CFRES Graduate Handbook

Welcome to the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES)!

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We are excited to be a part of your career in sustainable natural resources, and are here to help you reach your goals. The goal of this page is to assist graduate students with their adjustment to Graduate School and to outline the requirements and procedures for obtaining an advanced degree in CFRES. The information supplied herein is more specific than that on the Graduate School page, as it applies to our programs only. Students should familiarize themselves with this handbook and the general regulations of the Graduate School as found in the Graduate School’s Academics web pages, which covers policies and procedures, degree requirements, necessary forms, and more. The Graduate School website also contains a wealth of information for current students.

The information supplied here applies to our research-based degree programs:

• MS in Forest Ecology and Management
• MS in Applied Ecology
• MS in Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology
• MS in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
• PhD in Forest Science
• PhD in Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology

As well as our professional degree programs (i.e., coursework-only or report options):

• Master of Forestry (MF)
• Master of Geographic Information Science (MGIS)

College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Personnel

Keys and Space Assignment

Each graduate student in residence is provided a desk for personal use in a research lab or graduate student office. The student's Tech Express identification card, which you received at orientation (or from the IT desk in the Library), is used for after-hours access to the CFRES building. Office keys must be approved by the advisor and are ordered by the Space Coordinator. You will receive an email from Public Safety when your key is ready to be picked up from the Public Safety building. Requests for new keys, replacements for lost keys, or swipe-card access to restricted areas should be made to the Space Coordinator. Keys must not be passed on to anyone else or duplicated under ANY circumstances. Lending or duplication of keys is grounds for dismissal. Lost keys need to be reported to supervisors as soon as they are noticed to be missing. A $100-$150 fee is assessed for any key lost/replaced or not returned to Public Safety when no longer needed.

Recommended Timeline for Graduate Degree Milestones for MS and PhD

All work must be completed within the specified time frame starting from the first enrollment in the degree program or the earliest course listed on the degree schedule, whichever is sooner.

• Master’s degree must be completed within 5 calendar years.
• Ph.D. must be completed within 8 calendar years.

Below is a general list of time frames for each task that needs to be completed for your degree, in addition to coursework. Personalized upcoming and completed tasks may be viewed in your Degree Progress Checklist.

Advisors and Advisory Committees

Advisors

All CFRES graduate students must choose an advisor who is a member of the Michigan Tech graduate faculty and holds a regular or adjunct faculty appointment. Advisors provide guidance to students on course selection and supervise their research. This task must be completed by the end of the second semester in residence by filling out the following Advisor and Committee Recommendation Form with only the advisors name (the same form will be submitted again, revised with names of committee members by the 3rd or 4th semester)

Advisory Committee, Qualifying Exam, and Proposal Defense

The primary purpose of the Advisory Committee is to guide and monitor the research work of the student. Every MS, MGIS, or MF student is required to have an Advisory Committee consisting of at least three members, including their advisor or co-advisors. An external faculty member is not required for Masters degree programs. MF and MGIS students can initially have the program coordinator(s) as their primary advisor, but they may select another faculty member as their primary advisor if they choose to, ideally by their second semester.

Every Ph.D. student is required to have an Advisory Committee consisting of at least four members, including their advisor or co-advisors. For Ph.D. students, one of the four members needs to be an external committee member. A committee member is classified as external if one of the following is true:

• They do not have an academic appointment in the student’s home department or college,
• Their academic appointment is less than 50% in the student's home department or college, or
• They are affiliated faculty in the student's home department or college, or
• They are adjunct faculty.

Committee members that are outside of MTU may be considered external committee members as long as they do not have an official academic appointment in CFRES, such as Assistant Research Professor or Adjunct Faculty. An advisor or co-advisor may be from outside the student’s home department or college, but cannot serve as the sole external member of the committee.

All committee members for every degree program must have full or associate Graduate Faculty Status. To determine whether an individual is a member of the Graduate Faculty, go to Graduate Faculty Locator. To request that an individual be considered for Graduate Faculty Status if they do not already have it, you must fill out and submit the following Grad Faculty Status Recommendation.

