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Graduate Degree Programs
M.P.S., M.S. & Ph.D. in Forest Resources Management

Students may pursue a master of science (M.S.), master of professional studies (M.P.S.), or doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in Forest Resources Management, in one of several areas of study.

FRM Degree Information

M.P.S. (Master of Professional Studies)

The Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) graduate degree program enables students to integrate knowledge and expertise drawn from both the natural and social sciences, and to apply their knowledge to solve practical forest and natural resources management problems. The primary focus of the program is to provide an opportunity for graduates coming from related academic backgrounds with baccalaureates to gain a professional education in forestry. As such, the program is designed to be the first professional degree in forest and natural resources management. Graduates will successfully function as professional managers on multi-disciplinary forest and natural resources management teams and respond to the challenges related to the sustainable management of local, regional and global resources.

The M.P.S. degree is a coursework-based degree that enables students to increase, refine, and integrate their natural science and social science knowledge and expertise in forest and natural resources management.

The degree requires at least 30 graduate credits of coursework. At least 24 of the course credits must be taken in residence at ESF. Within these credits, students must complete a core of required courses and other requirements.

The program is open to both students with some prior background in forestry and natural resources and for those without such background. Students with a degree in a related discipline (e.g., ecology, biology, wildlife, chemistry, etc.) can complete the M.P.S. degree in twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months. Students without a general science background will require eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) months to complete the program. The curriculum is designed for fall admission, but spring semester admission is possible. More than four (4) semesters may be required for students from non-science backgrounds who need additional basic undergraduate coursework as part of their program of study.

M.S. (Master of Science)

The Master of Science (M.S.) graduate degree program enables students to integrate knowledge and expertise drawn from both the natural and social sciences, and to research issues and apply their knowledge to solve practical problems in forest and natural resources management situations. The primary focus of the program is to provide an opportunity for graduates coming from related academic backgrounds with baccalaureate degrees to gain a science-based education in forest and natural resources management. Graduates will successfully function as researchers and managers on multi-disciplinary forest management teams and respond to the challenges related to the sustainable management of local, regional and global resources.

The program is open to both students with some prior background in forestry and natural resources and for those without such background. Students with a degree in a related discipline (e.g., ecology, biology, wildlife, chemistry, etc.) can complete the M.S. degree in twenty-four (24) to thirty (30) months. Students without a general science background will require more than thirty (30) months to complete the program. More than four (4) semesters of coursework may be required for students from non-science backgrounds who need additional basic undergraduate coursework as part of their program of study.

The degree requires at least 30 graduate credits, of which 24 are for coursework and six for the thesis. One-half of the 24 hours of coursework must be at the 600-level or above. At least 18 of the coursework credits must be taken in residence at ESF. All students must take two topical seminars.

Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) graduate degree program enables students to extend knowledge and expertise from their natural and social science background in their baccalaureate and master's degrees. It is normally built upon a M.S. degree, but in some instances it can be undertaken after a non-research based graduate degree (such as a J.D., M.B.A, M.P.A, or M.P.S. degree).

The primary focus of the program is to provide an opportunity for graduates coming from diverse academic backgrounds to gain a science-based education in forest and natural resources management.

The degree provides students with an opportunity for in-depth study and to conduct a comprehensive scientifically based research program using advanced research tools. Ph.D. dissertations are expected to lead to a number of peer-reviewed articles in influential journals.

The degree is appropriate for students interested in advanced positions as forest and natural resources educators, researchers, managers, consultants and analysts on the local, regional and global levels.

The program is open to both students with some prior background in forestry and natural resources and for those without such background. Students with degrees in a related discipline (e.g., ecology, biology, wildlife, chemistry, etc.) can complete the Ph.D. degree in three (3) to five (5) years. Students with a general science background, but little or no forest or natural resources experience, may require more than five (5) years to complete the program.

The degree requires at least 60 graduate credit hours, of which 48 are for coursework and 12 for the dissertation. One-half of the 48 hours of coursework must be at the 600-level or above. At least 24 coursework credits must be taken in residence at ESF. All students must take two topical seminars.