Environmental and Forest Biology - MS

The critical importance of natural resources and environmental quality to modern society demands that aspiring biologists both understand natural ecosystems and learn to be effective problem solvers. The Department of Environmental and Forest Biology is committed to ensuring these educational outcomes.

The department offers a dynamic array of professional opportunities in biology via course work enriched by an active program of research. Through a suite of electives in addition to a required core, undergraduate students may customize their studies toward a particular field of interest. Graduate students may pursue master's or doctoral degrees within several areas of study.

The master of science degree entails a research-based thesis (6-12 credits of thesis research) in addition to 18-24 credits of graduate coursework (including special research topics and at least three seminars) for a total of at least 30 graduate credits. Students earning a M.S. degree find a much wider range of job options that have greater responsibilities and pay compared to jobs that require only a B.S. degree. Many jobs at the M.S. level require an ability to perform research. Students interested in research-type positions in government, non-profit organizations, and academic and industry settings should pursue a M.S., rather than M.P.S. degree. Additionally, although not required by many graduate schools, a M.S. degree is often a key step toward earning a Ph.D.