Program Overview

Introduction to the Wood Science Graduate Major

The Wood Science Graduate Major offers advanced degrees in Wood Science, including Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, and Master of Arts in International Studies. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of wood science, with a focus on research and academic excellence.

Program Overview

The Department of Wood Science and Engineering offers graduate programs leading toward the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Wood Science. Thesis research and academic programs can be developed in various special disciplines represented by the faculty, including:

• Biodeterioration and materials protection
• Chemistry and chemical processing
• Forest products business and marketing
• Physics and moisture relations
• Process modeling and analysis
• Renewable materials science and engineered composites
• Wood anatomy and quality
• Wood engineering and mechanics

Graduate Program Structure

Graduate students in the Wood Science program can pursue a dual major degree in wood science and a field of engineering or science. Minors are most commonly selected from statistics, engineering, chemistry, or business. The program requires a minimum of 40-48 total hours, including:

• WSE 503: Thesis (6-12 hours)
• WSE 507: Seminar (1 hour, Section 1 required to be taken during the first year)
• WSE 507: Seminar (1 hour, Section 2)
• WSE 520: The Global Context of the Forest Sector (3 hours)
• WSE 521: Wood Science I (4 hours)
• WSE 522: Wood Science II (4 hours)
• A minimum of 15 credits of integrated minor course work or outside minor course work
• Additional approved courses (6-8 hours)

Research Opportunities

Graduate students in the Wood Science program have access to excellent laboratories for teaching and research in Richardson Hall, Peavy Hall, and the Oak Creek Laboratory. Student research involves seeking solutions to current problems in renewable materials science, other sciences such as chemistry, physics, and biology, engineering, business, or related fields. Most graduate students are employed as part-time graduate research assistants.

Career Prospects

Graduates with advanced degrees in Wood Science find employment in research and development, management, or technical positions in the private sector, as university faculty, or in technical public service positions. The program provides a wide variety of science, engineering, and business opportunities, making it an excellent choice for students pursuing a career in the field of wood science.