Forestry, Master of Science in Forestry
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a master's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master's degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
- All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
- All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
Individual degree programs may exceed the baseline University Policy for a master's degree. The program-specific requirements are provided on the Details tab below.
Read the full policy here.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 32 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Thesis | Thesis is required. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense is required. |
| Research | Individualized research is required. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
The Master of Science in Forestry (MSF) degree is intended for students wanting to pursue a research- and thesis-based Master's degree that provides direct experience with original scientific research aimed at advancing scientific understanding of forest ecosystems and their management. The intensive research core of the MSF prepares students for doctoral programs in Forestry and related disciplines, and for careers that require experience and skills in planning, executing, and interpretation of original research in Forestry. These careers include positions such as research assistant/technician, forester, wildlife biologist, policy analyst, and forest health specialist. The MSF is appropriate for students with a Bachelor's degree in Forestry or closely related disciplines.
The MSF emphasizes training in research methods and statistics; original research development and implementation; quantitative analysis; professional presentations; emerging issues in forestry; electives that provide advanced training in specific skills; and a final thesis that showcases the student's skills in original research, quantitative analysis and interpretation, and writing.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to apply graduate level critical thinking skills to identify, explain, synthesize and solve complex professional forestry problems through acquisition and application of fundamental knowledge of forest ecosystems and human management of forests.
- Select, implement and interpret appropriate methods and statistical analyses for a research project.
- Apply an understanding of professional ethics to forest research and professional activities.
- Design a forestry research study including planning, organizing, scheduling and executing the project, with guidance.
- Effective written communication about forestry research.
- Effective communication about forestry research in oral and poster presentations.
Details Accordion Closed
Graduate Admission Information
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Additional Admission Requirements
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- All applicants should contact and receive confirmation from a School of Forestry faculty member who will advise the applicant’s professional paper BEFORE APPLYING.
- Recommendation(s)/Reference(s)*
AND/OR
- Contact information for three professional and/or academic references.
- Professors, supervisors, co-workers, research collaborators, or mentors.
- Contact information for three professional and/or academic references.
- Essay/Letter of Intent/Personal Statement*
- A personal statement or essay that clearly states research interests.
- Prerequisite(s) that may be completed concurrently with the program:
- 15 hours of Forestry coursework
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae*
Master's Requirements
This Master's degree requires 32 units distributed as follows:
- Forestry Common Requirements: 12 units
- Forestry Science Elective Coursework: 12 units
- Thesis: 8 units
Take the following 32 units, as well as any required remedial coursework:
Of the following course requirements, 17 units must be in FOR courses
- Students completing a thesis are required to complete 18 units of formal letter-graded coursework.
Forestry Common Requirements (12 units)
Forestry Science Elective Coursework (12 units)
- Select electives in consultation with your major professor and thesis committee. (12 units)
- Thesis (8 units)
- FOR 699, for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved thesis. Please note that you may end up taking more than the 8 units of thesis credit you can count toward your degree because you must enroll for it each term while you are working on your thesis. (8 units)
Additional Information
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.