Forest and Natural Resources Policy
M.S., M.P.S. & Ph.D.

ESF provides a rich environment for graduate study in forest and natural resources policy. The Department of Forest and Natural Resources' program is one of the largest in the United States. We have six faculty members whose research interests span policy, economics and law. We usually have 15 to 20 graduate policy students in residence each year. Many of our students take classes in the Maxwell School's public administration program at Syracuse University.

Our goal is to educate the leaders who will shape natural resources policy in the 21st century. Our students integrate the physical, biological and social sciences; and apply them to an array of regional, national and international environmental issues. Recent graduates have studied the policy implications of land use change, conflict management and public participation strategies, watershed policy, litigation and appeals, and sustainability. These studies have enabled our alumni to pursue a variety of careers. Current students continue to research these areas and other new topics, such as international policy analysis.

The strengths of our program include a strong sense of community among our students and faculty, and the rich academic environment in which we thrive. One way we foster this academic community is our weekly policy seminar, in which students and all participating faculty engage in open discussion. We encourage prospective students to become part of this community. You can contact us at forestpolicy@esf.edu.

Masters students can complete either a Master of Science or a Master of Professional Studies in Forest Resources Management. Doctoral studies are done in close collaboration with the Department of Environmental Studies. Our Environmental and Natural Resources Policy Ph.D. programs have common requirements:

• Natural science: 12 credit hours
• Methods: 12 credit hours
• Policy-related social science: 12 credit hours
• Core E/NR policy courses: 12 credit hours

Policy graduates find job opportunities with government, consulting firms, not-for-profit organizations, advocacy groups and academic institutions. Graduates often begin their careers as policy or program analysts and eventually become leaders in government, legislatures, corporations, and consulting firms and village associations throughout the world.

• Participating Faculty: Forest & Natural Resources Policy Group

Contact Us

John E. Wagner
Associate Professor of Forest Resource Economics
Graduate Education Coordinator - FNRM
320 Bray Hall, One Forestry Drive
Syracuse, NY 13210-2788
Phone: (315) 470-6971
Fax: (315) 470-6535