Forest Ecology and Management—MS

Canopy photosynthesis in temperate deciduous forest. Case studies of high-performing contract loggers with distinct harvest systems. Interpreting stand structures. Communicating with private forest landowners. Forests provide an array of ecological services—from recreational, to watershed protection. We seek to understand ecological effects and processes, and the impact our management has, from the impacts of bioenergy production on bird habitat to frameworks for coupled social-ecohydrological systems.

If you are working toward your master of science degree, you will select your study program in consultation with your advisor and committee. Course work requirements specific to CFRES are:

FW 5800—Master's Graduate Seminar (1 credit)
FW 5810—Research Methods in Natural Resources (2 credits)*
One upper division statistics class from the list of suggested courses*

* Not required for Peace Corps and Masters of Forestry students, except 4+1

Upper Division Statistics Class Options

Approval of equivalent courses can be given by the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science graduate program director in consultation with the student's advisory committee. The advisory committee may specify certain courses in which a student must achieve a grade of B or better.

Degree Options

MS, Forest Ecology and Management: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Forest Ecology and Management: Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	24 Credits
Report	2-6 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Forest Ecology and Management: Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Program Strengths and Opportunities

Understand ecosystem and organism functions in natural and managed forest landscapes, from invasive worms to beech reintroduction.
6,500 feet of lab space, 2,000 of greenhouse, 5,397 acres of research forest.
Learn to balance forest management objectives for a variety of interests, from forest health to industrial and recreational needs.
Tap into the wide breadth of expertise within our small, friendly academic community. Get to know us, and find who you want to work with.
Research degrees are non-specific, and we intentionally set a low number of required classes, unless your committee requires them.
Explore your interests with your committee and your advisor to define the optimal educational experience.

"The relationships I've built between office mates, individuals in classes, and while conducting field research are the highlight of my graduate program. The people I've met at Tech have become more of a close community than just teachers, researchers, and staff. "Karen Cladas, 2016 Master's Defense on Emerald Ash Borer

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

3 Letters of Recommendation (1 Letter of Recommendation for Michigan Tech students)
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
Please view our faculty webpage and identify three faculty members that you would like to work with
GRE not required

International Students

TOEFL: Required Score of 79 iBT
IELTS: Required Overall Band Score of 6.5

Michigan Tech requires a minimum of 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Recommended Deadline

Apply at least a semester in advance of projected admission to improve your chances of receiving funding.

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Degree Requirements

CFRES Degree Requirements

Check with your advisor about requirements for your program.

CFRES Graduate Student Handbook

Graduate School Resources

Funding Opportunities

Biofuels, urban land development, grazing patterns, hydrodynamics, government policies, climate change, and forest restoration. There are multiple opportunities to be involved in meaningful work. The abundance of private and public funding, and our friendly atmosphere, is a powerful formula to help decide what kind of research you want to do and who you want to do it with.

We work diligently to continuously acquire research funding, and we are successful.
Research the researchers. Match your area of interest with a faculty member, and contact them directly—your best chance to be matched with an assistantship and research project.
Check our open research positions often, where you will also find a listing of fellowships, jobs, and other funding opportunities.
Acceptance to the Graduate School and a graduate program in CFRES does not guarantee financial support.

Fellowships and Scholarships

*Financial support in the form of an assistantship is based on teaching or research needs and available resources, as well as the qualifications of individuals applying. Other funding opportunities may be available. Please contact the Graduate School for more information.