Master of Forestry (M.F.) in Forest Biology

Overview

Management of natural resources is an increasingly complex and technical undertaking. In some cases, breadth or depth of specialization beyond the B.S. degree is required or is highly desirable in entry-level professional forestry positions or for advancement in non-research professional forestry positions. This program emphasizes graduate coursework in one of five areas of emphasis in forest biology, with supporting work in another area. The program can be completed in 12 months, but it may be extended in accordance with personal needs and the policies of the OSU Graduate School.

Areas of Emphasis:

Applying for Admission

To be admitted to the Master of Forestry in Biology degree program, students must have either:

Eligibility for admission is determined by the Graduate Program Coordinator, who will advise prospective students about the suitability of their degrees and forestry-related work experience. Additional undergraduate coursework in Forestry may be required. Applicants also must meet requirements of the Graduate School in addition to those of the Department. Read more »

Committee Composition

The graduate advisory committee is composed of a major professor, a minor professor, and one other member of the graduate faculty from the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete 45 credits from the approved curriculum, select an area of emphasis and complete required coursework within that area. To provide experience in the synthesis of scientific material and the communication of technical information, the student will present and defend a paper on an approved topic within the student's area of emphasis. The paper will normally be an intensive library review of a particular subject, though other approaches may be suitable if authorized by the student's committee. The paper and the performance during the oral exam should demonstrate an understanding of broad aspects of forest science and its relevance to contemporary forest resources management.

Program of Study

Thirty of the required 45 credits should be forest biology classes. Other courses from the Department, University, or graduate-level courses taken prior to enrollment may be added or substituted if approved by the Department Head and the student's committee.