Typical
Programs typically include biology, ecology and forest measurement, plus GIS, remote sensing and computer modeling.
-
Start here
High school: biology and math
BLS
Conservation Scientists and Foresters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
-
About 4 years
Bachelor's in forestry, natural resources, agriculture or biology
BLS
Conservation Scientists and Foresters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
-
License
State credential or license
Check with your state licensing board.
BLS
Conservation Scientists and Foresters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
-
Goal
Forester or conservation scientist
BLS
Conservation Scientists and Foresters — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- Optional certification
Professional associations · Voluntary - Some conservation scientists and foresters earn optional certification related to their area of work.
BLS
Conservation Scientists and Foresters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
State rules
Several states may require some type of credentialing for conservation scientists and foresters, and in some of these states they must be licensed; check with your state licensing board. BLS
View source
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.