2 or 4 year degrees, what do you recommend?

[dustyjay]

Hey my name is Jonny and I'm in Mr. Fisher's environmental studies class and I'm curious to whether I should pursue a two year or a four year degree in environmental sciences and maybe forestry and land surveying. I have been told that in many cases a two year degree gets the same level of jobs as a four year recently and I was wondering if it was worth it to go all the way and  have to pay off a good amount of student loans, or to go for a two year degree with a science major and a minor in something with job skills.

I know you folks have lots of experience in the field, and likely have pursued education in the field. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

[Woodboogah]

Ill chime in!  I went to the Thompson school at UNH.  I dont regret it, but I would not pursue a 4 year degree.  That is just me though.  I was able to commute which helped.  I made a lot of great professional contacts that I continue to stay in touch with.  I was 27 when I graduated from there.  I feel like I got more out of it then I would have if I was younger.  It was a great program.  Feel free to ask any questions.  I would be more then happy to answer them.  Good luck

[Rick Alger]

Good question. I think the answer depends a lot on what you plan to do after college.

If your plan isn't clear yet, I suggest you hook up with people doing what you think you want to do. Shadow them for a while. Ask questions. Then maybe the choice of degree options will be clearer.

[Mark Wentzell]

I have a two year degree (two technical diplomas.) and am pursuing a four year. I was able to use the two year degree as credit to transfer into a university program (2 years off of a four year degree). So, you could potentially do both.

The one thing I've been told is the degree will get your foot in the door but most companies recognize experience above all else, so whatever you do make sure you get good, related work experience during your time off. Study hard.

[Corley5]

The four year degree makes it easier to climb the ladder once you're employed.  It gives you the edge over the guy with the 2 year.

[pine]

The four year degree makes it easier to climb the ladder once you're employed.  It gives you the edge over the guy with the 2 year.

Agree with Corley5.
The four year degree may or may not help get you hired over the two year degree depending upon your short term goals and where you are located.  Job progression and other future avenues will be better with the 4 year.

[Straightgrain]

4+ because you may need certifications and some forester-type jobs require  a 4 year degree.

I didn't go to full time college until I was 40-something; one of the best experiences of my life. I thought an AA in Building Inspection would be enough but I caught the "bug" for learning...., got a second AA (Mathematics, History, Science, Geology, & Philosophy) and that just stoked the fire! I earned a Bachelor's in Project Management, then I went onto on-line Graduate School and left a year early with a Master's Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health.

All that education won't get me in the door as fast as someone with the certifications (ICC, PMP, CSP, Construction 10-30, food handler, confined space rescue etc).

There are stand alone industries that make their living off of the laws that require certifications and continuing education...Get the (OJT) experience and certifications while you are in school; hit the ground running!

"Fides Quarens Intellectum"

Good luck!

[JJ]

Hi Dustyjay,

I am not in forestry biz.
However my school offered 2 year AS, and 4 year BS programs for electrical engineering technology.
After completing 2 years of 4 year program, I applied for 2 year AS degree, as ran out of money.

Was able to work several years in field with AS degree, gain some experience; which directly applied to my learning while I finish the 4y program (much easier).  After obtaining BS, I was able to land job quickly with already entry level experience was done.

With 4y BS degree, I have more opportunities and have been working for same company for 20+ years.   Today in my field, I now run into MS and DR degrees I compete for work with, as electronic industry has shrunk in US, so actually now consider continuing education (employer will pay).

Maybe go the 2y route, and see what opportunity you have, as you can always decide to continue.

My advice, keep your options open..

      JJ

[curdog]

You will need to determine what your goals are as far as employment.  You will need to see what the qualifications are for the jobs you are after. I went the 2 year route and I'm happy with what I do. I like the variety of the technician / Ranger job, and I do have some room for advancement.  But a four year degree may make more opportunities available to you. But you will need to take a look down the road to see what you want to do.
With a forestry degree I'd recommend one accredited by the society of American foresters if that is an option for you.

