College of Forest Resources
Graduate Programs

Graduate Program Adviser
116 Anderson, Box 352100
206-543-7081
cfradv@u.washington.edu

Graduate programs in forest resources are designed to accommodate a wide range of education and career objectives. A student may concentrate on development of advanced professional skills and knowledge or on exploration of forest-related science.

Graduate programs offered in forest resources lead to the degrees of Master of Environmental Horticulture, Master of Forest Resources in Sustainable Forest Management, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy. Graduate students may center their study in one of the special fields within the College divisions.

Master of Environmental Horticulture

Admission Requirements

1. Evidence of academic readiness for the program.
1. Minimum 3.00 GPA in last 60 semester or last 90 quarter hours.
2. Type and level of courses completed (generally, students are not admitted if their academic performance has been below average or they do not have sufficient course background in their intended program of study).
3. Scores on the GRE (550-Verbal, 600-Quantitative, 5.0-Writing recommended).
4. International applicants only: Minimum TOEFL score of 580 (237 for computer-based test).
2. Evidence of knowledge of intended area of study.
1. Clearly written statement of objectives in pursuing further education.
2. Ideally, work or field experience in the planned area of study.
3. Supporting evidence from reference persons (3 recommendations total).
1. Recommendations from references familiar with applicant's academic ability and potential.
2. Letters of recommendation from employers in field related to applicant's educational goals.

Degree Requirements

45 credits, as follows:

1. CFR 500 (1), CFR 503 (6), CFR 549 (2), CFR 561 (2), ESRM 411 (3), ESRM 451 (5), ESRM 480 (5), ESRM 481 (2); one course in policy, planning or administration (3 credits)
2. Internship/independent research: A formal public presentation and written professional paper are required. A member of the EHUF faculty will advise the student on his/her project, which is completed as CFR 601 (9 credits minimum)
3. Electives (7 credits)

Master of Forestry - Sustainable Forest Management

Admission Requirements

1. Evidence of academic readiness for the program.
1. Minimum 3.00 GPA in last 60 semester or last 90 quarter hours.
2. Type and level of courses completed (generally, students are not admitted if their academic performance has been below average or they do not have sufficient course background in their intended program of study).
3. Scores on the GRE (550-Verbal, 600-Quantitative, 5.0-Writing recommended).
4. International applicants only: Minimum TOEFL score of 580 (237 for computer based test).
2. Evidence of knowledge of intended area of study.
1. Clearly written statement of objectives in pursuing further education.
2. Ideally, work or field experience in the planned area of study.
3. Supporting evidence from reference persons (3 recommendations total)
1. Recommendations from references familiar with applicant's academic ability and potential.
2. Letters of recommendation from employers in field related to applicant's educational goals.

Degree Requirements

45 credits, as follows:

1. CFR 500 (1), CFR 509 (3), CFR 526 (3)
2. Directed electives: 24 credits distributed among the following four areas, with at least two classes required in each area: forest biology/ecology, forest management, forest measurements, forest policy and administration. See adviser for list of approved courses for each area.
3. Unrestricted electives: 9 credits
4. Capstone project: CFR 600 (5) or CFR 601 (5)

Master of Science

Admission Requirements

1. Evidence of academic readiness for the program.
1. Minimum 3.00 GPA in last 60 semester or last 90 quarter hours.
2. Type and level of courses completed (generally, students are not admitted if their academic performance has been below average or they do not have sufficient course background in their intended program of study).
3. Scores on the GRE (550-Verbal, 600-Quantitative, 5.0-Writing recommended).
4. International applicants only: Minimum TOEFL score of 580 (237 for computer based test).
2. Evidence of knowledge of intended area of study.
1. Clearly written statement of objectives in pursuing further education.
2. Ideally, work or field experience in the planned area of study.
3. Supporting evidence from reference persons (3 recommendations total).
1. Recommendation from references familiar with applicant's academic ability and potential.
2. Letters of recommendation from employers in field related to applicant's educational goals.

Degree Requirements

Minimum 45 credits, to include:

1. Orientation: CFR 500 (1)
2. Social and Natural Sciences Applied to Natural Resource and Environmental Issues: CFR 509 (3)
3. Disciplinary Knowledge: minimum 10 credits from list of approved courses according to interest area
4. Research Design and Quantitative Analysis: minimum 8 credits from list of approved courses according to interest area
5. Current Topics: 2 credits (500 level), topics vary from year to year
6. Thesis Research: CFR 700 (9 credits minimum)

Current interest groups are:

• Forest ecology
• Forest soils
• Forest systems and bioenergy
• Paper science and engineering
• Restoration ecology and environmental horticulture
• Social sciences
• Sustainable resource management
• Wildlife science

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

1. Evidence of academic readiness for the program.
1. Minimum 3.00 GPA in last 60 semester or last 90 quarter hours.
2. Type and level of courses completed (generally, students are not admitted if their academic performance has been below average or they do not have sufficient course background in their intended program of study).
3. Scores on the GRE (550-Verbal, 600-Quantitative, 5.0-Writing recommended).
4. International applicants only: Minimum TOEFL score of 580 (237 for computer based test).
2. Evidence of knowledge of intended area of study.
1. Clearly written statement of objectives in pursuing further education. Ph.D. applicants should have earned a master's degree; most apply for the master's and then continue on to the Ph.D.
2. Ideally, work or field experience in the planned area of study.
3. Publications written by the student related to the planned area of study.
3. Supporting evidence from reference persons (3 recommendations total).
1. Recommendations from references familiar with applicant's academic ability and potential.
2. Letters of recommendation from employers in field related to applicant's educational goals.

Degree Requirements

90 credits, to include:

1. Same as for Master of Science degree (above) with one additional course in each of the categories:
1. Disciplinary knowledge
2. Research design and quantitative analysis
3. Current topics
2. Qualifying examination
3. General examination
4. Dissertation research: CFR 800 (27 credits minimum)
5. Final examination

Financial Assistance

The College has a limited number of appointments for teaching and research assistantships that provide a stipend, tuition waiver, and benefits. Teaching and research assistant responsibilities are half-time, allowing time to pursue a full academic load. Students may contact faculty directly about available research assistantships.

Fellowships without teaching or research obligations are also available. Requests for consideration must be submitted by January 15 for the following academic year. Applications are in the College's admissions packet, available on the College's Web site at: http://www.cfr.washington.edu/Acad/grad.html.