About This Degree
Forestry is a land management degree focused on the integration of biological, social, and physical sciences and their application to the management of forest ecosystems.
USU is the only university in the state with a college devoted to the study of natural resources, and it is the only university in the state and one of only a few in the region with degree programs in forestry.
What You Will Learn
While studying forest ecosystem management, students can focus on a variety of related areas, including forest ecology, economics, social sciences, natural resource policy, wildlife species and their impact on forest ecosystems, hydrological dimensions, recreational dimensions, and more.
Each student works with their graduate committee to create an individualized plan of study that supports their area of research interests. Students are able to take courses in other areas and departments, gaining an interdisciplinary education in forestry and related aspects.
Specialization:
Forest Ecology:
A student opting for the Forest Ecology Specialization at USU will know and be able to show that they have taken courses and conducted research that prepares them for either additional forest related research or a career in the management of forests and woodlands.
ADVISING
At a Glance
College: S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
Department: Wildland Resources Department
USU Locations:
- Logan campus
Faculty: View profiles of faculty members on the department directory.
Program Requirements
Career And Outcomes
Career Opportunities
Graduates in forestry are able to pursue careers as foresters in the following areas:
- U.S. Forest Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- National Park Service
- Other federal land management agencies
- State natural resource and forestry agencies
- Forest industry
- Forest land management
- The Nature Conservancy
- Native American tribes
- Faculty and research positions with universities
Job Outlook
USU Locations
LOGAN CAMPUS
Admission
Admission Requirements
Students with undergraduate degrees in natural resources or sciences are preferred.
To be accepted to the program, it is recommended that applicants first contact a specific faculty member with whom they are interested in working. If the faculty member is accepting graduate students and agrees to work with the student, the student can then apply by completing the following application requirements:
Application Requirements:
- Complete the online application
- Pay the $55 application fee
- The GRE is not required by the Department or College, but that specific advisors may require GRE scores
- Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
- Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
- Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation
International students have additional admissions requirements.
Deadlines
Applications for graduate programs are accepted year-round. However, chances for acceptance are best if students apply from October through January of each academic year. It is also encouraged that students begin in the fall if possible.
Program Requirements
PhD Qualifying Exams:
PhD students must pass a comprehensive examination. This exam is used to assess whether a student is prepared to successfully conduct independent research. The assessment depends upon the student’s knowledge in his or her area of concentration and in supporting areas, understanding of philosophical perspectives on scholarship, and ability to communicate this knowledge effectively.
It is recommended that the comprehensive exam be taken by the end of the student’s second academic year, and it must be passed no later than one year prior to defending the dissertation and before candidacy will be recommended.
Plan Options
Students can receive the MS by pursuing one of two options:
- In the Plan A option, students complete graduate-level coursework and must write a thesis.
- The Plan B option requires the production of a paper or creative work of art and is expected to reflect equivalent scholarship standards as a thesis.
Financial Aid
The Department of Wildland Resources provides funding for all of its graduate students through research assistantships, available through professors having contracts, grants, or other awards.
A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.
Take The Next Step
How to Apply
View our step-by-step guide on how to become an Aggie.
Request Information
Contact the School of Graduate Studies to ask questions or receive more information.
Cost and Funding
Calculate the cost of graduate school and learn about funding opportunities.
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