Program Overview

Master of Forestry Degree Program

The Master of Forestry degree program is designed for individuals who want to enter the workforce as accredited foresters. This professional degree, credentialed by the Society of American Foresters, prepares students for a career in forestry, working outdoors with private and public landowners, loggers, and environmental groups.

Program Mission

The goal of the Master of Forestry program is to train foresters to effectively manage lands and natural resources using strong field and analytical skills, disciplinary knowledge, and professionalism. The program includes coursework enriched with cutting-edge science in areas such as forest ecology and biology, measurement of forest resources, forest management, forest policy and administration, and professional ethics.

Program Strengths and Opportunities

• Two pathways, 30 hours: Students who have already graduated with an SAF-accredited bachelor's degree enhance their credentials and employability with training in advanced technologies, natural resource policy, business economics, and engineering technologies.
• Students earning their SAF-accreditation complete the requirements through a comprehensive forestry curriculum including identification of biology of forest vegetation, ecological processes of forests, soil science, remote sensing and GIS, and timber harvesting.
• Both pathways include a field-based component, including University and community recreational, research, and industrial projects with the Forest and Environmental Resource Management program.
• The program utilizes 6,500 feet of lab space, 2,000 of greenhouse, and 4,609 acres of research forest.
• The focus is on the ability to use and apply emerging technologies, including remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), statistical modeling, and business principles in forest management situations.
• Course work is completed in three semesters, with new students starting in the fall semester.
• There is a set curriculum, but many students have flexibility in course selection because they have already satisfied some required courses and skills.
• Students can include extra classes in their particular field of interest and choose to include a research project.

Master of Forestry: Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a masters degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of coursework.

• Total Credit Requirements:
  • Coursework (minimum): 24 Credits
  • Report: 2-6 Credits
  • Total (minimum): 30 Credits
• Distribution of Coursework Credit:
  • Series (minimum): 12 Credits
  • Electives (maximum): 12 Credits

Master of Forestry: Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School.

• Distribution of Coursework Credit:
  • Series (minimum): 18 Credits
  • Electives (maximum): 12 Credits

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. To apply, fill out the free graduate application online.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free and fast. The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

Graduate School Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds.

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

• Have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

Program Specific Requirements

• 3 Letters of Recommendation (1 Letter of Recommendation for Michigan Tech students)
• Résumé / Curriculum vitae
• Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
• Please view our faculty webpage and identify three faculty members that you would like to work with
• GRE not required

International Students

• TOEFL: Required Score of 79 iBT
• IELTS: Required Overall Band Score of 6.5

Master of Forestry Learning Outcomes

1. Disciplinary Knowledge: Students develop an advanced knowledge of the field of forestry.
2. Field and Analytic Skills: Students develop a strong set of field and analytic skills related to natural resource management.
3. Solve Problems: Students provide and evaluate alternative solutions based on advanced application of the scientific method to problems in forestry.
4. Professionalism and Teamwork: Students develop skills that enable them to communicate with a high level of professionalism and conduct work effectively as part of a team.
5. Employment Readiness: Students are prepared to move into full-time permanent positions in the field of forestry through a combination of their graduate studies, undergraduate studies, and work experience.

Accelerated Master of Forestry

An accelerated master's program available to Michigan Tech students complete the requirements with 30 credits beyond an undergraduate degree.

Program Strengths and Opportunities

• Enhance your SAF credentials with training in advanced technologies, natural resource policy, business economics, and engineering technologies.
• Save time and tuition dollars earning your graduate degree.
• Maintain continuity with facilities, faculty, and colleagues.

Funding Opportunities

• We work one-on-one to match students with funding that fits your needs, including assistantships and grants.
• Qualify to receive scholarships and financial aid while you have both undergraduate and graduate student status (based on eligibility).
• Michigan Tech Graduate School has scholarships and numerous other opportunities available.

How to Get Started

During your junior year, talk to the Master of Forestry Program Director and your academic advisor to ensure youre on track for meeting graduate school prerequisites and degree requirements. Apply early to start taking classes and meeting your degree requirements during your senior year.

Accelerated MF Requirements

• A minimum of 150 credits must be completed for the combined bachelors and masters degree programs.
• 30 credits are required for the masters degree.
• 9 credits may be applied to both the bachelors and masters degree.
• 4 of the remaining 24 credits can be completed as an undergraduate under senior rule, but the credits cannot be applied toward a bachelors degree.
• Up to 12 credits of the 30-credit total may be at the 3000 or 4000 level.

GPA Requirements

Only students in good academic standing, as defined by the Graduate School, are eligible to enter the accelerated MS program. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.

Admission Requirements

• 1 Letter of Recommendation
• Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Résumé/curriculum vitae
• No GRE required

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

• CFRES majors who have been to a Field Camp