Program Overview

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Forestry, MS

The Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology offers graduate education and training in a number of areas leading to the master of science and/or the doctor of philosophy in forestry or wildlife ecology. The program takes pride in its outstanding research reputation and the success of graduates working throughout the world. The wildlife ecology program was founded by Aldo Leopold in 1939 and has maintained his vision and legacy of excellence in current research and graduate training activities. Leopold's career spanned two professions, forestry and wildlife conservation, so the program strives to maintain excellence in both fields.

Admissions

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.

• Fall Deadline: May 31 for international applicants; August 1 for domestic applicants
• Spring Deadline: October 1 for international applicants; December 1 for domestic applicants
• Summer Deadline: February 1
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Requirements for Admission policy
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): n/a
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Application Checklist

1. Graduate School Application Form and Application Fee: All applicants must complete the Graduate School's online application
2. Supplementary Application: Applicants must submit the Forestry supplementary application
3. Resume or CV: Applicants must submit resume or CV electronically through the online application
4. Transcripts: All applicants must upload an unofficial transcript (non-encrypted) in a PDF format to their online application
   • If an applicant is recommended for admission, they will be asked to submit an official transcript to the Graduate School; official transcripts are not to be mailed to the department
   • Any school listed must have a transcript uploaded, otherwise the application will not be complete
   • International academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation
   • The Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology requires all applicants to have a BA/BS degree from an accredited institution
   • A minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours from the most recent bachelor's degree institution is required for regular admission
5. Statement of Purpose: This should describe the applicant's graduate program objectives and career focus
6. Three Letters of Recommendation: These letters are preferably from people acquainted with the applicant's academic, research and/or professional qualifications
7. English Proficiency Test Scores (if applicable)

Funding

Graduate School Resources

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School.

Program Resources

Additional information regarding funding for Forest and Wildlife Ecology graduate students is available on the departmental website.

Requirements

Mode of Instruction

• Face to Face: Yes
• Evening/Weekend: No
• Online: No
• Hybrid: No
• Accelerated: No

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 30 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 16 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required
• Assessments and Examinations: Students in the Forestry MS must complete certification paperwork to outline their coursework; and prepare, publicly present, and defend a thesis
• Language Requirements: None

Required Courses

The Forestry MS prescribes no specific graduate coursework due to the diversity of research areas available, and students select appropriate graduate-level coursework in consultation with their advisor and a graduate advisory committee.

Policies

Prior Coursework

• Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions: With MS committee approval and academic affairs committee approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 14 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions
• Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison: Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Refer to the Graduate School: Advisor and Graduate School: Committees (Doctoral/Masters/MFA) policies.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit maximum. Refer to the Graduate School: Maximum Credit Loads and Overload Requests policy.

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

Professional Development

Graduate School Resources

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.

Learning Outcomes

1. Articulates, critiques, and elaborates the theories, research methods, and approaches to inquiry in the field of forest science.
2. Identifies sources and assembles evidence pertaining to questions or challenges in the field of forest science.
3. Demonstrates understanding of the field of forest science in a historical, social, and global context.
4. Evaluates and synthesizes information pertaining to questions or challenges in the field of forest science.
5. Selects and utilizes the most appropriate methodologies and practices.
6. Communicates clearly in ways appropriate to the field of forest science.