Program information
Develop your passion for the urban environment as you learn more about sustainability, green space planning, and nature in the city. Urban Forestry is the first undergraduate degree in Canada dedicated to the planning and management of urban green spaces.
What you'll learn
If you’re interested in learning about urban ecology, sustainability planning, recreation, human well-being, and forest sciences and management, Urban Forestry could be for you. Taught in collaboration with the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, this Faculty of Forestry degree teaches important and transferable skills related to:
- Smart data.
- Modelling and visualization.
- Planning and design methods.
- Community engagement and communications.
- Policy, economics, and legal and professional practice.
Experiential learning and research
As an Urban Forestry student, you’ll:
- Participate in field courses in the Vancouver area.
- Complete international case studies based on Ģą˝´«Ă˝research and the University’s professional networks in Asia, Europe, and North and South America.
Campus features
Located near Pacific Spirit Regional Park, UBC’s Vancouver campus is home to and the award-winning , which offers wireless study space, high-tech classrooms, and labs equipped with the latest technology.
The Faculty of Forestry also has two major  in British Columbia, and jointly manages a third, altogether totalling 25,000 hectares or more than 60,000 acres.
Program advantages
As an Urban Forestry student, you will learn from professionals from the Faculty of Forestry and the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and meet practitioners in arboriculture, landscape architecture, urban planning, engineering, and nursery operations. You can also choose to minor in Urban Greenspace Management or Landscape and Recreation Planning.
Courses
There are many courses you can take within Urban Forestry. Here are a few you might like.
Roles played by urban forestry and greenspace systems in a rapidly changing world; topics include urban ecology, urban forest conservation, urban forest management, climate change, society and human well-being, design and planning, urban/rural interface issues, and urban forest policy.
Introduction to climate change through the lens of local landscapes and future scenarios, using visual media to communicate the underlying science & psychology, and engage communities in local climate change solutions.
Concepts of disturbance ecology with special reference to insects and diseases in the forests of British Columbia; forest health problems in the biogeoclamatic zones of BC; present management strategies and future potentials in a scenario of climate change.
Basic biological concepts related to interpretation of remote sensing data for land management, including the use of films and filters, and interpretation of air photographs, and other imagery.
Outcomes
As an Urban Forestry graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and skills required to meet the growing demand for urban forest managers and urban forest planners. Apply what you’ve learned to help manage urban forests, make cities more livable, and make informed city planning decisions. Pursue a career as a city forester, a municipal arborist, a green infrastructure planner, a parks and recreation manager, or an urban forestry consultant.
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“The best part of Urban Forestry is the tight-knit community between the professors and the students. Having such a small program has enabled room for these connections that I don’t think you get in many programs.”
Elliot B., Student
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the Ģą˝´«Ă˝Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Urban Forestry
- IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL. (IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, are not acceptable.)
- One of IB Biology, IB Chemistry, or IB Physics
- Grade 11 or equivalent Chemistry
- Grade 11 Biology (recommended) or Physics
Note: Grade 11 Chemistry and Biology or Physics requirements listed above are only relevant to students who are not completing the equivalent IB Diploma Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics courses. For students studying outside of Canada, some examples of courses that may be accepted as Grade 11 equivalents are junior-level courses for American students, and IGCSE and O Level for those following British-patterned curricula.
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in Grade 11 and Grade 12.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Sciences: Biology 11 or IB Biology HL or SL is strongly recommended.
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit Ģą˝´«Ă˝in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current Ģą˝´«Ă˝students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship website to learn more about Urban Forestry.