Bachelor of Science in Wood Science and Technology

The wood science and technology curriculum is designed to prepare students for the challenges of an ever-growing bioenergy, renewable materials, and sustainable construction industry career. Society must provide the basic needs for sustainable materials for furniture, paper, packaging, building materials, biofuels, and other products for sustaining a rapidly growing population. The wood science and technology curriculum focuses on these aspects of the wood products industry. The program is accredited by the Society of Wood Science and Technology. Professional Areas of Emphasis Students may choose a specialized professional area of emphasis in Processing, Utilization, Renewable Materials Marketing, or Sustainable Low-Rise Residential Construction. PROCESSING AREA OF EMPHASIS The Area of Emphasis in Processing provides flexibility within the context of a fundamental wood science and renewable materials-based curriculum by requiring that students complete a minor plus specialized wood processing courses and restricted electives. UTILIZATION AREA OF EMPHASIS The Area of Emphasis in Utilization consists of forestry, wood science, restricted electives, and related courses. The Utilization area of professional emphasis prepares graduates for careers in timber harvesting, forest engineering, primary processing of wood products, and timber procurement. RENEWABLE MATERIALS MARKETING AREA OF EMPHASIS The Renewable Materials Marketing Area of Emphasis prepares students for a career in marketing of wood and other renewable materials and products. Specific careers may include retail or wholesale marketing, sales, purchasing, or distribution of products. SUSTAINABLE LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AREA OF EMPHASIS The Sustainable Low-Rise Residential Construction Area of Emphasis prepares students for careers in management, supervision, and specifying of materials for single family and multi-family, low-rise residential (i.e. town houses and 2-3 story apartment buildings) construction. Major Learning Goals The Society of Wood Science and Technology (SWST) Accreditation Standards were adopted as the stated expected learning goals of the plan, and include the following: Graduates will demonstrate a fundamental background in preparatory and general education courses in compliance with the requirements established by West Virginia University, the West Virginia Board of Governors, and the Accreditation standards of the Society of Wood Science and Technology. Graduates will demonstrate a firm understanding of basic wood sciences, including anatomy and biology of wood formation; wood identification; physical properties; mechanical properties; chemical characteristics and properties; wood degradation and deterioration; and composite materials. Graduates will demonstrate knowledgeable related to wood processing and manufacturing, including mechanical reduction of the raw material, drying processes, manufacture of solid wood products, manufacture of composite materials, chemical wood processing, and wood protection and enhancement. Graduates will demonstrate competence in an area of professional emphasis that compliments their wood science and technology education. Careers Renewable Materials Scientist Residential Construction Management Forest Engineer Sustainable Material Specialist Timber Procurement Forestry Renewable Material Sales and Marketing Quality Control and Production Management