Wood Science
63 Credit Associate DegreeProgram Description
Wood Science is a broad-based program training learners to become professionals within the Forest Products Industry. Learners will engage in a unique hands-on experience using the latest design software and cutting-edge manufacturing equipment. All of this is housed in NTC’s state-of-the-art 27,000 square foot Wood Technology Center of Excellence. Curricula include material science, product design and engineering, quality assurance, manufacturing and business. Graduates of this program are in high demand both locally and nationally, with over one million forest industry jobs in the United States and 64,000 in Wisconsin. Learners interested in pursuing careers in custom furniture are encouraged to add the Furniture Design and Craftsmanship Certificate that can be completed concurrently with the Wood Science program. Potential occupations include: Production Supervisor, Quality Control Specialist, CAD Engineer, Lumber & Log Sales Associate/Broker, Furniture Designer, CNC Router Technician, Lumber Inspector, Dry Kiln Operator, Production or Sales Manager Trainee, Architectural Woodworker, EWP Technical Support Specialist, Wood Product Field Auditor, Moulder Technician and Procurement Specialist.
Approximate Cost
Starting Salary
Financial Aid
Program Overview Video
Availability
Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.
* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.
Outcomes
Graduates will be able to…
- Develop a business plan for wood manufacturing operations
- Design efficient manufacturing processes for wood products
- Apply wood industry testing standards to products and materials
- Inspect various wood products according to industry standards
- Create CAD drawings for wood products
- Operate technologically advanced wood manufacturing equipment
- Use current safety precautions in a manufacturing setting
Careers
Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:
- Procurement Specialist
- Moulder Technician
- Wood Product Field Auditor
- EWP Technical Support Specialist
- Architectural Woodworker
- Production or Sales Manager Trainee
- Dry Kiln Operator
- Lumber Inspector
- CNC Router Technician
- Furniture Designer
- Lumber and Log Sales Associate/Broker
- CAD Engineer
- Quality Control Specialist
- Production Supervisor
Courses
The Wood Science Associate Degree is a 63 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.
Credit for Prior Learning Available
View All Detailed Course InformationPathways
Pathways are a series of connected programs that enable you to advance over time to better jobs and higher levels of education and training. By earning one degree, you could also be completing several courses of a related program in a pathway, bringing you one step closer to an advanced degree.
If you begin with one of the following programs, you will earn significant credit towards this Wood Science Associate Degree:
- The Wood Technology Technical Diploma will provide you with 51% (32 of 63 credits) of the total credits in this Wood Science Associate Degree
- The Basic Wood Manufacturing Certificate will provide you with 24% (15 of 63 credits) of the total credits in this Wood Science Associate Degree
- The CNC Router Certificate will provide you with 11% (7 of 63 credits) of the total credits in this Wood Science Associate Degree
Transfer Information
The following transfer guides executed in partnership with post-secondary institutions are based on articulation agreements and are a guide to provide an easy way to understand how credits transfer.
Additional Information
This program is housed in the Wood Technology Center of Excellence, a one-of-a-kind, 27,000 square foot facility dedicated to preparing students for careers in the forest products and woodworking industry.
Admissions Process
Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.
Fill out our application
The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. A $30.00 non-refundable application fee is required. Pay at the time you apply or bypass to pay in person within a week of applying.
Apply NowWhat’s Next?
We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be mailed to you.