GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN FORESTRY AT MSU

FORESTRY AT MSU

Formally established in 1902, the Department of Forestry at MSU is the oldest existing in the United States and widely recognized as one of the nation's finest. Our programs are at the forefront of teaching and research in management policy, economics, conservation, and other aspects of the human dimension, as well as ecology, physiology, silviculture, and soil science. In fulfilling the university's land grant mission, the department is committed to serving the needs of Michigan's citizens.

Our faculty, who are considered among the top professionals in their fields, are actively engaged in research in a wide variety of disciplinary issues and multidisciplinary projects involving both domestic and international students. In addition to teaching, research, graduate student advising and extension activities, they frequently serve as scientific journal editors, consultants to industry and government, and officers of professional organizations. They have been extraordinarily successful in obtaining research funds from state and federal agencies and private industry.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

The department comprises a diverse group of basic and applied sciences. Our faculty are actively engaged in teaching, research, and extension. Major areas of interest in forestry include: Biometry, Ecology, economics and social science, entomology and pathology, plant breeding and genetics, soils and hydrology, silviculture, social forestry and agroforestry, tree physiology, urban forestry, and wood science.

As a forestry graduate student, you may choose to study in one of these areas, or you may develop your own program of study and research topics that suit your interests and career goals. Or you may apply to interdisciplinary graduate programs in:

A new specialization, entitled Gender, Justice, and Environmental Change has been developed by the College of Social Science and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This program is the first of its kind in the nation explicitly focusing on the intersection of gender, environmental change, and social and environmental justice, from both local and global perspectives. Researchers, policy-makers, and activists have increasingly recognized the critical importance of these interlocking dimensions for understanding the social relations underlying many environmental problems, from Love Canal in New York to the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. The first class of this specialization was offered spring semester of 2001.

Whatever program you choose, you work closely with a graduate study committee that includes faculty from forestry and other departments who will help you identify an appropriate program of courses, provide guidance for selecting a research focus, and serve as mentors. All programs of study include courses from supporting disciplines like botany and plant pathology, biochemistry, entomology, crops and soil science, horticulture, fisheries and wildlife, resource development, and statistics.

RESEARCH FACILITIES

As part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Department of Forestry resides in the Natural Resources Building with the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. In addition to classrooms, well equipped laboratories, and up-to-date computer facilities, the department administers about 225 acres of campus woodlots and the Tree Research Center, which offer opportunities to study tree physiology, genetics, and nursery operations on campus. The 5,000 acre MSU campus is an arboretum-park featuring a documented collection of more than 7,000 species of trees, shrubs, and woody vines.

Also on campus, the Institute of International Agriculture, administered through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, promotes international activities in agriculture, natural resources, and related areas both on campus and around the world. On campus centers for African, Asian, Latin American, and eastern European studies help to focus interest and promote understanding of global forestry concerns.

Beyond the East Lansing campus, resident foresters and field staff manage MSU Department of Forestry properties for forest and wildlife research: the Dunbar Forest near Sault Ste. Marie, the Kellogg Forest near Kalamazoo, the Fred Russ Forest in Decatur, and the Upper Peninsula Tree Improvement Center near Escanaba. The diverse locations of these forests allow for unique comparative studies. MSU forestry students also have access to Michigan's 6.5 million acres of national and state forests.

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1855 as the nation's premier land grant institution, Michigan State University now offers some 300 areas of study in 14 colleges. Total enrollment is approximately 40,000, including about 7,500 at the graduate level.

Michigan State University's diverse student body represents every county in Michigan, all 50 United States, and more than 110 foreign countries, providing a broad cultural cross section. The university and the Department of Forestry are committed to and strive for this diversity and pluralism and promote an enriching environment for students. We strongly encourage applications from women and minority persons.

Highlighted by beautiful gardens and natural areas, the MSU campus and surrounding countryside offer excellent camping, canoeing, hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, and other outdoor recreation. Cultural and social opportunities abound at the university. Located on campus are the Kresge Art Museum, Wharton Center for Performing Arts, the Michigan State University Museum, Abrams Planetarium, and the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Big Ten sports, as well as excellent intramural athletic facilities, two golf courses, indoor and outdoor tennis courts and swimming pools, and an ice arena are also available. The greater communities of East Lansing and Lansing, Michigan's state capital, offer other cultural, social, athletic, and political activities.

ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Because the forestry profession requires talent from diverse backgrounds, MSU forestry graduate students often come from other disciplines. Students who earned undergraduate degrees in majors other than forestry also complete selected forestry courses.

Applications for admission are considered throughout the year. For optimum consideration, applications should be received at least six months before the planned date of enrollment. Official transcripts of all postsecondary level work, the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general and any advanced test scores, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose must be submitted with the application. Applicants who are not native speakers of English must achieve a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Applications 

Teaching and research assistantships and scholarships are awarded to qualified students on a competitive basis. Research grants from federal and state agencies, industry, foundations and private organizations provide much of the financial assistance.

Listing of Current Graduate Students

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information about forestry graduate programs or to contact one of our faculty, write, call or FAX:

If you would like an application for graduate admission, send your request to: