Forest Health & Silviculture Micro-credential
Advance Your Knowledge in Forest Health and Silviculture!
Take the next step in your forestry career with UNBC Continuing Studies’ Forest Health & Silviculture Micro-credential - a flexible, career-focused program designed for professionals working in forestry sector.
Whether you're on the path to becoming a Registered Professional Forester (RPF), looking to expand your technical knowledge, or aiming to move into a more advanced role, this micro-credential gives you the skills and confidence to lead in forest health and sustainable silviculture.
Through a series of online, self-paced courses grounded in UNBC’s accredited forestry curriculum, you’ll build applied knowledge that translates directly to your work in the field.
Take on its own or as part of the Sustainable Forest Management Certificate.
Read on to explore what you’ll learn and how this credential can help you stand out in the industry.
Courses of Study
To earn this micro-credential, students must successfully complete all courses, including assignments and final exams.
Each course is based on official UNBC academic programming and is designed for immediate workplace relevance:
- Introduction to Forest Health and Disturbance Ecology
- Tree Defenses, Root and Bark Diseases
- Foliage, Cone and Seed Diseases, Legislation, and Introduced Pests
- Forest Disturbance Agent Identification
- Silvicultural Systems & Methods of Regeneration
- Silviculture Surveys
- Silviculture – Growth & Yield
All courses are delivered through UNBC’s D2L platform, allowing you to complete course activities, assignments, quizzes, and final exams at your own pace while receiving constant feedback on activities and access to support staff.
How You Will Apply What You Learn
This micro-credential emphasizes real-world, applied learning. By the end of the program, you'll be able to:
- Conduct basic forest health assessments and field diagnostics
- Identify common forest disturbance agents and apply prevention strategies
- Choose appropriate regeneration methods based on forest conditions
- Use survey and growth data to inform silviculture planning
- Use silviculture survey data and growth and yield information to inform stand-level decision-making
- Contribute to operational forest health and reforestation planning with confidence
Why Choose UNBC Continuing Studies
Industry-Aligned Content
Developed in partnership with the Forest Professionals of BC (FPBC) to reflect current and emerging needs in the forestry workforce.
Flexible Learning for Working Adults
100% online and self-paced delivery means you can learn without taking time off work.
Career-Centered Outcomes
All courses are adapted from UNBC’s academic forestry program - highly respected by employers across British Columbia.
Pathway to Professional Designation
Gain critical knowledge and competencies aligned with RPF application requirements and advancement in technical forestry roles.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand forest disturbance ecology, including natural and human-caused disturbances such as fire, disease, and insect outbreaks.
- Identify and assess forest health threats, including root and bark diseases, foliage diseases, introduced pests, and regulatory frameworks.
- Apply core silvicultural techniques by selecting appropriate regeneration methods, conducting silviculture surveys, and using growth and yield models to support planning.
- Evaluate forest stand conditions to support sustainable decision-making in silviculture and operational planning.
- Interpret legislation and policy related to forest health and pest management in BC.
