The Arboriculture and Community Forestry Specialization within the Forest Management Technology AAS program prepares students for high-demand careers in urban tree care, commercial arboriculture, and utility vegetation management. Combining classroom learning with extensive hands-on field labs, students gain practical experience with industry-standard equipment and complete a required summer internship.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Degree Earned | Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) |
| Specialization | Arboriculture & Community Forestry |
| Program Length | 5 Semesters (2 years of full-time study, including 1 summer session) |
| Practical Experience | Outdoor course labs & required summer field internship |
| Program Head | Richard Scott Reigel — rreigel@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2894 |
What Sets This Specialization Apart?
- Urban & Community Tree Care: Learn specialized skills in tree risk assessment, urban forest management, tree climbing/safety protocols, and tree health diagnosis.
- Utility Rights-of-Way Management: Train for specialized roles managing vegetation along power lines, highways, and public infrastructure to ensure grid reliability and public safety.
- Hands-On Summer Internship: Apply classroom concepts in real-world settings with municipal forestry departments, commercial tree care firms, or utility contractors.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this specialization possess highly market-ready skills needed by municipal governments, private tree care companies, electric utilities, and environmental consulting firms.
Potential Career Roles:
- Commercial Arborist / Tree Care Specialist
- Municipal Forester / City Tree Warden
- Utility Vegetation Management Specialist
- Rights-of-Way Maintenance Supervisor
- Tree Risk Inspector & Plant Health Care Technician
- Urban Forestry Consultant
Curriculum & Degree Plan
The 5-semester plan integrates core forestry concepts (dendrology, soils, GIS mapping) with specialized coursework in arboriculture, urban forest policy, and tree maintenance practices.
👉 View the Complete Arboriculture Specialization Course Plan in the MGCC Catalog
Program Contact & Admissions
Ready to explore a career in community forestry and arboriculture? Contact our Program Head or Student Services to learn more:
Richard Scott Reigel — Program Head, Forest Management Technology
Phone: (540) 863-2894 | Email: rreigel@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Clifton Forge Campus
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)
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