Urban forest networks, parks, wetlands, and other green infrastructures are vitally necessary for mitigating heat waves and cooling demands, maintaining biodiversity and carbon sinks, controlling forest fires, and storm-water flood relief.
Urban Forests improve and protect our health, property values, local jobs and businesses, outdoor recreation opportunities, and community character. Forests and green systems compete for space among buildings, roads/transit, storage facilities, and energy infrastructure.
Why Choose a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Forestry?
Urban foresters of the future will need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other urban planning, infrastructure development, and management professionals to develop attractive, sustainable, and effective shelters for our cities, suburbs, and small towns.
With increased urban populations, global warming, urban heat islands, flooding, and pollution, cities may become unlivable or demand massive energy-use for cooling, unless we can establish large-scale, healthy urban forest systems towards a green economy.
Cities all over the world will need urban forestry professionals who can deal with these complex, multi-disciplinary challenges, and provide livable, sustainable, and greener communities.
If you love the urban environment and are interested in sustainability, green space planning, healthy living, and nature in the city, then the Bachelor of Urban Forestry may be for you.
The Urban Forestry program is for students interested in areas such as urban ecology, sustainability planning, recreation, human well-being, social inclusion and justice, forest sciences, and management. The program will feature both local field courses in the Vancouver area, and international case studies based on UBC research and our professional networks in China, India, South America, Europe, across North America, and elsewhere.
Core subjects will include:
- Urban ecology & management
- Green space planning & design
- Recreation & well-being
- Climate change & sustainability
“Diploma to
degree” agreement between UBC and Fleming College:
Graduates of Fleming College’s Urban Forestry Technician (UFT) Co-op program now have the option of completing a Bachelor of Urban Forestry degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Learn more on the Fleming College website.
Land One Option
The Land One program is a great option for first-year students who want a smaller classroom experience. Learn about forest management and food security in a tight-knit cohort environment.
Co-op Option
Gain paid work experience related to your degree and acquire the experience necessary to launch your career with our Forestry Co-op Program.
