Best 2-Year Forestry Degrees Online in 2026

Key Takeaways:

• Online 2-year forestry degrees cover wildlife science, urban forest management, and natural resources, with programs starting under $10,000.
• A 2-year forestry degree online can launch your career as a forest and conservation worker or serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree.
• Accreditation matters: all programs listed here are reviewed by recognized agencies, so your degree carries real value with employers.

If you love the outdoors and want to turn that passion into a paycheck, a 2-year forestry degree online could be your fastest route in. These associate-level programs cover the basics of forest ecosystems, natural resource management, and wildlife science, and many can be completed entirely from home. Whether you want to step into the workforce quickly or build a foundation for a four-year degree, there is a program on this list that fits your situation.

GetEducated has pulled together the accredited online associate programs in forestry and natural resources so you can compare costs and details side by side.

Online 2-Year Forestry Degree Programs for 2026

Each program below is 100% online, requires a high school diploma or GED for entry, and can be completed in roughly two years. Here is a closer look at what each one offers.

1. East Mississippi Community College: AA – Forestry Emphasis

This AA program from East Mississippi Community College is a solid starting point if your goal is a career in forest resources or a transfer to a four-year forestry program. The Forestry Emphasis track gives you a real foundation in the science and practice of managing forest lands.

• Estimated Cost: $8,520 in-state / $14,520 out-of-state
• Per Credit: $142 in-state / $242 out-of-state
• Credits: 60
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED; ACCUPLACER or ACT/SAT
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

EMCC has offered online coursework through the Mississippi Virtual Community College since 2000, so the distance learning infrastructure is well established. This is also one of the more affordable 2-year forestry degree online options on the list. Check their tuition page for current rates.

2. Barton Community College: Associate in Science in Wildlife Science

Barton Community College offers an AS in Wildlife Science that builds a broad foundation in natural resources for students who want to work with animals and habitats. Coursework prepares you for entry-level roles in wildlife management, conservation, and related fields.

• Estimated Cost: $9,300 (same for in-state and out-of-state)
• Per Credit: $155
• Credits: 60
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED; ACCUPLACER, ACT/SAT, or COMPASS
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

At just $9,300 total, this is the most affordable program on the list and charges the same rate regardless of where you live. Flat pricing is genuinely useful when comparing out-of-state options. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, forest and conservation workers earned a median annual wage of $43,680 in May 2024, and an associate degree is often enough to qualify for entry-level positions. Visit Barton's tuition page for pricing details.

3. Dakota College at Bottineau: AAS in Urban Forest Management

Dakota College at Bottineau offers one of the few programs in the country specifically focused on urban forestry. The AAS in Urban Forest Management prepares you for careers managing trees and green spaces in city environments, parks departments, utility companies, and municipalities.

• Estimated Cost: $14,788 in-state / $20,452 out-of-state
• Per Credit: $246 in-state / $341 out-of-state
• Credits: 60
• Format: 100% Online, Institution-Paced
• Admission: High school diploma or GED; ACT/SAT or Placement Test
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Urban forest management is a growing niche within natural resources, as cities increasingly invest in tree canopy programs for climate resilience. This program is a strong fit if you want to focus on applied, community-based work rather than remote wilderness management. GetEducated makes it easy to compare programs like this one with others on cost and accreditation. Head over to Dakota College's tuition page for the latest pricing.

4. University of Alaska Southeast: AAS in Applied Fisheries

The University of Alaska Southeast offers an AAS in Applied Fisheries for students interested in fish and aquatic resource management. The program covers fisheries science and prepares graduates for careers with state and federal agencies that manage fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.

• Estimated Cost: $14,040 in-state / $48,000 out-of-state
• Per Credit: $234 in-state / $800 out-of-state
• Credits: 60
• Format: 100% Online, Institution-Paced
• Admission: High school diploma or GED; ACT/SAT; minimum 2.5 GPA recommended
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

This is the best-fit option if your focus is on fisheries rather than forest management. The program has a strong regional emphasis given Alaska’s significant fishery resources, but the degree itself opens doors across the country with wildlife agencies and conservation organizations. Keep in mind that out-of-state costs are significantly higher here, so in-state students benefit the most. See the UAS tuition page for current rates.

2-Year Forestry Degree Online FAQ

Thinking through a 2-year forestry degree online? Here are answers to the questions students most often ask before enrolling.

What can you do with a 2-year forestry degree?

With an associate degree in forestry or a related natural resources field, you can qualify for entry-level positions as a forest and conservation worker, wildlife technician, urban forestry aide, or fisheries assistant. Many graduates also use the degree as a foundation for transferring to a four-year program in forestry, environmental science, or natural resource management.

Are online 2-year forestry degrees accredited?

Yes, all four programs listed here hold regional accreditation (the process by which a recognized agency confirms that a school meets established quality standards). Employers and four-year colleges are more likely to recognize and accept credits from regionally accredited schools. If you want to dig deeper into what accreditation means for your degree, the GetEducated guide to accreditation is a helpful read.

How much do forest and conservation workers earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, foresters earned a median annual wage of $70,660 in May 2024, while conservation scientists earned $67,950. Forest and conservation workers at the entry level earned a median of $43,680. An associate degree is often the minimum for these entry-level roles, with higher credentials leading to better-paying positions in resource management.

Is a 2-year forestry degree worth it?

It depends on your goals. If you want to enter the workforce quickly at an affordable cost, an associate degree is a practical choice. The programs on this list range from about $9,300 to just over $14,000 for in-state students. If you plan to become a forester or wildlife biologist eventually, you will likely need a bachelor’s degree, too. Still, an associate degree can help you get started in the field while you save money and decide on a longer-term path.

Find Your 2-Year Forestry Degree Online

The field of forestry rewards people who combine scientific knowledge with a hands-on approach to land and resource stewardship. Whether you lean toward urban tree management, wildlife science, or fisheries, one of these four programs is a solid place to start. Browse the full directory at GetEducated to compare costs, read accreditation details, and find the program that fits your goals and budget.