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Master of Science
The Master of Science in Forest Resources degree is appropriate for students who want two or more years of formal graduate work and who wish to develop a limited research specialization. Designed primarily for persons pursuing careers in research or teaching, the general M.S. program can be either a first step toward a doctorate or a terminal degree. The program provides an opportunity for independent research to be reported in a formal Master's Thesis. Areas of concentration for the thesis research include: Forest Management, Forest Economics, Forest Policy and Law, Forest Biometrics/Modeling, Forest Social Science, and Remote Sensing and GIS (Geographic Information Systems).
The Department also is authorized to grant M.A. and M.S. degrees in General Economics. The requirements for these degrees are specified in the Graduate Economics Program brochure available from the Chair of the University Graduate Faculty of Economics.
Admission to the Program
An applicant for the M.S. degree must meet requirements of the Graduate
School (see OSU Graduate Catalog) in addition to those of the Department. An
applicant generally must hold a Bachelor's degree in Forestry or a related area
from an institution accredited by the Society of American Foresters and have
a high scholastic record (a grade point average of at least 3.00). In some cases
an applicant who does not meet these requirements may be provisionally admitted
when, in the opinion of the Graduate Admissions Committee and Associate Department
Head, his or her accomplishments indicate high potential for success as an M.S.
candidate.
Graduate Committee
A major professor will be assigned by the Associate Department Head to each student when admitted. The major professor serves as the student's primary advisor in developing a program of coursework, in selecting a thesis topic, and in other academic matters. An advisory committee will be selected jointly by the student and major professor. It will consist of two members of the Graduate Faculty of Forest Resources (one being the student’s major professor), one member of the Graduate Faculty from each declared minor department if applicable, and a Graduate Council Representative (appointed by the Graduate School) if the student is writing a thesis. At least one member of the committee (in addition to the Graduate School representative) should be from a department outside the College of Forestry.
Time Limit for Master's Degree
All course work, thesis, and examinations must be completed within a seven-year period. This requirement is strictly enforced.
Thesis and Language Requirements
The Graduate School prescribes the form of the thesis, as well as the timing and nature of the final oral examination. The MS program has no foreign language requirement unless the student's advisory committee stipulates otherwise.
Program of Study
Before completing 18 hours of graduate credit, usually before the end of their second term of residency, the student must select an area of concentration, develop a program of study, and submit it to the advisory committee, Department Head, and Graduate School for approval.
Each area of concentration has background requirements that must be completed either with acceptable courses taken for a prior degree or with additional courses while enrolled as an MS candidate at OSU. A total of 45 graduate credit hours (500 level or greater) are required to complete the MS degree. Courses taken to meet the minimum educational background may not be used to meet this requirement
Graduate Core
All graduate students in Forest Resources must 1) complete required graduate core courses, and, 2) meet the requirements of one Forest Resources concentration. The required graduate core courses are as follows:
- FOR
561 (Forest Policy Analysis).
- One
additional course in the Forest Resources Department taught exclusively at
the graduate level.
- Two
additional College of Forestry graduate courses (exclusive of FS 521).
- At
least one of the credits earned in the seminar requirements listed in the
concentrations below (FOR 507) should be one in which the student gives an
oral presentation describing their thesis.
Forest Resources Concentrations
Students may select from a variety of existing Forest Resources concentrations. Examples of M.S. programs in various concentrations
are described below. NOTE: These are examples only; programs may vary
as approved by the student's advisory committee and the Department Head. Students may, under the direction of their
Major Professor, and with the approval of their advisory committee and the
Department Head, design a concentration to fit their individual needs.
Example Concentration Requirements
Forest Biometrics/Modeling
Forest Economics
Forest Management
Forest Social Science
Forestry/Wildlife
Remote Sensing, GIS, and Landscape
Ecology
Silviculture
Natural Resource Education and Extension
Natural Resource Policy and Law
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Master of Science