Policy to Change Academic Advisor

Students are encouraged to practice effective communication and openly discuss with their current advisor any significant changes in their research area. If there are compelling reasons for changing an advisor during the graduate study, the student or the advisor can initiate the change process in consultation with the Graduate Program Director and/or the CFRES Dean. If the student or advisor feels that there may be a conflict of interest on the part of the Graduate Program Director or CFRES Dean, an outside representative from the Graduate School may be requested.

Ph.D. students, in consultation with their advisor and with the approval of the graduate studies committee/CFRES Dean, may select new or additional Advisory Committee members and file the Advisory and Committee Recommendation Form with CFRES and the Graduate School. The Advisory Committee for the Qualifying Exam need not be the same as the Advisory Committee for the research proposal defense, and in some cases the proposal defense may occur prior to the qualifying exam. A graduate faculty member external to CFRES is required for the final dissertation defense.

If the student is under research support from the current advisor, that support is not transferred to the new advisor. However, if the student is under teaching assistant support from CFRES, the support will be transferred to the new CFRES advisor dependent on continuing satisfactory progress by the student as required by the College. If the student is receiving external funding support directly through fellowships, such as NSF, specific fellowship guidelines must be followed. If no guidelines are specified, the student will maintain funding independent of the advisor, pending approval of the funding agency.

Timely Written Feedback

All graduate programs at the university provide constructive written feedback to students who are completing a report, thesis, or dissertation, at least annually. This formal process ensures that both students and advisors are aware of the student's academic progress and plans for the future. The Annual Progress Report and Advisor Feedback form is due at the end of spring semester of each year. The form is completed by both the student and advisor. If deficiencies are identified in a student’s performance, written feedback will be provided twice yearly, specifically addressing the area(s) of deficiency, timeline for making up the deficiency, and consequences for continued unsatisfactory performance, and copies will be provided also to the Director of Graduate Studies. These deficiencies are interpreted broadly, but generally include a level of student performance that may put funding and/or successful continuation in the program in jeopardy.

Work Expectations (hours devoted to research vs. TA, etc.) 

Students who are enrolled are expected to work on their research or coursework according to the General Requirements of Credit Expectations. In summary, these guidelines state: "One credit should average 3½ hours of a student’s time per week for one semester. One hour in class and 2½ hours in individual study is a typical division." The 3.5 hours commitment per credit holds as well for students enrolled in research credits. Thus an *average* graduate student enrolled in 9 credits of research should spend *on average* 9*3.5=31.5 hours per week on their research. 

Students who are supported by a GRA, GTA, GTI, GADI, etc. are expected to perform work for the University at the rate of 20 hours per week (for a full appointment). This 20 hours per week is in addition to the amount of time a student spends working on their coursework or research for the credits in which they are enrolled. These graduate appointments are considered to be part-time jobs which provide some financial assistance to students so that they can pursue their degrees on a full-time basis.

The sum of #1 and #2 above is more than 40 hours per week, but less than 60 hours per week. For students supported on an hourly basis, all hours worked must be reported and paid per labor laws. International students are limited to 20 hours per week while classes are in session during fall and spring semesters. 

Leave of Absence

Graduate students may encounter circumstances which make it difficult for them to make progress toward their degree. These circumstances may include, but are not limited to, financial difficulties, personal challenges, bereavement, or medical care for a family member. Although continuous enrollment is expected to make progress toward the degree, in some situations, it will be in a graduate student’s best interests to take a leave of absence so they have the necessary time to resolve these circumstances. Graduate students eligible to enroll may apply for a leave of absence from their graduate program for any future semester. A leave of absence may be requested for up to one academic year and may be extended once. While on leave, students will be exempt from continuous enrollment, and the deadline to complete qualifying and research proposal exams will be extended.

Leave of Absence Info

Guidance for Advisors and Students on Graduate Milestones: Proposal Defenses, Qualifying Exams, and Final Defenses

Proposal Committee Meeting (Research MS) or Proposal Defense (PhD)

MS Proposal Committee Meeting:

• This is a CFRES-required milestone for research students in thesis or report tracks.

• This meeting should occur in the 2nd semester of a 2-year Master’s.  
• Student schedules a 1.5 hour minimum meeting with their committee.  
• The student provides a presentation about their research proposal to their committee (about 0.5 hour) of their research questions, methods, and timeline to get feedback from their committee.  
• At the end of the meeting, the committee signs the form to acknowledge that they met. It is the advisor’s responsibility to gather signatures (electronic preferred) and send the pdf form to the CFRES Graduate Program Director.   
• Advisor shares Grad Assessment Google Form link with committee. 

PhD Proposal Defense:

• The oral defense is required by the Grad School, and both written proposal and oral defense are required by CFRES.
• The student schedules a 2 hour minimum meeting with their committee.  
• This meeting should occur in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th semester of a PhD program and no later than semester prior to graduation. The Proposal Defense may occur before or after a PhD student completes their Qualifying Exam. It is required before going into Research Only Mode (i.e., candidacy).
• The student provides a written document to their committee no later than 2 weeks prior to the meeting. Students will work with their advisor to prepare their written proposal. While there is no set format, the proposal will typically consist of: background literature review, research objectives, questions, or hypotheses, methodology proposed including statistical analyses, any preliminary results or expected results, for each chapter or manuscript planned within their dissertation. The length and scope of the proposal is determined in consultation with the advisor.
• The student prepares and presents a 30-40 minute powerpoint to the committee summarizing their proposal and including a timeline for important milestones.
• After the presentation, the committee will assess the student’s capability to conduct research with oral questions and provide feedback on the proposal document (either hard copy or digital feedback). 
• When the exam portion is complete, the committee will meet without the student for 5-10 minutes to discuss the final outcome. Students are asked to leave the room. 
• The committee approves or does not approve the proposal exam. It is the advisor’s responsibility to gather signatures (electronic preferred) and send the pdf form to the CFRES Graduate Program Director.    
• If the proposal is not approved, the advisor informs the Graduate Director.  Possible outcomes: schedule a 2nd proposal defense, switch to MS program, withdraw from the program, have funding withdrawn, or termination from the program.  
• Advisor shares Grad Assessment link with committee.

Prelims or Qualifying Examination – PhD only

• The written exam is required by the Grad School, and both written and oral qualifying exams are required by CFRES.
• This should occur by 3rd, 4th, or 5th semester, and is required before going into Research Only Mode (i.e., candidacy). Qualifying exams must be completed within 5 years after enrollment. The qualifying exam may occur before or after a student completes their Proposal Defense.
• Written Exam: 
• Plan for the written exam to take place 1 to 2 weeks prior to the oral exam.  
• Each committee member provides questions for the written exam, one day per committee member (e.g., 4-person committee 🡪 4-day written exam). 
• Each committee member determines the time window for their portion of the exam (typically one workday), whether it is open or closed book, and if reading materials will be provided ahead of time. 
• Each committee member provides students with questions the morning of each day’s exam, or the advisor may collect exams from committee members and administer each of them for consistency. 
• It is recommended that all committee members receive all of the written answers prior to the oral exam, but typically students do not receive any feedback until their oral exam.
• If the advisor and committee are considering a different format for the written portion of the exam, it is necessary to speak with the CFRES Graduate Program Director to ensure alignment with program learning outcomes.
• Oral Exam: 
• The student schedules a 3-hour meeting with their committee and a conference room (usually G004 or 119). The meeting may or may not take the full time, but it is important to ensure availability of the full committee.  
• Committee members take turns asking the students questions. These may be clarifications from the written exam portions or any other questions relevant to the students' field of study. 
• Advisor submits pdf form to Grad Program Director (see link in Timeline for Graduate Degree Milestones in CFRES Grad Handbook). Committee signatures required. 
• After the exam portion, the committee will meet without the student for 5-10 minutes to discuss the final outcome. Students are asked to leave the room. 
• The committee approves, conditionally approves, or does not approve the qualifying exam. It is the advisor’s responsibility to gather signatures (electronic preferred) and send the pdf form to the CFRES Graduate Program Director.  If the exam is not approved or conditionally approved, explain the reasons why or the conditions that must be met on the form.  Possible outcomes include: they must meet the conditions requested by the committee, schedule a 2nd exam the following semester, consider switching to an MS program, withdraw from the program, have funding withdrawn, or are terminated from the program.  
• Advisor shares assessment link to committee.  

