More than half of Costa Rica is covered by forests which protect water resources for human consumption, irrigation, industry and energy production, and give us the possibility of mitigating global warming by fixing carbon dioxide. The enormous biological diversity of these forests is also a great attraction for ecological tourism.
Forestry production is an option to confront the threats of the international timber market by producing wood sustainably in secondary forests and commercial plantations.
The TEC Forest Engineering degree is taught at the Cartago facilities and offers a bachelor's degree.
Accreditation
The Forest Engineering degree is accredited by the National System of Accreditation of Higher Education (Sinaes), demonstrating the quality and excellence of the academic program. The Bachelor’s and Licentiate’s in Forestry Engineering programs were accredited by Sinaes in January 2008, and were re-accredited again from 2013 through 2019.
Continuous Transformation
Previously the program offered a Licentiate’s Degree in Forest Engineering (Plan 909). This plan remains active until 2023 for those students who entered in 2018 or earlier.
To improve the program for accreditation, the curriculum was modified and two emphases were created – the Licentiate’s Degree in Forest Engineering with a major in Forest Management and Production (Plan 910), and a Licentiate’s Degree in Forest Engineering with a major in Conservation and Restoration of Forest Ecosystems (Plan 911). These curricula are offered for students entering as of 2019.
Perfil profesional
The program should be of special interest to persons interested in research and participation in activities related to urban arboriculture, agroforestry, policy and legislation related to natural resources, territorial planning, environmental services, recreation, ecotourism, prevention and fighting forest fires, among other areas.
There are job opportunities in private and state-owned companies dedicated to the following activities:
- Forest administration.
- Conservation and development.
- Research centers.
- Technical training institutions.
- Universities.
In addition, graduates can practice as national and international consultants, or become entrepreneurs.
Facilidades
- Laboratories, equipment and facilities.
- Cooperation at the national and international levels.
- A consolidated research center (CIIBI).
- Faculty members with master's and doctorate degrees from the best schools of forest science and natural resources in Costa Rica and other countries.
- Research and extension projects carried out have a direct impact on the conservation and development of forest and natural resources both in the country and in the Central American region.
Enrollment Profile (Interest And Vocational Skills)
Students who intend to pursue the ITCR Licentiate’s Degree in Forest Engineering should show interest in:
- Management of forest plantations.
- Conservation of forests and natural resources.
- Study of forest ecosystems.
- Research and innovation.
- Legislation in forestry and environmental matters.
- Hydrology, geography and national flora.
- Proficiency in other languages.
In addition, they must have the following skills and abilities:
- Ability to work outdoors for long periods of time, even in uncomfortable conditions, to walk long distances, and to use field and agricultural tools.
- Observe and identify trees.
- Memorize well and reason verbally.
- Lead, work as part of a team, solve problems, and learn by themselves.
- Ability to carry out quick mathematical calculations and use technology.