Forestry Graduate Degrees Offered
The Department of Forestry offers Master's and PhD programs as well as serving as a home department for several interdisciplinary PhD programs.
Master's of Science (M.S.)
The M.S. is a research-based degree. Students work closely with a faculty advisor and graduate committee on original research. Advanced coursework is expected in the areas of expertise required to complete the research project. Students complete a Thesis and are expected to publish their research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals at the completion of their degree. Graduates are prepared to continue their professional careers or undertake further study through a PhD program. A wide variety of opportunities for professional development are available to all Master's students.
Master of Forestry (M.F.)
The M.F. is a terminal, professional, non-research degree for those who wish to expand their post-baccalaureate education. Students work closely with a faculty advisor and complete a project Thesis.
Master of Natural Resources (M.N.R.)
The M.N.R. is also a terminal, professional non-research degree, administered by the College of Natural Resources through the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church and Alexandria, Virginia.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Ph.D. candidates conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty advisor and with the input of a graduate committee. Candidates pursue advanced coursework to prepare themselves for careers in research in industry or academia. These students participate fully in the academic life, including giving presentations at conferences, presenting seminars, and serving on committees. Candidates complete a Dissertation and are expected to publish their research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals at the completion of their degree.
Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Programs
In addition, Forestry graduate students can pursue Ph.D.'s through the following interdisciplinary doctorate programs:
Geospatial and Environmental Analysis
This rigorous, college-wide doctoral program in geospatial and environmental analysis offers students a comprehensive immersion in geospatial analysis in a highly interdisciplinary setting that involves faculty across the Virginia Tech campus. This program has additional application requirements and deadlines and it is highly recommended that you contact a participating faculty member before applying. Participating Forestry faculty are:
The Graduate Program in Molecular Plant Sciences allows students to pursue a Ph.D. in a wide variety of research areas, including plant genomics, forest biotechnology, disease resistance, bioproduction and bioprocessing, and metabolic engineering. Twenty internationally known faculty in seven departments in the Colleges of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Science participate in this program using molecular approaches to understand how plants grow and interact with their environments.
Degree candidates who enroll in the program will participate in several rotations through laboratories of interest. A permanent advisor is then selected in whose laboratory the dissertation research will be conducted. Participating Forestry faculty are: