Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Forestry

Forestry, Master of Science in Forestry


Academic Information

Available Emphasis Areas:

Our traditional thesis option is an individually tailored plan of study that gives you experience in carrying out the kind of research you can expect to do throughout your professional career. This academic plan normally requires two calendar years of academic work that you may begin in either Fall or Spring term.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Forestry

Forestry, Master of Science in Forestry


Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Science in Forestry?

Are you happiest when you’re outdoors? Would you like to protect the environment for future generations? Do you want to change the world through research? If so, Northern Arizona University can help.

By pursuing an MSF in Forestry, you will acquire the skills to become a forestry researcher and help shape the future of the field. Here, you can delve more deeply into all aspects of forest ecosystems and their management: doing so can also help prepare you for a career in the private sector or with a public land management agency. You will also have the freedom to individually tailor a plan of study that gives you experience in carrying out the kind of research you expect to do throughout your professional career.

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Research assistant
  • Forestry consultant
  • Forest manager
  • Policy analyst

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Forestry

Forestry, Master of Science in Forestry


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Forestry

Forestry, Master of Science in Forestry


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Minimum Units for Completion 32
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

Emphasis or Coursework Required

An emphasis or coursework is required for this degree.

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.

Emphasis in Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology (EECB)

The MSF includes an optional multi-disciplinary emphasis in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB).  The EECB emphasis provides a structured curriculum for students wanting to focus on ecology and conservation biology within the context of forest science.  The course requirements of the EECB are designed to be taken as elective hours within the MSF degree.


Student Learning Outcomes

Core Forestry Outcomes

Emphasis in Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology (EECB)

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Forestry

Forestry, Master of Science in Forestry


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Master's Requirements
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Forestry

Forestry, Master of Science in Forestry


Campus Availability

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