Wood Science and Technology

Wood Science and technology is a professional, accredited program with emphases ranging from Wood Design and Craftsmanship to Wood Engineering.  As greater demands are made on the world’s forest resources by a growing and consuming population, the development of new technology is essential to meet these demands in an environmentally acceptable and sustainable manner. Wood scientists and forest products technologists are vital links to meeting consumer and environmental demands on our forests. The curriculum provides students the opportunity to select a series of courses, based on their interests, which will prepare them for a variety of careers in fields ranging from forest products industries to entrepreneurial small woodworking business’ and government agencies.  All students complete a comprehensive study of wood material science fundamentals (anatomy, chemistry, mechanics and physics), and primary and secondary wood products manufacturing processes. Many laboratory classes are taught at UMaine’s world-class Advanced Engineered Wood Composite Center (AEWC), where our students learn the latest in the design and use of advanced structural materials. Many of the wood science courses have laboratory components to reinforce lecture material and as such typically attract students with an interest in hands-on learning and careers. Numerous field trips to wood working facilities ensure exposure to the latest advances in the field. A capstone course allows students to apply learned wood science principles to case studies of wood product design and  manufacturing problem solving. The curriculum also exposes the students to a sound grounding in the sciences, including mathematics, chemistry, and physics. There is great demand for wood science graduates and numerous career opportunities in this field of study. Nationally, an average of four jobs are available for each graduate.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible and allows students to complement their training with electives in specific areas of interest. Many students with an interest in management successfully combine their program with business courses. A strong graduate research program (MS and Ph.D.) results in many opportunities for undergraduates to become involved in research and development projects associated with the New England Wood Utilization Research Program, the Forest Bioproducts Research initiative and the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center.

An off-campus-training phase of this program provides summer employment experience in the field of forest products, including a comprehensive report.

Reduced tuition is available for the Wood Science and Technology program for students from all other New England states.

This program is part of the School of Forest resources which has the largest scholarship endowment fund on campus.  These funds are available to help support academic studies in Forest Resources.

Any student who receives a semester GPA of less than 2.0 or receives a Conduct Violation must meet with the Associate Director for Undergraduate Programs, School of Forest Resources, during the first week of the following semester to formulate an agreement on what the student will do to improve his/her record. The agreement may require passing a 1 credit course on academic recovery. The student must also meet with his/her academic advisor to review the course schedule for the coming semester. Failure to meet these expectations may result in the student being dismissed from the program.