森林生态系统科学学位的基础是将森林管理技能方面的专业能力与对生态科学的理解相结合。对这个计划感兴趣的学生通常被自然环境和环境所吸引，喜欢大自然，并想了解森林生态系统如何工作。在ESF的锡拉丘兹（Syracuse）校园的教室和实验室中，体验式现场学习与学习概念和技能相结合。森林生态系统科学的本科课程包括两大类课程。第一类，通识教育，为学生提供对所有受过教育的人有用且重要的知识和技能，而不论他们的专业是什么，以及为通往特定职业的高级课程做准备。第二类是专业课程，为学生提供直接的职业准备。大学的前两年通常侧重于
The Forest Ecosystem Science degree is based on a vision that combines professional competency in forest management skills with an enhanced understanding of ecological sciences. Students interested in this program typically are drawn to natural settings and environments, enjoy nature, and want to understand how forested ecosystems work. Experiential field learning is combined with learning concepts and skills in the classroom and laboratory on ESF's Syracuse campus. The undergraduate curriculum in forest ecosystem science consists of two broad categories of courses. The first category, general education, provides students with knowledge and skills that are useful and important for all educated persons regardless of their profession as well as preparation for advanced courses leading to a specific profession. The second category, professional courses, provides students with direct preparation for a career. The first two years of college usually focus on general education and the second two on the professional studies.