Warnell offers two MFR degrees: Forestry and Forest Business. Both non-thesis degrees are accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Students pursuing an MFR in Forestry take predominantly forestry and natural resources classes offered through Warnell. Students pursuing an MFR in Forest Business take forestry classes through Warnell and business classes through UGA’s Terry College of Business.
MFR in Forestry
Warnell’s MFR in Forestry degree combines the principles of ecology, silviculture, mensuration, operations, forest economics, forest finance, and statistics in the decision-making process aimed at achieving the goals and objectives of the forest landowner. Students can explore a variety of forest management areas as part of their degree, including forest inventory and assessment, harvest planning and scheduling, silviculture, policy, and precision forestry.
MFR in Forest Business
The MFR in Forest Business degree combines business principles with advanced forestry techniques so students can optimize forest management strategies and global timber market opportunities. This program is offered through UGA’s Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business, a leading knowledge center for the timberland investment and operations industry that is housed in Warnell. Thanks to a unique partnership, Center for Forest Business graduate students can take accounting, finance, economics, real estate, and other business coursework through the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. Students in this program develop the necessary skills for positions of leadership in timberland investing, forest operations management, consulting, and government affairs.
Job Opportunities
The opportunities for MFR graduates are wide-ranging, and graduates often find career paths that take them to:
- Forestry industry, as MFR graduates gain silvicultural, operational, financial and GIS application knowledge to optimize the profitability of industry operations.
- Forest management consultants, which maximize financial return for clients.
- Policy and economic development by working in forestry sectors of organizations like the United Nations, FAO, OECD, or The World Bank.
- Wood procurement positions in a variety of organizations, including wood dealers and energy companies. This is an ideal position to learn the true value of raw materials in a supply chain and how that supply chain functions throughout the industry.
- Timberland Investment Management Organizations (TIMOs), which manage large investments in timberland for pension funds, high net worth individuals, and others.
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which manage timberland investments similar in scale to TIMOs, but manage for the benefit of shareholders invested in their publicly traded securities.
- Lending, as many timberland transactions involve debt to enable deal consummation or to enhance returns. The lender touches segments of land management, portfolio management, project management, and business development.
- Conservation experts that negotiate compensation for conservation easements for the benefit of investment firms as well as state agencies, federal agencies, and NGOs.
Curriculum
The MFR degrees require a minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate-level course work, but additional courses may be required by the student’s advisory committee. Learn more about the MFR course requirements for the MFR in Forestry and MFR in Forest Business here.
Accreditation
The educational programs in forestry leading to the MFR in general forestry degree and MFR in forest business degree are accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) under its Forestry standard.
Learn more about the Center for Forest Business
MFR Checklist
Here is an overview of the various requirements and deadlines that must be met in order to stay on track to graduate. While this is applicable to admitted students, it’s helpful to understand the process before you begin.
Before the end of your first semester…
- Appointment of Advisory Committee
- First Committee Meeting
- Submit Advisory Committee
- Submit Program of Study
The semester before you plan to graduate…
- Make a graduation check appointment with Kate deDufour
- Submit your application for graduation through Athena
- Submit a Recommended Change in Program of Study (if applicable)
Your last semester…
- Schedule your Oral Examination
- Schedule your Exit Interview
(At least) three weeks before your Final Oral Examination…
- Submit the Notice of Examination form – informing the Graduate Programs office of the details of your Final Oral Examination
- Notify the graduate office if you will be attending Warnell graduation
