Forest and Natural Resource Sciences - PhD

Forest and Natural Resource Sciences encompasses a wide variety of social and natural science disciplines while addressing issues that range from molecular to landscape and societal levels. This broad scope creates a stimulating atmosphere for graduate education and research, leading to innovative approaches in the sustainable management of forest and other natural resources. The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources includes nationally and internationally recognized faculty and staff. We offer a high faculty-to-student ratio, which promotes excellence in graduate training and leads to a strong record of job placement.

Master of Science in Forest and Natural Resource Sciences students can choose to pursue a thesis (Plan A) or a non-thesis (Plan B) option. The path for PhD student in Forest and Natural Resource Sciences includes a qualifying exam, a final exam and a dissertation. Graduate study can be conducted in a variety of topic areas including plant physiology, genetics, forest management, forest soils, economics, invasive species, natural resource policy, wood utilization, wildlife biology and management, conservation biology, forest ecology, silviculture, hydrology, natural resource policy, restoration ecology (including mine reclamation), and watershed management.