College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Forestry

Graduate Programs

Masters of Science in Forestry (MS)
Students interested in pursuing an MS in Forestry may choose between two tracks. Students will not be admitted into the Research Intensive MS program until a faculty member has agreed to serve as major professor. If you're interested in applying for the Research Intensive MS you are encouraged to contact individual faculty members directly. Both degrees require a total of 30 credit hours:

• Research-Intensive

  • In addition to coursework, students in the Research-Intensive track are expected to conduct original research leading to the completion of a thesis. This work is expected to result in at least one publication in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

  • Students interested in pursuing a PhD or a career in research should consider the Research-Intensive Track.

• Professional

  • In the Professional Track, the focus is primarily on coursework, although the students are required to complete a final report.

  • The Professional Track may be more appropriate for students interested in management-oriented careers, either with public agencies, non-governmental organizations or the private sector.

  • Traditional in-person option offers face-to-face interaction with an advisor in a program geared more towards specific research interests.

  • The new hybrid online option is a mostly online asynchronous set of required courses geared towards working professionals looking for a career change into forestry. This option provides flexibility for those that wish to work full-time while pursuing their MS degree.

See the Department of Forestry's Graduate Handbook for specific requirements. If you are applying for an MS, it is very important to indicate in your application to which degree track (Research Intensive, Professional, or Professional Hybrid) you are applying. Do this at the end of your Academic Statement. If you are applying for the Research Intensive Track also indicate which faculty member(s) you are interested in working with.

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
Students will not be admitted into the PhD program until a faculty member has agreed to serve as major professor. If you're interested in applying for a PhD, you are encouraged to contact individual faculty members directly.

Programs of Study

• Biometry
• Ecology
• Entomology and Pathology
• Resource Economics
• Soils and Hydrology
• Silviculture
• Social Forestry
• Agro Forestry
• Tree Physiology
• Urban and Community Forestry
• Wood Science

Application Deadline

Application materials must be submitted by December 1 for admission the following fall semester. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Scholarships and Assistantships

Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships

Michigan Christmas Tree Association Graduate Scholarship ($300) - Awarded to a graduate student who has demonstrated interest and participation in the Christmas tree industry and high scholarship.

Graduate Research Assistantships

Depending on the availability of funds in the department and in individual research projects, research assistantships may be available on a quarter-time or half-time (rarely three-quarter-time) basis. Besides a monthly stipend, assistantship recipients receive many other benefits including tuition waivers and health benefits. More information is available in the Graduate Student Handbook.

Academic Advising

If you have questions about the graduate program in the Department of Forestry, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies in Forestry, Dr. David Rothstein, Associate Professor of Forest Ecology/Biogeochemistry.