Application Process

Forestry and Environmental Resources graduate students are admitted to the university through NC State’s Graduate School. Faculty in our department review applications and make recommendations to the Graduate School regarding admission of applicants to the department.

Admission into any of the graduate programs in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources is contingent upon a faculty mentor agreeing to serve as the applicant’s advisor. Prospective students should contact faculty members to explore their current opportunities and individual requirements for mentoring before submitting an application.

The GRE is no longer required of applicants.

Students with backgrounds in the biological, physical and social sciences can be admitted directly into our graduate program. For entering graduate students who do not have a forestry or natural resources background, it is possible to take any necessary background courses needed in science, mathematics and specialty areas either in advance or as part of the graduate student program.

Once admitted, graduate students will enroll in courses listed on the Student Services website. 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, including botany, genetics, soil science, statistics and zoology.

Application Deadlines

September 30, 2023: Spring 2024 admission to Environmental Assessment, Forestry & Environmental Resources, and Natural Resources programs
October 15, 2023: Spring 2024 admission to Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Biology program
January 15, 2024: Fall 2024 admission to Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Biology program
January 31, 2024: Fall 2024 admission to Forestry & Environmental Resources and Natural Resources programs
April 15, 2024: Fall 2024 admission to Environmental Assessment

Admission Requirements

Admission is contingent upon acceptance by an advisor.
Minimum undergraduate GPA is 3.0.

Application Guidelines

Your personal statement (1-2 pages) should focus on your professional interests and how this degree will help you meet those interests and goals. We suggest that you list your goals and objectives at the beginning of the personal statement to make it easier for faculty to review your application.

Please also attach your resume (1-2 pages) to your application. All applicants will need to provide three recommendations and transcripts as per the Graduate School requirements.

International Students

Our department welcomes graduate students from universities all around the world. For international students, the NC State Graduate School has a few extra requirements:

Acceptable TOEFL scores of at least 80 on the internet-based version. Section O: English Proficiency Requirements of the Graduate Handbook lists minimum scores for each section). Scores should be no more than 2 years old. This link also gives minimum scores of other acceptable English tests.
A Visa Clearance Form and a Certificate of Financial Responsibility before a final admission decision can be made. This will be completed as part of the admission process.