SEBS accreditation site visit by members of the Society of American Foresters.
Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) has earned official accreditation from the Society of American Foresters (SAF) for two tracks within its Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources (EENR) program. Effective January 1, 2025, the EENR Natural Resources and Ecosystem Management track and Urban Forestry track will carry SAF accreditation.
This prestigious recognition positions Rutgers as the first university in New Jersey to be accredited by the Society of American Foresters, a leading organization that sets rigorous educational standards for forestry, urban forestry and natural resource programs.
“We are very excited about the opportunities the accredited program in urban forestry creates for our students and the state. As one of the most densely populated states in the nation, and a state that includes a wide range of landscapes, New Jersey will benefit from educational opportunities in urban forestry and expanding opportunities in arboriculture and related fields,” said Laura Lawson, Executive Dean of SEBS.
Urban Forestry students at Rutgers Day on the Cook campus.
For students, the accreditation offers a clear advantage in the job market. Employers in the forestry field often seek graduates from SAF-accredited programs, knowing these students have met rigorous academic and professional standards.
Achieving this accreditation was a process that spanned many years, culminating in a comprehensive self-evaluation report and an extensive, multi-day site visit with an SAF accreditation committee. This accomplishment reflects the dedication and expertise of Rutgers faculty and the University’s commitment to fostering excellence in education.
This initial accreditation is good through December 2029. Learn more about the accredited programs.
The Society of American Foresters is the organization that represents forestry professionals and provides leadership to ensure that all members of the profession achieve excellence in sustainable forestry and natural resource management.