• Recommendations for students: 

• It is recommended the student contact each committee member individually a semester before the qualifying exam to inquire about reading materials and topics to prepare. 
• Reach out to peers for example questions from previous exams. 
• Practice answering questions out loud with your peers prior to oral exams: practice writing answers on a whiteboard and thinking on your feet.
• In the time between your written and oral exams, focus on your perceived weaknesses in your written answers, as these will be areas your committee will likely focus on. 
• Try to schedule at least one week between your written and oral exam to have time to rest, reflect, and prepare for the oral exam. 

• Recommendations for advisors:

• Try to allow time for your graduate student in the months/weeks leading up to the qualifying exam to prepare.  For example, it is difficult to prepare in the middle of a busy field season. 
• Communicate with the full committee about question topics ahead of time for question alignment and to avoid overlap.
• The advisor can may request the written questions from each committee member ahead time so that they can deliver or administer each day’s questions.  Having the student send all the answers back to the advisor to collate and share out to the full committee afterwards is also helpful.

Final Oral Examination – public defense of research

• A public final exam is required by the Grad School for MS (thesis and report track) and PhD students in their final semester.  
• A closed, committee-only final exam is required by CFRES for coursework-only MS, MGIS, and MF students.
• Exactly 2 weeks before the defense is scheduled, PhD and thesis or report MS students are required to provide their written dissertation/ thesis/ report documents to their advisor and committee and submit them to the Graduate School. 
• Public Defense: 

• • Students work with their advisor to find a day and time to schedule their 1 hour public defense. They should ensure their committee is available for this time and approximately 2 hours afterwards (3 hours total). 
  • The advisor shall send an announcement of the public defense to CFRES faculty and grad students at least 2 weeks prior.  
  • The public defense is typically scheduled in a large classroom where the student delivers a 40-45 minute overview of their research highlights, and answers questions. After this, the student and committee may move to another room for the closed-door portion of the defense.

• Closed Defense/Final Oral Exam:

• • The closed-door portion of the final defense oral exam typically lasts ~2 hours. The advisor facilitates discussion, and each committee member takes turns asking questions and providing feedback on the written documents and presentation.
  • It is the chair’s responsibility to ensure that each committee member has adequate time to question the student. It is helpful for the student to take notes during this time.  
  • Each committee member will also provide feedback on the written documents electronically or on hardcopy. 
  • After the oral exam portion, the committee will meet without the student for 5-10 minutes to discuss the final outcome. Students are asked to leave the room. 
  • At the end of this meeting, the committee approves, conditionally approves, or does not approve the defense.  It is the student’s responsibility to gather signatures, and send the pdf form to the CFRES Graduate Program Director.  If the exam is not approved or conditionally approved, explain the reasons why or the conditions that must be met on the form.  The committee also completes CFRES assessment google form.  Possible outcomes for the student can be that they meet the conditions asked by the committee and pass, further revise their documents for consider switching to a MS program, withdraw from the program, have funding withdrawn, or are terminated from the program.  
  • Coursework-only students’ defense is typically a 1 to 1.5 hour committee meeting where the student provides a 20-30 min powerpoint presentation to detail their educational journey and goals. At the end of this meeting, the committee approves, conditionally approves, or does not approve the defense.  It is the advisor’s responsibility to gather signatures (electronic preferred) and send the pdf form to the CFRES Graduate Program Director.  