[celliott]

Also depends on WHERE you want to work.

Coming from a guy who recently graduated with a 2 year forest tech degree, and is doing alot of job searching. I'm not having an easy time finding full time positions within the industry, in my area. Granted that does limit me, being tied to this area, but still.
I've applied for a few entry level state positions, and they want 4 years. For entry level!

[dgdrls]

Get the four year and do it before life "gives you responsibilities"
(Lets just say earning a 4 year degree while working full time with a family is a tough row to hoe)
It pays dividends sooner and gives you more leverage if you want to work
for someone else. It also puts you on par or above most other applicants in the education department.

Best
DGDrls

[WDH]

The 4 year degree will open more doors for you. 

[HiTech]

The 4 year degree is almost a must today. There is so much more you can do with one. The higher up the food chain you want to go the easier it gets with a better degree which a 4 year is. Opportunities are endless. If you truly want to dominate the field go for a Phd. Get all the education you can while you can. If after you want to run a chainsaw so be it but get the degree first. Life is so much easier with one.

[gimpy]

I have a daughter in college as we speak. My suggestion to her was absolutely a 4 year degree. For a woman especially. A 4 yr degree in anything will get you entry level management jobs in at the very least most state, county and city government. A friend had a 4yr in German, she was able to get an elementary school teaching job. No matter what happens, government jobs will always be available. It's when you have a family that an emergency fall back is so darn important.

[sandersen]

You've received some very good advice already, so I doubt mine will add much to your question.  But comparing  environmental/forestry degrees versus the many technical degrees available like diesel mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters etc...the latter require only a 2 year degree (and a honest conscientious work ethic) to reach the top of your profession and make impressive money.  The former though almost demands a four year degree at least to get established and many go on to a masters degree as well in the environmental/forestry field.  Jobs are tougher to be had there, and the salaries are not as competitive as the "trades." But one must do what he enjoys, and education for its own sake minus any thoughts of pay checks and jobs is always a worthy pursuit.  Good luck.

[Ron Scott]

The 4 year degree for many of the reasons already stated.

[bucknwfl]

Definitely 4 year. Majors and minors with environmental and forestry backgrounds open a lot of different doors. There are lots of different environmental jobs out there.  And then there are jobs like mine that I am in now and had never heard of when I was in college.  Utility forester.  I graduated and went to work for a government contractor doing forest inventory. I was not making a lot of money even for a recent college grad. So I went to work for a power company doing line constuction. A few years into it I find out they have forester jobs and 4 years later lane done of those jobs and have loved it for the last eight years

Hanks

Buck

[tj240]

my son will graduate from ranger school in wanakenna ny in may with a 2 year. he will be a forestry tech, but he is continuing at suny esf in syracuse for his 4 year. ny forest ranger you only need a 2 year, consevation officer you need a 4 year. when he finishes 4 years he will be a forester. he wants to keep all options open. so like most said i would go for the 4 year then do what you want, with a diploma to fall back on. good luck!!!

[pwrwagontom]

No problems with either one, but I would recommend a 4 year program.  As many on here have said, it gives you an advantage over others going for jobs in the field.  Check to make sure the degree is at an SAF accredited college.

[Warped]

Can never have too much education, but remember what Mark Twain said......"Don't let your schooling get in the way of your education."

[SquareG]

Put some effort into high school with high level coursework there.  4 year is likely loaded with general and philosophical, versus focused coursework.  Scrap the civics and government for financial management if you can.  To compare continued education to not, a 4 year degree would be behind about $150K or more on equity and behind 4 yrs seniority and experience from the gate.  Long story short, focus.

[SwampDonkey]

An associate diploma is not the same as a degree. Here the associate program is only one year, used to be two. Years ago that diploma involved basic surveying, I don't think it does now. These days to be a surveyor, I believe you need a degree from an engineering program or a full fledged technologist school, not technician, and engineering includes forest engineering degree.