Evaluating the Subject Needs for Wood Science and Forest Products Curricula

Wood Science and Forest Products programs across North America are reevaluating the needs of students and the forest products industry in order to provide the skills necessary to remain competitive in the changing marketplace. While some programs are losing students and even eliminating their wood science curricula, others are increasing enrollment and substantially altering their programs to meet the needs of industry. This research demonstrates how one Wood Science and Forest Products program evaluated and adjusted its curriculum to meet the changing needs of the forest products industry. Graduating seniors, alumni, and employers of alumni were surveyed to evaluate a Wood Science program. In this case study, it was found that all stakeholders rated traditional wood science classes as meeting the needs of students and employers, while improvements are needed in business and communication skills