How to Schedule a Defense

Final oral examinations (“defenses”) can be scheduled on their Degree Progress Checklist. This applies to students scheduling a defense of their dissertation, thesis, or report. Students will submit their scheduling request, and their advisor will log into the Workflow system to review that request and decide. A student tutorialand advisor tutorial with screenshots are available on the Graduate School blog, as well as a presentation in the seminar archive. A complete overview of the process to complete a dissertation, thesis, or report is available online. Coursework-only students work with their advisor to schedule a final defense. 

Other Resources

There are several offices around campus that are best situated to assist you with many other facets of your graduate education. These include:

• Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being Hands-on health & well-being education and support.
• Writing Center Writing Center coaches an help with: thesis/dissertation proposals and chapters, graduate coursework, CVs, manuscripts, procrastination and writer's block, grant and fellowship proposals, and more.
• International Programs and Services For international students, the IPS will help you with visa issues, English language requirements, employment (e.g., post-completion optional practical training and curricular practical training), and other needs you may have.
• Residence Education and Housing Housing Services may also be able to help you find housing off-campus.
• Graduate Student Government All graduate students at Michigan Techare represented by the GSG. Each unit (including CFRES) chooses representatives to advocate for their interests (e.g., housing, health insurance, parental leave, etc.) and to bring issues back to the students in the unit. CFRES typically has between 50-100 graduate students enrolled, for which two GSG representatives are required.
• Student Organizations Michigan Tech has numerous student clubs and organizations focused on a variety of themes (e.g., intramural sports, professional societies, international affiliation, hobbies), and most are open to graduate students. These organizations are a great way to network with other students on campus and provide worklife balance that is so important to success!

General Credit Requirements for Master’s and PhD Students

These are the minimum requirements set by the Graduate School. Each degree may have additional CFRES requirements (see below).

• Full time credit load for graduate students is 9 credits for fall and spring and 1 credit for summer semester. If students are supported with full stipends, they must maintain full time status. If students are fully supported, they should not take more than 9 credits. If they are paid “hourly,” they only need to maintain continuous enrollment of 1 credit per semester.
• 30 credits total (coursework + research) beyond the bachelor’s degree are required for a Master’s degree.
• 30 credits total (coursework + research) beyond the Master’s degree are required for a PhD.
• 60 credits total (coursework + research) are required for a PhD if a student does not already have a Master’s degree.
• Maximum of 12 credits may be at the 3000 or 4000 level (with program approval). • One-third of non-research credits may be transfer credits as long as they were not applied toward another degree.
• Research credits are the only non-graded classes that may be counted toward a degree.
• Coursework must be graded to apply to a graduate degree. Pass/fail, audit, or satisfactory/unsatisfactory grades may not be used on a degree schedule.
• Coursework grades must be a grade of “B” or better. This requirement may be adjusted with permission from the student’s advisor and the Graduate Director of CFRES to allow use of “BC/C” grades for up to 6 credits.

Special Conditions

If you are getting an “MS along the way” to a PhD, credits from your MS can count towards your PhD if they were not used for the MS (i.e., not on your degree schedule or counted towards that credit requirement).

• Students in an Accelerated Master’s program may apply up to 9 of the credits earned while an undergraduate toward both their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. This option is currently only available for the MF and MGIS coursework-only programs.
• While finishing an undergraduate degree at MTU, students are allowed to take courses which could apply to a graduate degree this is called the Senior Rule. However, a course cannot be applied to both a graduate and an undergraduate degree.

Specific Coursework and Research Credit Requirements for CFRES Degree Programs

Master of Forestry program (MF) – Coursework only

• Basic Responsible Conduct of Research training (RCR; see details below)
• Advanced RCR - online version acceptable (see details below)
  FW 3020 - Forest Ecology

  Environmental factors and plant and animal characteristics which control composition, structure, and function of forest ecosystems. Emphasis on how ecosystems change across space and time and knowledge needed to sustainably manage forest ecosystems for social, economic, and ecological benefits.

  • Credits: 3.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall
  • Pre-Requisite(s): FW 2051(C)

  FW 5020 - Woody Plants of North America

  Identification and ecology of forest plants with an emphasis on tree and shrubs. Includes systematic study of the major forest vegetation types of North America.

