The mission of the study program aims at fulfilling the three main pillars of studies: quality education, scientific research and contribution to the community. Consequently, the mission of the study program “Forest and Environmental Sciences” is defined as follows:

“The mission of the study program aims to provide quality education integrated with the development of research skills, in order to contribute to the continuous professional and scientific development of students, enabling them to successfully address issues in the field of forestry and the environment at both national and international levels.  Graduates of this study program will foster professional and research skills and competencies to meet market demand and contribute to the improvement of community welfare.”

This study program aims to provide a balanced educational program that challenges our students to be both learners and effective leaders. Therefore, the content of the study program ensures students acquire up-to-date knowledge to identify and address issues in the Forestry and Environmental sector, both at the national and international levels. To achieve such a goal, the study program offers general courses in the field of natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, and meteorology) and mathematics, as well as specific courses in Forestry and its disciplines, including: forest genetics, forest pedology, dendrology, dendrometry, silviculture, pathology, entomology, forest machinery, ergonomics, wildlife and hunting management, hydrology, forest fire protection, timber production, GIS, forestry policies and legislation, and Environmental fields, including ecology, pollution and environmental protection, environmental monitoring, and ecological microbiology, etc.

Moreover, study program provides specialized knowledge through the provision of elective courses, and finally it offers professional applied experience with internship in domestic and international companies. Lastly, students of the study program conclude studies by developing research skills through writing the diploma thesis.

An important objective of this study program is the creation and development of research skills in the field of forestry and the environment. Students develop and acquire analytical skills along with creative, innovative, and communicative abilities to address various issues in forestry and the environment. Students develop research skills not only through the courses offered in the content of this study program but also through collaboration with professors in various research projects. For this purpose, the collaboration with the University Centre for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer (CRIKT) [A1.7] offers an opportunity to advance research work and cooperation between professors and students, as well as between the FLES professors and international professors.

Simultaneously, this study program provides contribution to accomplish the wider societal goals. Study program provides a top-tier educational curriculum that equips students with practical knowledge tailored to meet the demands of the Kosovo and international labor market. This is achieved through the cultivation of essential research skills that empower institutions and businesses dealing with forestry and environmental issues, their employees, and the broader community to effectively identify and address their challenges. To ensure that the program remains suitable for market needs, the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences (FLES) has established the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB), which guides the curriculum development based on the demands of the job market. Furthermore, the study program includes the implementation of field and company visits, providing students with the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of various aspects of contemporary environmental issues. In this context, issues such as global warming, climate change, ozone layer depletion, floods, erosion, and many other negative natural phenomena are addressed, as well as problems in the field of forestry, such as fires, pathogens, and pests; exploitation, deforestation, and reforestation. Of particular importance is the sustainable management of forests and other forest resources, as well as raising public awareness about the importance of forests and forest resources.

To facilitate these visits, agreements have been signed with key players in the business community, as shown in the List of agreements with business community partners.

The vision of this study program is based on the fulfilment of several objectives. Among others:

• To become a leader in providing quality education for the well-equipped professional staff in the forestry and environmental sector, both nationally and internationally.
• To become a leader in scientific research in the field of forestry and the environment, both nationally and internationally.
• To become a competitive actor in offering advisory and professional services in the regional and international context.

The objectives of the study program “Forest and Environmental Sciences” are designed as follows:

• Builds a comprehensive and deep understanding of concepts, practices, and principles: describes the essence of issues in the field of Forestry and Environment.
• Advances students with advanced research skills: Enables in-depth analysis and contributes to innovative solutions within the forestry and environmental sector.
• Develops professional competencies for expertise roles in forestry and the environment: Prepares students for success in decision-making and professional positions within forestry and environmental companies and organizations.
• Stimulates flexibility and adaptation in students: Facilitates effective responses to challenges, the establishment of mechanisms for nature preservation and maintenance, sustainable forest management, and all living organisms on Earth.
• Enhances the systematization, analysis, and reporting of relevant data: Promotes the development of skills in writing, information gathering, statistical analysis, and presentation of results.
• Provides advice and expertise to relevant institutions and organizations: Develops skills to provide valuable contributions and advice for sector improvement.
• Focuses on updating the curriculum and adapting to market demands: Ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the forestry sector market.
• Promotes ethical and sustainable practices: Encourages social responsibility and conscientious decision-making regarding the environment.
• Improves problem-solving skills: Identifies and addresses challenges in the field of forestry and the environment.
• Prepares students for a global perspective: Offers a profound understanding of forestry and the environment, preparing them for international markets and collaborations.
• Encourages entrepreneurial and leadership skills: Allows graduates to take influential roles in the forestry sector.
• Promotes the role of forestry in community well-being: Focuses on social responsibility and the contribution of forestry to community life improvement.

Learning outcomes of the students graduating this study program are:

1. Successfully perform the duties of a forestry officer or professional collaborator in all aspects of forestry activities.
2. Conduct activities related to inventorying, planning, and implementing forestry programs.
3. Analyze and monitor the effectiveness of forest inventory, actively participating in the implementation of their management programs.
4. Execute professional work in the field with precision, including care, revitalization, and sustainable maintenance of forests.
5. Identify and use mechanical equipment, techniques, and standard technologies to carry out operations in forestry.
6. Conduct professional work to improve and plan forests in Kosovo, protecting forests against abiotic and biotic factors, especially forest fires.
7. Implement professional activities for the implementation of flora and fauna management programs, including organizing hunting.
8. Integrate sustainable forestry management techniques and technology around the organization of production, utilization, and occupational safety in the forest environment.
9. Organize and perform individual work in private enterprises and as forestry inspectors, engage and adapt to teamwork in relation to all other tasks in forestry, nature, and environmental protection.
10. Monitor and assess the effects of chemical and biological pollutants on the environment.
11. Develop professionally and acquire the skills to pursue master’s studies.

Academic Degree title and diploma title in full and abbreviated form

The studies in this program are of BA level (3 years), with a total of 6 semesters of 30 ECTS each, a total of 180 ECTS.

Upon successful completion of studies, the candidate receives the title: Bachelor inForest and Environmental Sciences.