Wood Science and technology is a professional, accredited program with an emphasis
on a career in the Forest Products industry. 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
wood science curriculum prepares students for a dynamic career in the forest products
industry by immersing students in 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 industrial facilities ensure exposure to modern
and relevant industrial practices. A capstone course allows students to apply
learned wood science principles to case studies of wood product manufacturing
problem solving. The curriculum also exposes the students to a sound grounding
in the sciences, including mathematics, chemistry, and physics. The combination
of theory and practice is intended to develop good problem solving and communication
skills which are essential for career advancement. The forest products industry
is one of the largest industries in the US, with 1.4 million employees nationwide.
As such 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 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.
The University of Maine The University of Maine
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