  • Credits: 2.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

  FW 5330 - Applied Soil Science

  A review of the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil with emphasis on forest soils and emerging issues in forest management.

  • Credits: 3.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

  FW 5378 - Field Methods

  To gain real world experience in measuring, monitoring, and assessing various projects involving active management and conservation of our university forest resources.

  • Credits: 1.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Forestry

  FW 5550 - Geographic Information Science and Spatial Analysis

  Use of geographic information systems (GIS) in resource management. Studies various components of GIS in detail, as well as costs and benefits. Laboratory exercises use ArcGIS software package to solve resource management problems.

  • Credits: 4.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
  • Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710

  FW 3110 - Natural Resource Policy

  Covers concepts related to social systems and natural resources. Explores natural resource policy foundations and partners, rights and responsibilities, and approaches and practices within and between state, tribal, and federal levels of policy making, policy processes, implementation, and evaluation.

  • Credits: 3.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer

  FW 5079 - Forest Management

  Focus on forest resource management planning and decision making, emphasizing structured problem solving frameworks and decision support tools/models at forest and landscape scales. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.

  • Credits: 2.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-1)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
  • Co-Requisite(s): FW 5700

  FW 5081 - Professionalism in Forestry

  This class engages professional students in practicing soft skills for a forestry and/or natural resources management career. Emphasis will be on networking, communicating clearly to their intended audience, handling meetings, leadership, and public presentations. The professional society's code of ethics will be explored.

  • Credits: 1.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Spring
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Forestry

  FW 5201 - Forest Biometrics and Modeling

  Overview and application of statistical techniques and sampling designs used in the forest environment for attribute monitoring and inventory. Use and evaluation of models that simulated forest development and their application in management and planning.

  • Credits: 2.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)
  • Semesters Offered: Spring
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Forestry

  FW 5369 - Hydrology and Watershed Management

  This survey course introduces the applications of hydrological concepts to evaluate the impacts of forest management and other land use activities/events on water yield, infiltration, evapotranspiration, stormflow, erosion, sedimentation, and water quality.

  • Credits: 1.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Spring
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

  FW 5700 - Graduate Field Forestry

  For graduate students without an undergraduate degree in forestry or a closely related field. Covers field skills in mapping/GPS work, forest diseases and insects, wildlife, timber harvesting, natural resource inventory, and silviculture.

  • Credits: 8.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-15)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
  • Co-Requisite(s): FW 5079

  FW 5088 - Economic Analysis of Forestry

  Financial analysis and economic theory applied to forestry project analysis and selection, focusing on prices. Covers risk, capital markets, taxation, auctions, land valuation, harvesting decisions, and non-market valuation.

  • Credits: 2.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Spring
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
• Minimum of 30 coursework credits total, which may be higher for courses required by Society of American Foresters Accreditation Standards; research credits do not count towards coursework degree options.

Master of Geographic Information Science program (MGIS) – Coursework only

• Basic Responsible Conduct of Research training (RCR; see details below)
• Advanced RCR - online version acceptable (see details below)
  FW 5540 - Remote Sensing of the Environment

  Remote sensing principles and concepts. Topics include camera and digital sensor arrays, types of imagery, digital data structures, spectral reflectance curves, applications, and introductory digital image processing.

  • Credits: 3.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall
  • Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior

  FW 5541 - Remote Sensing of the Environment Lab

  Applied introductory remote sensing analysis using industry standard software for digital image processing.

  • Credits: 1.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall
  • Co-Requisite(s): FW 5540

  FW 5550 - Geographic Information Science and Spatial Analysis

  Use of geographic information systems (GIS) in resource management. Studies various components of GIS in detail, as well as costs and benefits. Laboratory exercises use ArcGIS software package to solve resource management problems.

  • Credits: 4.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
  • Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710

  FW 5554 - GPS Field Techniques

  This course will provide hands-on experience with various types of GPS units and different applications of the technology. These applications include planning, data collection, data processing, and data management. Emphasis will be on practical applications of Global Positioning System technology.

