Graduate Programs

Hands-On and Future Focused

Graduate programs in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources emphasize hands-on original research with world-renowned faculty on groundbreaking projects. Our department offers both master’s and doctoral degree tracks in specific areas of Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Assessment, and Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology through NC State’s Graduate School. Some programs require a formal thesis, while others accept a professional project and presentation in lieu of one.

Students with backgrounds in the biological, physical and social sciences can be admitted directly into our graduate program. However, many entering graduate students do not have a forestry or natural resources background. Necessary background courses needed in science, mathematics and specialty areas can be completed before starting a graduate degree or as part of the graduate student program.

Once admitted, graduate students will enroll in courses listed on the Student Services Course Catalog. All of our graduate courses are designated as 500-level or higher. It is common for students pursuing graduate degrees to follow a study program that includes courses in a variety of areas, such as economics, genetics, soil science, statistics and zoology.

Environmental Assessment

The Master of Environmental Assessment Degree and graduate certificate are online-only distance education programs for industry professionals looking to continue their education. The flexible access attracts adult learners from across the state, nation, and world.

Forestry

Earn a Master’s, Master of Science, or Ph.D. in Forestry and Environmental Resources from one of America’s foremost colleges for advanced degrees in forestry. Training covers all areas traditionally associated with forest resource programs, plus leading industry innovations.

Natural Resources

The Natural Resources Master’s Program is a unique multidisciplinary program focusing on natural resource policy, management, and assessment. Our technical options couple core courses in resource challenges and management with related hands-on technical disciplines.

Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology

Our intercollegiate programs focus on understanding ecological principles as they apply to natural resource management as well as the subsequent effects on wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture. Earn a Master’s, Master of Science or Ph.D in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology.

Geospatial Analytics

The Center for Geospatial Analytics offers two interdisciplinary graduate degree programs: a Ph.D. in Geospatial Analytics and professional master’s degree in Geospatial Information Science and Technology (MGIST), as well as a graduate certificate.