Forestry - MS

S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources

Department of Wildland Resources

Students in this program study the science and application of ecological principles in the management of forests. Management aspects include measuring current forests, planning for future forests considering fire risks, fuel loads and the provision of wildlife and recreational services. The program includes coursework on forest ecology and fire ecology, social sciences, policy, soils, and restoration. The program is integrated with other natural resource programs in the college focusing on wildlife, range, and ecology for a broad interdisciplinary experience.

The MS degree targets students motivated toward a management or administrative career in natural resources with an emphasis in forestry. The Forestry MS degree may be obtained through either a Plan A (research thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis) program. 

Admission Requirements

To be accepted into the Forestry program, applicants need to find a departmental faculty member that agrees to serve as their major advisor. It is recommended that applicants first contact specific faculty members with whom they are interested in working.  If the faculty member is accepting graduate students and agrees to work with the student, the student can then apply by completing the following application requirements.

• Official transcript indicating a bachelor’s degree in an accredited U.S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university. Students with undergraduate degrees in natural resources preferred.
• GPA of 3.0 (calculated using all grades from last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits earned)
• 3 letters of recommendation.
• Statement of purpose
• International students - proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)

Program Requirements

• Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA for degree-program courses. Grades of C- or lower will not be accepted for a graduate degree.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation.
• Credits in the following areas are not acceptable in a degree program: foreign languages (unless included in an approved Program of Study), continuing graduate advisement, individual home study, military science, and courses numbered below 3000.
• A master’s degree must be completed within six years of entering the degree program. Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review.
• Coursework over eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless it is revalidated.