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Master of Science in Forest Ecosystems and Society

The M.S. degree focuses on building both disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in a research context that will qualify graduates for careers in research, teaching, industry, consultation, and other roles that require specific or generalized expertise.

Program Overview

The M.S. degree is a research and thesis-based degree designed to enable students to work directly in their specific discipline or at the intersection of a diversity of disciplines at an advanced level. Some students in Forest Ecosystems and Society pursue their M.S. as the next step after earning an undergraduate degree or as a natural precursor to seeking their Ph.D. Others are seeking to redirect or advance their careers. M.S. students typically need 6-8 terms (2 - 2.5 years) to complete their degree.

Program Structure

Throughout their program, most M.S. students learn the skills required to participate in high-level research. This includes:

• Developing researchable questions or hypotheses
• Crafting a professional research proposal
• Managing timelines
• Collecting and analyzing data
• Communicating their results
• Ensuring all aspects of their research adhere to ethical standards
  • M.S. students are usually expected to publish 1-2 articles in journals as a result of their thesis
  • M.S. students are also expected to present their results at professional meetings
• M.S. students are also expected to devote time and effort to professional development activities

Although the student can count on their major professor and graduate committee for guidance, they must be responsible for managing their own time, taking actions to meet learning outcomes, fulfilling program and University requirements, and making timely progress on their research and degree.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of their program (e.g., thesis/capstone, required courses), FES Master's students will be able to:

• Conduct research or produce some other form of creative work (category: Research Skills)
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material (category: Disciplinary Skills and Knowledge)
• Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner (category: Ethics and Responsibilities)
• Integrate multiple disciplines and collaborate with colleagues from other disciplines (category: Interdisciplinary Collaborative Problem Solving)
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal formats (category: Communication Skills)
• Utilize critical thinking and awareness skills (category: Critical Thinking and Critical Awareness Skills)
• Integrate aspects of policy, law, or management (category: Policy Analysis and Interpretation)
• Teach or assist in teaching effectively (only if student teaches or is a teaching assistant) (category: Teaching)