Wood Science

62 Credit Associate Degree

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

$13,385
Tuition: $11637 , Books: $1748

Starting Salary

$45,563
Average, based on the annual Graduate Outcomes Report

Financial Aid

Available

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.

20-30 %
Wausau
100%
Antigo
20-30 %
Medford
20-30 %
Phillips
20-30 %
Spencer
20-30 %
Wittenberg
20-30 %
Online

* 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 62 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

First Term

WOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 4.00
INDUSTRY ORIENTATION AND SAFETY 1.00
WOOD MANUFACTURING PROCESSES 3.00
HARDWOOD GRADING AND MERCHANDISING 3.00
FUNDAMENTALS OF FURNITURE MANUFACTURING 2.00
COLLEGE MATHEMATICS 3.00

Second Term

SECONDARY WOOD MANUFACTURING 5.00
WOOD ADHESIVES APPLICATION 2.00
MOULDER, SHAPER, AND GRINDING TECHNOLOGY 4.00
2D MECHANICAL CAD 1.00
LEAN MANUFACTURING FUNDAMENTALS 2.00
INTERPRETING ENGINEERING DRAWINGS 1.00

Third Term

WOOD DRYING SCIENCE 4.00
WOOD INDUSTRY GLOBAL MARKETS 2.00
CNC ROUTER TECHNOLOGY 4.00
COLLEGE PHYSICS 1 3.00
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION 3.00
ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 3.00

Fourth Term

SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS & ENERGY 2.00
DESIGN INNOVATION IN WOOD PRODUCTS 4.00
ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 3.00
INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY 3.00
INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY 3.00
PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS 3.00

Credit for Prior Learning Available

View All Detailed Course Information

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.

School Name Degree Name
Colorado State University-Global Campus B.S. in Business Management
Minnesota State University-Moorhead B.S. in Operations Management
Siena Heights University Bachelor of Applied Science
University of Phoenix B.S. in Management/Manufacturing Sector
Marian University Technology Education

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 Now

What’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.