The M.S. degree focuses on building both disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in a research context that will qualify graduates for careers in research, teaching, industry, consultation, and other roles that require specific or generalized expertise.
Who applies to the M.S. program?
The M.S. degree is a research and thesis based degree designed to enable students to work directly in their specific discipline or at the intersection of a diversity of disciplines at an advanced level. Some students in Forest Ecosystems and Society pursue their M.S. as the next step after earning an undergraduate degree or as a natural precursor to seeking their Ph.D. Others are seeking to redirect or advance their careers. M.S. students typically need 6-8 terms (2 - 2.5 years) to complete their degree.
What is a typical M.S. degree program like?
Throughout their program, most M.S. students learn the skills required to participate in high-level research. This includes developing researchable questions or hypotheses, crafting a professional research proposal, managing timelines, collecting and analyzing data, communicating their results, and ensuring all aspects of their research adhere to ethical standards. M.S. students are usually expected to publish 1-2 articles in journals as a result of their thesis and present their results at professional meetings. M.S. students are also expected to devote time and effort to professional development activities.
Although the student can count on their major professor and graduate committee for guidance, they must be responsible for managing their own time, taking actions to meet learning outcomes, fulfilling program and University requirements, and making timely progress on their research and degree.