  • Credits: 2.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of For Res & Env Sci; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
  • Pre-Requisite(s): FW 3540 or FW 5550

  FW 5556 - GIS Project Management

  Course provides exposure to data collection techniques, web mapping applications, and advanced database structures. Students will investigate GIS system design, GIS project planning and data management, learn map atlas creation and cartographic techniques, and discuss geospatial ethics.

  • Credits: 3.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-4)
  • Semesters Offered: Spring
  • Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
  • Pre-Requisite(s): FW 5550

  FW 5557 - Applied Spatial Statistics

  Focus on spatial statistical methods such as spatial regression, geographically weighted regression and cluster analysis. ArcMap is utilized for analysis.

  • Credits: 3.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
  • Semesters Offered: Spring
  • Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
  • Pre-Requisite(s): FW 5550

  FW 5801 - Masters Seminar in GIS

  Students will review, present, and discuss current research and applications of geospatial technology. This course is designed for students in the professional MS in GIS degree program, but will be open to students in other programs.

  • Credits: 1.0; Repeatable to a Max of 4
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Spring
  • Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
•  At least one course from the following list:
  FW 5560 - Digital Image Processing: A Remote Sensing Perspective

  Presents the theory and quantitative procedures of digital image processing using remotely sensed data. Emphasizes image acquisition, preprocessing, enhancement, transformation classification techniques, accuracy assessment, and out-products. Discusses linkages to GIS. Also covers evaluating applications of the technology to current resource management problems via peer-reviewed literature.

  • Credits: 4.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-1)
  • Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
  • Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
  • Pre-Requisite(s): FW 5540

  FW 5553 - Python for Modern GIS

  An introduction to Python scripting and basic Python coding within ArcMap. Labs cover tasks found in typical GIS workflows. Students learn how to write and debug Python scripts, models and mapping programs.

  • Credits: 3.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall
  • Pre-Requisite(s): FW 5550 or FW 3540

  GE 4250 - Fundamentals of Remote Sensing

  This course focuses on the basic physics behind above- surface remote sensing and remote sensing systems. Topics covered include: properties of the atmosphere, absorption and scattering of electromagnetic radiation, instrument design, data acquisition and processing, validation, and basic applications.

  • Credits: 3.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Spring
  • Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
  • Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200 and MA 2160

  GE 5150 - Advanced Natural Hazards

  Exploration of how to develop comprehensive plans to mitigate the impact of natural hazards on humans. Requires a project and report.

  • Credits: 3.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
  • Semesters Offered: On Demand
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

  SS 5050 - Advanced GIS Methods and Projects

  Advanced application of Geographic Information Systems in social sciences as a tool to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data. Students gain hands-on experience in data collection, advanced spatial analysis, and scripting.

  • Credits: 3.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-2)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years, Spring, in odd years
  • Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
  • Pre-Requisite(s): SS 5049

  SU 4140 - Photogrammetry & UAV Mapping

  Basic principles of photogrammetry and its role as a technology for spatial data collection. Use of photogrammetry in the fields of surveying, engineering, and geographic information management will be discussed.

  • Credits: 4.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-2)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall

Additional credits of elective coursework selected and approved by the advisor, specified in student’s degree schedule (6-7 credits)

Minimum of 30 coursework credits total; research credits do not count towards coursework degree options.

MS degree programs – Thesis option (Applied Ecology, Forest Ecology and Management, Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology)

• Basic Responsible Conduct of Research training (RCR; see details below)
• Advanced RCR course (1-3 credits, see details below)
  FW 5800 - Master's Graduate Seminar

  Presentation by students of current natural resource- related problems and research. Some instruction on presentation skills.

  • Credits: 1.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

  FW 5810 - Research Methods in Natural Resources

  In this course students will discuss and gain experience of; developing frameworks for writing scientific manuscripts and short research proposals, conducting literature reviews, critically reviewing papers, creating effective scientific posters and presentations, and sharing research findings with media.

