Forestry, Master of Science in Forestry

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.
Research	Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Progression Plan Link	View Program of Study
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan	Optional

Purpose Statement

The Master of Science in Forestry (MSF) degree offers two tracks and provides advanced education in forestry for students pursuing research-oriented or professional careers. The program is appropriate for students with a bachelor's degree in forestry or closely related disciplines, as well as for those with degrees in other fields who seek to transition into forestry through advanced training.

The research track is designed for students seeking a research-based master's degree that provides direct experience in the design, execution, and interpretation of original scientific research aimed at advancing understanding of forest ecosystems and their management. The track emphasizes training in research methods and statistics, quantitative analysis, and the development and implementation of independent research projects. Students gain experience in addressing novel questions in forestry, communicating findings through professional presentations, and engaging with emerging issues in the field, supported by electives that build advanced disciplinary and analytical skills. The track culminates in a thesis that demonstrates scientific rigor and contributes to the broader knowledge base in forestry and natural resources, preparing graduates for doctoral study and research-oriented careers.

The professional track is a non-thesis option designed for students pursuing careers in the management of natural resources across public, private, and non-profit sectors. This track provides advanced training in forestry with an emphasis on natural resource management and policy rather than original scholarly research. It is also the required pathway for students in the School of Forestry's Accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's Program, which facilitates completion of both degrees in five years. Students complete their training through a capstone professional portfolio that demonstrates understanding of forestry, with an emphasis on professional writing, ethical practice, and effective communication in professional contexts.

Student Learning Outcomes

Core Forestry Outcomes

• Analyze and solve complex natural resource problems by integrating knowledge of forests and related ecosystems with natural resource management practices.
• Apply appropriate analytical and quantitative methods to evaluate forest and natural resource data. 
• Demonstrate ethical and professional judgment in natural resources research, decision-making, and professional practice. 
• Communicate effectively to professional audiences through written, oral, and visual formats.

Research Track Outcomes

• Design and conduct independent, quantitative research to address novel questions in forestry and natural resources. 
• Produce and defend a thesis that demonstrates scientific rigor and contributes to understanding of forest ecosystems and their management.

Professional Track Outcomes

• Apply advanced forestry and natural resource knowledge to analyze and solve complex, real-world management and policy challenges. 
• Synthesize and communicate professional work through a professional portfolio that demonstrates integrated and applied understanding of forestry and natural resource practices.

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.

• • Essay/Letter of Intent/Personal Statement*

• • Recommendation(s)/Reference(s)*

• • Prerequisite(s) that may be completed concurrently with the program:

• • • 15 hours of Forestry coursework

• • Resume or Curriculum Vitae*

• *See the application for details.

Master's Requirements

• This Master's degree requires 32 units distributed as follows:

  • Forestry Common Requirements: 6 units
  • Forestry Science Elective Coursework: 11 - 12 units
  • Track Requirement - Select one: 14 - 15 units
    • Professional Track
    • Research Track

   

  Take the following 32 units:

• • Students must complete 24 units of formal letter-graded coursework.

• Forestry Common Requirements (6 units)

  • FOR 505, FOR 692 (6 units)
  • STA 570 (3 units)

• Forestry Science Elective Coursework (11 - 12 units)

  • Select additional electives in consultation with your major professor and/or thesis committee. (11 - 12 units)

• Track Requirement - Select one  (14 - 15 units)

• • Professional Track (14 - 15 units)

    • FOR 533, FOR 688 (6 units)
    • Area Courses (8 - 9 units)
      • You may use FOR 506, FOR 695, or other special topics courses offered by the School of Forestry or other departments, in any of the following areas. 
        • Ecosystem Science - Select from the following (3 units):
          • FOR 500, FOR 515, FOR 520, FOR 544, FOR 545, FOR 550, FOR 551, FOR 552, FOR 553, FOR 554, FOR 560, FOR 563, FOR 582
        • Forest Management Sciences - Select from the following (3 units):
          • FOR 500, FOR 510, FOR 520, FOR 525, FOR 545, FOR 551, FOR 565, FOR 573, FOR 633
        • Forest Social Science - Select from the following (2 - 3 units)
          • FOR 515, FOR 573
          • POS 658, POS 659

• •  Research Track (14 - 15 units)

    • FOR 690 (3 units)
    • FOR 699 (8 units)
    • STA 571 (3 units)

Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program

• This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.

• Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both graduate and undergraduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Forestry and start a Master of Science in Forestry - Professional Track at NAU.

  A total of 12 units will be shared between the plans selected from:

  • 400-level coursework from the undergraduate certificate or individualized focus. (6 units)
  • 500-level coursework from the undergraduate certificate or individualized focus. (6 units)

   

• Students must apply to the master's program by the graduate program's application deadline, meet all admissions requirements listed in the policy Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs, as well as the admissions requirements for the specified master's plan to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year.
  
  Be sure to speak with the Master's Program Director/Coordinator regarding your interest in the accelerated plan.

• Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the same requirements for the graduate degree as defined above.

Additional Information

• Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

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