The forest products industry is one of the largest economic contributors to Mississippi, as well as in the United States. Employment in the furniture, lumber, wood products, composites, and paper sectors of the economy far exceeds the employment of any other manufacturing sector in the state. Mississippis forest products industry recognizes the need for welltrained employees to help increase the conversion efficiencies and alter manufacturing processes to allow compatibility with a changing raw material base. While the industry is very large in terms of employment, valueadded processing facilities number only a few thousand nationwide and a few hundred in Mississippi. Forest Products students are in demand with relatively high starting salaries and excellent opportunities for advancement. Currently, forest products students receive up to two job offers after graduation. The mission of the Department of Forest Products is to enhance the intellectual, cultural, social, and professional development of its students by providing them with knowledge and skills needed to utilize and conserve diverse forest resources effectively. In this regard, the departments primary teaching responsibility is to provide high quality educational opportunities necessary to adequately prepare students for professional and scientific careers in forest products and wood science.

Website: http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/forestp/index.asp