Although a forest products/wood science curriculum has been offered at Purdue for over 30 years, it has evolved into two different educational opportunities.
One is a more traditional course of study with emphasis on the biological and forestry aspect along with 6-7 courses in wood science (wood identification, basic products and processes, logging, two courses in furniture engineering, and wood-base composites) and courses in statistics and computer science.
Graduates are well suited for numerous wood-using industries.
A new opportunity (Wood Products Manufacturing) exists for students more attuned to a career in the furniture/cabinet industries.
They take the usual wood science courses and less forestry/biology courses, adding several courses in industrial engineering technology (QC, product processing, material handling, marketing, etc.).
This new program is designed by educators and wood industry representatives to provide the best blend of technical fundamentals and practical, state-of-the-art industry manufacturing techniques.
Purdue has extensive and readily available computer facilities within
the forestry department and modern extensive wood testing equipment; students
gain hands-on use of those facilities.