  • Credits: 2.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

  FW 5999 - Forest Resources and Environmental Science Master's Research

  An original investigation in forest science, ecology, and forest molecular genetics that culminates in a Master's degree.

  • Credits: variable to 15.0; May be repeated; Graded Pass/Fail Only
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
• An upper division statistics class.
• Minimum of 30 credits total; at least 20 of them need to be coursework credits

MS degree programs – Report option (Applied Ecology, Forest Ecology and Management, Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology)

• Basic Responsible Conduct of Research training (RCR; see details below)
• Advanced RCR course (1-3 credits, see details below)
  FW 5800 - Master's Graduate Seminar

  Presentation by students of current natural resource- related problems and research. Some instruction on presentation skills.

  • Credits: 1.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

  FW 5810 - Research Methods in Natural Resources

  In this course students will discuss and gain experience of; developing frameworks for writing scientific manuscripts and short research proposals, conducting literature reviews, critically reviewing papers, creating effective scientific posters and presentations, and sharing research findings with media.

  • Credits: 2.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

  FW 5999 - Forest Resources and Environmental Science Master's Research

  An original investigation in forest science, ecology, and forest molecular genetics that culminates in a Master's degree.

  • Credits: variable to 15.0; May be repeated; Graded Pass/Fail Only
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
• An upper division statistics class.
• Minimum of 30 credits total; at least 24 of them need to be coursework credits

MS degree programs – Coursework option (Applied Ecology, Forest Ecology and Management, Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology)   

– this option is rarely used, and only under special circumstances with permission from advisor and Director of Graduate Studies.

• Basic Responsible Conduct of Research training (RCR; see details below)
• Advanced RCR - online version acceptable (see details below)
  FW 5800 - Master's Graduate Seminar

  Presentation by students of current natural resource- related problems and research. Some instruction on presentation skills.

  • Credits: 1.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

  FW 5810 - Research Methods in Natural Resources

  In this course students will discuss and gain experience of; developing frameworks for writing scientific manuscripts and short research proposals, conducting literature reviews, critically reviewing papers, creating effective scientific posters and presentations, and sharing research findings with media.

  • Credits: 2.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
• An upper division statistics class.
• Minimum of 30 coursework credits total; research credits do not count towards coursework degree options.

PhD programs – (Forest Science, Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology) Basic Responsible Conduct of Research training (RCR; see details below)

• Basic Responsible Conduct of Research training (RCR; see details below)
• Advanced RCR course (1-3 credits, see details below)
  FW 5800 - Master's Graduate Seminar

  Presentation by students of current natural resource- related problems and research. Some instruction on presentation skills.

  • Credits: 1.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

  FW 5810 - Research Methods in Natural Resources

  In this course students will discuss and gain experience of; developing frameworks for writing scientific manuscripts and short research proposals, conducting literature reviews, critically reviewing papers, creating effective scientific posters and presentations, and sharing research findings with media.

  • Credits: 2.0
  • Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
• An upper division statistics class.
• Minimum of 30 credits total beyond MS degree; as long as the above courses are completed, there is no additional coursework credit requirement. Additional courses a PhD student takes beyond those required should be discussed with advisor(s) and committee.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training

Both Basic RCR and Advanced RCR training are important for being an effective scholar, and are mandated for graduate students in CFRES regardless of degree being pursued. Basic RCR training must be completed within the first two semesters at MTU or a registration hold is placed on the student’s account.

For students pursuing a research-based degree option (PhD, MS Thesis or Report option), Advanced RCR training must be completed by the end of the third semester. Students may not graduate or enter research-only mode if both Basic and Advanced RCR training is not complete. To fulfill the Advanced RCR requirement, CFRES students typically take FW5811 (Summer short course) or BL5025 (Spring full semester course). A list of additional courses pre-approved to count for Advanced RCR for research MS and PhD degrees.

For students pursuing a coursework-only professional degree option (MF or MGIS), you will need to complete the online version of Advanced RCR training prior to graduation.