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 department recognizes the challenges many potential applicants face during the COVID-19 pandemic, including technological requirements for taking the Graduate Record Examinations online at home.  Therefore, submission of GRE scores is temporarily optional for applications for the Spring and Fall 2021 semesters.

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, we offer a series of mini-courses, listed on our programs page, that overview relevant subject areas for one credit hour. Any necessary background courses needed in science, mathematics and specialty areas can also be completed as part of the graduate student program.

Once admitted, graduate students will enroll in Forestry and Environmental Resources 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.

Admission Requirements

• Admission is contingent upon acceptance by an advisor.
• Minimum undergraduate GPA is 3.0.
• The GRE is required for Forestry, Natural Resources, and Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology. Average GRE scores of current students are listed below, along with the percentile for that score:

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.

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.
• A Visa Clearance Form and a Certificate of Financial Responsibility before a final admission decision can be made.

Questions?

If you need more information, contact Sarah Slover, Graduate Program Coordinator at  sjslover@ncsu.edu  or  919-515-7563.