Using computer technology and modern machinery, Wood Products majors test wood strength.

Wood is one of the most important raw materials, accounting for about 25 percent of major industrial materials in the United States. As much wood is used annually as are all metals, plastics, and Portland cement combined.

The uses for wood are many. In home construction, it is used for framing members, insulation board, floor and roof decking sheathing, siding, frames, paneling, trim, finished floors, and cabinets. Most furniture is made of wood. As the raw materials for paper, it packages food and carries messages. Wood is even used in the production of photographic film, rayon fabrics, molded interior door panels for automobiles, and high-impact plastics. It also is an important industrial fuel, and its by-products provide chemicals for additives used in concrete, paints, and adhesives.

Students in the Wood Products major at Penn State gain a basic knowledge and understanding of the anatomical, physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of wood, as well as a sound general education in communications, sciences, arts, humanities, and social and behavioral sciences.

To prepare students for the broad spectrum of employment opportunities in the industry--from harvesting to production and utilization of wood, fiber, and chemical products--the major offers study options in:

Business & Marketing Option
Processing & Manufacturing Option

Why Major in Wood Products?

Wood products professionals are continually challenged to develop, manufacture, and market engineered and technologically advanced wood-based products to meet the demands of society. These advanced wood products efficiently utilize our renewable forest resource base and effectively contribute to sustaining the forest resource base for future generations.

To listen to some of our students talk about careers and why to choose the School of Forest Resources you will need to download Quicktime.
It is available as a free download from www.apple.com/quicktime/download/

Click here for Video 1 (careers)
Click here for Video 2 (why choose our program)

You may be interested in the Wood Products major if:

• You are interested in applied engineering with a focus on development, processing, and manufacturing of new engineered wood products;
• You are interested in business management, marketing, manufacturing, sales, and service with a focus on a major U.S. industrial sector – the wood products industry;
• You enjoy supervising and interacting with other professionals, employees, and customers.