Program Overview

Master of Forestry with Specialization in Sustainable Forest Management

The Department of Renewable Resources offers programs leading to the course-based degrees of Master of Agriculture, Master of Forestry, and thesis-based degrees of Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy.

Why Study this Program?

Graduate studies in the Department of Renewable Resources encompass a broad spectrum of scientific and management applications in natural and managed landscapes. Graduate studies in the Department of Renewable Resources fall within five major research themes:

• Conservation Biology
• Forest Ecology and Management
• Agriculture and the Environment
• Reclamation and Restoration of Land and Water
• Environmental Soil Science

Thesis research is conducted within the major research themes, however, the following eight fields of study are the approved specializations for the thesis-based programs:

• Agroforestry (MSc only)
• Conservation Biology
• Forest Biology and Management
• Land Reclamation and Remediation
• Protected Areas and Wildland Management
• Soil Science
• Water and Land Resources
• Wildlife Ecology and Management

Entrance Requirements

The Departments minimum admission requirements are an appropriate undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.

• Applicants to the Master of Forestry must have a BSc in Forestry or a BSc in an allied discipline such as Geography, Biological Sciences, Agriculture, or Environmental and Conservation Sciences.
• Applicants to the Master of Agriculture must have a BSc in Agriculture or a BSc in an allied discipline such as Geology, Biological Sciences, Forestry, or Environmental and Conservation Sciences.
• Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency.
• Any one of the following is acceptable:
  • a TOEFL score of 90 (Internet-based), or equivalent
  • an equivalent score on an approved English language examination
• All applicants are also required to submit:
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Research Statement Form
  • Three letters of reference

Application Deadlines

• Fall Term (September): March 15 for MAg/MF programs; May 15 for MSc/PhD programs
• Winter Term (January): July 31 (MSc/PhD only)
• Spring Term (May): December 1 (MSc/PhD only)
• Summer Term (July): March 15 (MSc/PhD only)

Program Requirements

• Delivery Mode: On Campus
• Program Type: Course Based
• Degree Level: Master's

Course Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 units in coursework, including two field school courses in August prior to the start of the first term.

• Required courses:
  • FOREC 645 - Economics of Forestry
  • FOREC 673 - Forest Policy
  • REN R 548 - Forest Growth and Yield
  • REN R 701 - Forestry and Environmental Sciences Field Skills
  • REN R 702 - Forestry Field School for Professionals
  • REN R 721 - Forest Ecosystems
  • REN R 722 - Silviculture
  • REN R 727 - Forest Resources Management
  • REN R 728 - Integrated Forest Management
• 3 units selected from:
  • R SOC 560 - Perspectives on Traditional Knowledge
  • R SOC 675 - Public Participation and Conflict Resolution
• 3 units selected from:
  • REN R 549 - Fire Management Planning
  • REN R 747 - Forest Health

Professional Development and Ethics Requirements

Students are required to fulfill the GPS Professional Development Requirement and the GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement.

Length of Program

The program is designed to be completed in 9 to 20 months, depending on the undergraduate students background. The program may also be completed on a part-time basis. The maximum time to complete the program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is six years.

Tuition and Fees

Most students are either on scholarships or funded by research grants obtained by professors in the Department. A limited number of graduate teaching and research assistantships, administered by the Department, are available to well-qualified candidates. Exceptional applicants will be nominated by the Department for MSc and PhD recruitment scholarships offered by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.