Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry

The Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry is a graduate program offered by the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Forestry.

Overview of the Program

PhD in Forestry students can be found all over the world and are important ambassadors for UBC Forestry, demonstrating the diversity and international scope of the research undertaken in the Faculty. The Faculty of Forestry has approximately 140 doctoral students in any given year, which is just over half of the total Forestry graduate student population. In addition to being part of the Faculty of Forestry, PhD students are also considered members of one of the three Faculty departments, based on their supervisor’s affiliation.

Research Areas

PhD students in the Faculty of Forestry can engage in research across various areas, including those associated with the Faculty's departments. The Faculty is home to several research centers and institutes, such as the BioProducts Institute, the Centre for Advanced Wood Processing, the Centre for Wildfire Coexistence, and the Centre of Indigenous Land Stewardship.

Program Structure

• The program is thesis-based, indicating that students will focus on original research under the supervision of a faculty member.
• Students are part of one of the three Faculty departments, based on their supervisor’s affiliation.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry program include:

• Meeting the general admission requirements of the University of British Columbia.
• Specific requirements may vary, but generally include a master's degree in a relevant field, though in some cases, a bachelor's degree with significant research experience may be considered.

Tuition and Funding

• Tuition fees for the program are set by the University and may vary depending on the student's residency status and other factors.
• Funding opportunities, such as scholarships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships, are available to support graduate students.

Graduation Requirements and Timeline

• The program typically takes several years to complete, with the exact duration depending on the student's research progress and the fulfillment of program requirements.
• Graduation requirements include the successful completion of coursework (if required), comprehensive exams (if applicable), and the defense of the doctoral dissertation.

Current Students and Alumni

• Current PhD students in Forestry are part of a vibrant academic community, with opportunities for networking, professional development, and engagement in research activities.
• Alumni of the program have gone on to pursue careers in academia, research, industry, government, and non-profit sectors, applying their knowledge and skills to address global challenges related to forestry and environmental sustainability.