Academic Programs Catalog

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Department of Forestry

Graduate Study
Forestry - Master of Science

The Master of Science degree in Forestry is designed for individuals pursuing a wide range of careers in academia, public agencies, non-government organizations, or the private sector. The master’s degree is available in two plans: research-intensive (Plan A) or professional (Plan B), with in-person and hybrid-online options for Plan B. The hybrid-online option is a professional degree oriented towards individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than forestry who would like to pursue a career in forestry. The program is uniquely tailored to learners that need flexibility, with the majority of the courses delivered in an online format to accommodate students with existing personal and professional commitments. While the requirements for the hybrid-online option are the same as the in-person option, it follows a prescribed set of courses (see https://www.canr.msu.edu/for/graduate/Hybrid-Online-MS-Degree/hybrid-online-ms-requirements).

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Forestry

The master’s degree program in forestry is available under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits is required for the degree under Plan A or Plan B. The student’s program of study must be approved by either their major professor or guidance committee.

Requirements for Plan A

  1. Complete the following course (2 credits):
    FOR    802    Forest Science Research   2
  2. Complete a program of study approved by the major professor and guidance committee to meet the student’s educational and career goals.
  3. Complete at least 6 credits and no more than 10 credits in FOR 899 Master’s Thesis Research.
  4. Pass an oral examination, including a public presentation, in defense of the thesis, administered by the student’s guidance committee. One re-examination may be scheduled at the discretion of the guidance committee. The final oral examination must be passed within five calendar years from the date of enrollment in the first course included for degree certification.

Requirements for Plan B

  1. Complete a program of study approved by the major professor and guidance committee to meet the student’s educational and career goals.
  2. Complete a non-thesis capstone project, practicum or other professional development experience of at least 1 credit and no more than 6 credits through enrollment in FOR 898 Master’s Professional Project. Upon completion of the project, a report must be completed and submitted to the student’s guidance committee.
  3. Pass a final oral examination, including a public presentation, in defense of the professional project, administered by the student’s guidance committee. One re-examination may be scheduled at the discretion of the guidance committee. The final oral examination must be passed within five calendar years from the date of enrollment in the first course included for degree certification.