Forestry, Master of Science in Forestry
- Available Emphasis Areas:
- Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology - Emphasis (ending Summer 2025)
- Forestry Coursework (ending Summer 2025)
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
- All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
- All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
Read the full policy here.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 32 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Emphasis or Coursework Required | An emphasis or coursework is required for this degree. |
| Thesis | Thesis is required. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense is required. |
| Research | Individualized research is required. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
The Master of Science in Forestry (MSF) degree is intended for students wanting to pursue a research- and thesis-based Master’s degree that provides direct experience with original scientific research aimed at advancing scientific understanding of forest ecosystems and their management. The intensive research core of the MSF prepares students for doctoral programs in Forestry and related disciplines, and for careers that require experience and skills in planning, executing, and interpretation of original research in Forestry. These careers include positions such as research assistant/technician, forester, wildlife biologist, policy analyst, and forest health specialist. The MSF is appropriate for students with a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or closely related disciplines.
The MSF emphasizes training in research methods and statistics; original research development and implementation; quantitative analysis; professional presentations; emerging issues in forestry; electives that provide advanced training in specific skills; and a final thesis that showcases the student’s skills in original research, quantitative analysis and interpretation, and writing.
Emphasis in Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology (EECB)
The MSF includes an optional multi-disciplinary emphasis in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB). The EECB emphasis provides a structured curriculum for students wanting to focus on ecology and conservation biology within the context of forest science. The course requirements of the EECB are designed to be taken as elective hours within the MSF degree.
Student Learning Outcomes
Core Forestry Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to apply graduate level critical thinking skills to identify, explain, synthesize and solve complex professional forestry problems through acquisition and application of fundamental knowledge of forest ecosystems and human management of forests.
- Select, implement and interpret appropriate methods and statistical analyses for a research project.
- Apply an understanding of professional ethics to forest research and professional activities.
- Design a forestry research study including planning, organizing, scheduling and executing the project, with guidance.
- Effective written communication about forestry research.
- Effective communication about forestry research in oral and poster presentations.
- Demonstrate the ability to synthesize and discuss the history and conceptual and theoretical foundations of ecology.
- Demonstrate the ability to discuss current and emerging topics in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology, and ability to discuss these topics with peers and experts including two of three listed below:
- Demonstrate the ability to use quantitative research approaches in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology.
- Demonstrate an understanding of ecology, evolution, and conservation biology at physiological, population, and community scales.
- Demonstrate an understanding of ecology, evolution, and conservation biology at ecosystem and global scales.
Details Accordion Closed
Graduate Admission Information
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Additional Admission Requirements
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- All applicants should contact and receive confirmation from a School of Forestry faculty member who will advise the applicant’s professional paper BEFORE APPLYING.
- Prerequisite(s) that may be completed concurrently with the program:
- 15 hours of Forestry coursework
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- For those applying for fall 2025 and beyond, the following will also be required:
- Letter(s) of Recommendation or Reference(s)
- Contact information for three professional and/or academic references.
- Professors, supervisors, co-workers, research collaborators, or mentors.
- Contact information for three professional and/or academic references.
- Personal Statement or Essay
- A personal statement or essay that clearly states research interests.
Master's Requirements
This Master’s degree requires 32 units distributed as follows:
- Forestry Common Requirements: 12 units
- Elective Coursework or Emphasis with Elective Coursework: 12 units
- Elective Coursework: 12 units
- Emphasis with Elective Coursework: 12 units
- Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Emphasis: 10 units
- Elective Coursework: 2 units
- Thesis: 8 units
Take the following 32 units, as well as any required remedial coursework:
Of the following course requirements, 17 units must be in FOR courses
Forestry Common Requirements (12 units)
- Elective Coursework or Emphasis with Elective Coursework - Select one (12 units)
Elective Coursework (12 units)
- Select electives in consultation with your major professor and thesis committee including at least 6 units of formal graded coursework. (12 units)
- Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology Emphasis with Elective Coursework (12 units):
- Elective Coursework (2 units)
- Select electives in consultation with your major professor and thesis committee. (2 units)
- Elective Coursework (2 units)
- Thesis (8 units)
- FOR 699, for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved thesis. Please note that you may end up taking more than the 8 units of thesis credit you can count toward your degree because you must enroll for it each term while you are working on your thesis. (8 units)
Additional Information
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.