Transferring with an Associate of Science in Forestry Tech

I'm about to earn my Associate of Science in Forestry Technology and am thinking about transferring to a four-year college. What should I consider to make sure my credits transfer smoothly? Any specific schools known for forestry?

The key to ensuring a smooth transfer of credits starts with communication with both your current institution and prospective colleges. Speak directly with an advisor or the registrar's office at your current institution to understand which of your completed units are transferrable. In addition, reach out to the registrar or admissions office of prospective colleges to understand their credit acceptance policies. Keep in mind that acceptance of specific coursework often depends on how closely it aligns with your intended major at the four-year college. Requirements may vary considerably between institutions.

Also, you'll want to note that while most colleges will accept credits, not all will apply them directly to your major, meaning some may be used for elective credit instead. Be sure to clarify this point with your desired universities.

As for schools known for forestry, there are several options you might consider. For example, Penn State offers a School of Forest Resources, University of California, Berkeley provides an Ecosystem Management and Forestry major, and Northern Arizona University has their School of Forestry. Of course, the best fit will depend on your career goals, location preference, and financial circumstances, among other factors.

When researching these programs, check their articulation agreements; some schools have pre-set agreements with community colleges ensuring certain credits transfer over. Lastly, remember to check if the school you're interested in is regionally accredited, as this tends to allow a smoother credit transfer. Good luck with your transfer process!