South Carolina is blessed with a rich diversity of forest resources comprising nearly 13 million acres.  These forests range from hardwood coves in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to maritime forests along the Atlantic Coast, with vast pine forests in between. These diverse forests provide a wide range of benefits, including an over $23 billion forest products industry providing 100,000 high-paying jobs for South Carolina residents. These vast and diverse forests also provide a myriad of recreational opportunities, stormwater mitigation, and wildlife habitat, among others.  The state’s forests also face many challenges. Some of these are biological, such as attacks from native insects, such as the southern pine bark beetle guild, and numerous non-native invasive plants, insects, and animal species. Other pressures come from industry changes, affecting how our forests are commercially utilized. Through all of this, foresters are needed to ensure that South Carolina’s forests continue to support the economy and provide the other benefits society has grown to depend on. 

Meeting this demand requires a strong pipeline of well-trained professionals, and institutions like Francis Marion University play a key role in preparing the next generation of forestry leaders.

Francis Marion University (FMU), founded in 1970, is a four-year public institution established by the state of South Carolina, located in the northeastern part of the state near the city of Florence. Enrollment is approximately 4,200.  The purpose of FMU is threefold: to provide students with an excellent education, stimulate inquiry and research, and serve the Pee Dee region and the state of South Carolina.

The Francis Marion University forestry program, starting in the fall of 2026, is embedded in the Pee Dee region. Future foresters will have hands-on teaching and research experiences in the diverse ecosystems found in the nearly 8,500-acre Francis Marion University forest along the banks of the Great Pee Dee River.  Students will benefit from a shared passion for study, research, and work revolving around forest health and ecosystem integrity.

Most forestry classes will have a laboratory component, including a 5-week summer session. These laboratory exercises will give students hands-on experience working in the field, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting it in written and oral formats. All students will be encouraged to pursue internships in forestry to gain valuable real-world experience in forestry and natural resources management. One of the goals of the program is to help students build on their love for the woods and desire to manage the state’s natural resources for the benefit of all South Carolinians.

Francis Marion University is the most affordable university in South Carolina. As part of that commitment to affordability, the university is offering South Carolina residents the Darla Moore Forestry Scholarship, which provides tuition support based on individual needs to forestry students. When combined with other federal, state, and institutional aid for which recipients qualify, this support may cover the full cost of tuition. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years with a 2.7 GPA and satisfactory progress towards completion of the forestry degree

There’s never been a better time to be in forestry, and no better place to study forestry than Francis Marion University. 

For more information, please contact Dr. Andy Londo, associate professor and chair of the Forestry Department at [email protected]  or (843) 661-1618.