Michigan State University

What you'll study

The MS in Forestry combines core coursework, hands-on field and laboratory experience, and an independent research project or professional capstone. Students typically study forest ecology and dynamics, silviculture and stand management, forest measurements and biometrics, remote sensing and GIS for forest applications, soil and ecosystem processes, wildland fire ecology and management, and natural resource policy and economics. Programme options commonly include a thesis track focused on original research and a non-thesis/professional option emphasising applied projects and advanced coursework.

Learning activities include classroom lectures, statistics and quantitative methods for natural resources, regular field excursions to campus research forests and regional stands, laboratory analysis, seminar presentations and collaborative research with faculty. Electives and cross-disciplinary courses allow students to tailor their programme toward topics such as forest restoration, urban forestry, carbon and climate change science, forest health and pest management, or forest products and biomass supply chains.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, ecology, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field, with a solid academic record. Typical application components include academic transcripts, a personal statement or statement of purpose describing research or professional interests, curriculum vitae, and two or three letters of recommendation. Relevant field, laboratory or professional experience and evidence of quantitative skills strengthen an application.

International applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements and submit recognised test scores or equivalent documentation where required. Some faculty or specialisations may request GRE scores, a brief research proposal, or examples of written work; prospective students should review individual faculty profiles and the department’s admissions guidance to determine specific expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MS in Forestry pursue careers across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Common roles include forest or landscape manager, silviculturist, conservation scientist, forest health specialist, GIS and remote sensing analyst, carbon and climate specialist, urban forestry practitioner, and environmental consultant. Alumni also move into positions with federal and state natural resource agencies, industry (timber and forest products companies), conservation organisations, research institutions and extension services. The degree also provides a pathway to doctoral study for those interested in academia or advanced research careers.

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State University offers forestry students access to long-standing departmental expertise, a broad range of faculty research areas and extensive field resources. The university’s research forests and nearby field stations provide practical training across diverse forest types and management contexts, while collaborations across colleges support interdisciplinary approaches connecting ecology, policy, engineering and social science.

Students benefit from opportunities for paid research and teaching assistantships, close mentorship from active researchers, and a community engaged in applied and theoretical forest science. The department’s outreach and extension links create pathways for professional networking and real-world project experience, preparing graduates for impactful careers in forest science and management.