In response to the varied uses of Oregon’s 61.4 million acres of forest, the Department of Forest Resources at Oregon State University offers M.F. programs in Forest Management and Silviculture, and M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Forest Economics, Forest Management, Forest Measurements, Natural Resources Policy and Law, Silviculture, Forest Social Science, Forestry/Wildlife, and Natural Resource Education and Extension. Applicants without forestry backgrounds must achieve competence in forestry through independent study or other means decided by each student's graduate advisory committee.
Master of Forestry
The degree of Master of Forestry is designed for students who want one or more years of formal graduate work and who plan professional careers as line or operational managers with forestry organizations, either public or private. The general M.F. program gives graduate level preparation in the full range of disciplines essential to the wise use and management of forest lands. Some specialization is possible, but the main objective is to improve students' knowledge of and competence in comprehensive forest management. The MF is not intended for those students wishing to pursue research interests or a higher degree.
A special option, the M.F. in Silviculture, is offered jointly by the departments of Forest Resources and Forest Science. This area of concentration is intended for students desiring to specialize in prescribing silvicultural practices.
Master of Science M.S. students may choose from a variety of concentration areas and may, with consent of their advisor and committee, tailor a concentration to meet their individual needs. Following are brief descriptions of the most common concentrations. Details follow in subsequent pages.
Forest Measurements, Remote Sensing, GIS: Students in forest measurements and related disciplines apply statistical methods to forestry problems and develop biologically sound mensuration techniques to assist forest managers. Current research includes forest growth and yield modeling, aerial photogrammetry, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and modern forestry inventory techniques.
Forest Economics and Planning: The Forest Economics and Planning concentrations are designed to provide a strong background in economic theory for students interested in the study of forest products markets, forest policy analysis, natural resource administration, and business.
Natural Resources Policy and Law: Intended for students with interests in the broad policy arena surrounding natural resource management, utilization, and protection. Emphasis is placed on advanced-level work in policy formulation, policy analysis, conflict resolution, and law. The goal of this degree program is to prepare students for professional careers in the broad field of natural resource policy and management.
Forest Social Science: Students explore social aspects of forest resource ownership, management, and policy. Recent research projects include recreation management, social acceptability of forest practices, and attitudes toward biodiversity conservation.
Natural Resources Education and Extension: Intended for students who wish to develop their communication and education skills, this program is for people who want to help bridge the information gap that exists between natural resource experts and a variety of audiences. A substantial background in natural resource management is essential for graduate course work in this field.
Silviculture, Soils, Management: Silviculture students analyze economic tree-growing objectives with sensitivity to physical, biological, social, and environmental forest resource values. Topics for research include forest soils, nutrient cycling, land-use analysis, allocation and planning, forest regeneration, forest protection, ecology and management of shrubs and hardwoods, growth and yield from large-scale application of silviculture techniques, and silviculture/wildlife management.
PhD
The doctoral program in Forest Resources is intended for persons seeking careers
in teaching and research. The program emphasizes a strong research specialization
while maintaining an understanding and appreciation of broader management and
resource-use issues. The thesis and associated research play a dual role by
enabling the student to develop in-depth knowledge of specific technical areas,
while at the same time gaining experience in conceptualizing, planning, conducting,
and reporting a major research project.
