Warnell's five approved DoubleDawgs programs lead to non-thesis master’s degrees with graduates receiving either a Master of Forest Resources (MFR) or Master of Natural Resources (MNR). A non-thesis master’s is based on graduate coursework, and is appropriate if you want to expand your knowledge base and academic credentials. The degree is suitable for working in the forest industry, regulatory or management agencies, or consulting. In contrast, a thesis-based master’s degree (MS) involves the same amount of graduate coursework, but also requires that a student conduct a scientific study, write a thesis, and defend the thesis. If you wish to pursue a PhD or conduct science in agencies like USGS, USFWS, DOE, NMFS, or NOAA, then you should pursue an MS degree. The DoubleDawgs program can not be used for an MS degree in Warnell. Before you apply to the DoubleDawgs program, you should meet with your faculty mentor to discuss your career aspirations and what type of graduate studies would help achieve those aspirations. BSFR in Fisheries and Wildlife (Wildlife Sciences) + MFR in Forest Resources (non-thesis) Graduates with degrees in Wildlife Sciences and Forestry will be prepared for careers in forest industry, consulting, non-governmental organizations, and government management/regulatory agencies. This pathway meets the educational requirements necessary for certification as a Certified Forester and Certified Wildlife Biologist. Graduates are also eligible to obtain state forester licensure. Learn more about the: Undergraduate degree: BSFR in Fisheries and Wildlife (Wildlife Sciences) Graduate degree: MFR in Forest Resources (non-thesis) Double Dawg Pathway *Note: The forest business MFR offered through the Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business is not a part of a Double Dawg program. This Double Dawg program is for the forest management MFR only. BSFR in Fisheries and Wildlife (Aquatic Sciences) + MNR Natural Resources (non-thesis) Graduates with degrees Aquatic Science and Natural Resources will be prepared for a wide range of career opportunities such as state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, private consulting firms, and municipalities, among others. Graduates will meet the educational requirements necessary for certification by the American Fisheries Society as a certified Associate Fisheries Professional. Learn more about the: Undergraduate degree: BSFR in Fisheries and Wildlife (Aquatic Sciences) Graduate degree: MNR in Natural Resources (non-thesis) Double Dawg Pathway BSFR in Fisheries and Wildlife (Wildlife Sciences) + MNR Natural Resources (non-thesis) Graduates with degrees in Wildlife Science and Natural Resources will be prepared for a wide range of career opportunities, including state and federal agencies, outdoor recreation and tourism companies, non-governmental organizations, wildlife and nature centers, and municipalities, among many others. Graduates will meet the educational requirements necessary for certification as an Associate Wildlife Biologist. Learn more about the: Undergraduate degree: BSFR in Fisheries and Wildlife (Wildlife Sciences) Graduate degree: MNR in Natural Resources (non-thesis) Double Dawg Pathway BSFR in Natural Resource Management and Sustainability (Community Forestry and Arboriculture) + MNR Natural Resources (non-thesis) Graduates with a Bachelors in Natural Resources Management and Sustainability (Community Forestry & Arboriculture) and Masters in Natural Resources will be prepared for a wide range of career opportunities with private/commercial firms, municipalities, the utility sector, and non-governmental organizations, among others. Potential careers include working as municipal foresters; community planners, designers and consultants; commercial forest health care providers; and tree, forest, and environmental advocates for interest groups and non-governmental organizations. Graduates are also eligible to become certified arborists through the International Society of Arboriculture. Learn more about the: Undergraduate degree: BSFR in Natural Resource Management and Sustainability (Community Forestry and Arboriculture) Graduate degree: MNR in Natural Resources (non-thesis) Double Dawg Pathway BSFR in Natural Resource Management and Sustainability (Water and Soil Resources) + MNR Natural Resources (non-thesis) Graduates with degrees in NRMS will be prepared for a wide range of career opportunities and are prepared to address complex natural resource challenges as ecologists, hydrologists, or soil scientists. Many graduates work in resource management, scientific, or regulatory agencies such as the USFS, ARS, USGS, and EPA. Some go on to academic careers. Others work in consulting firms addressing a number of environmental issues, some in forest industry, and some work for environmental NGOs. They may also seek work for commercial tree health care and estate management firms, municipal governments, non-government organizations, and utility providers. Learn more about the: Undergraduate degree: BSFR in Natural Resource Management and Sustainability (Water and Soil Resources) Graduate degree: MNR in Natural Resources (non-thesis) Double Dawg Pathway BSFR in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management + MNR Natural Resources (non-thesis) Graduates with degress in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management and Natural Resources will be prepared for a wide range of career opportunities such as state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, private consulting firms, and municipalities, among others. Learn more about the: Undergraduate degree: BSFR in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Graduate degree: MNR in Natural Resources (non-thesis) Double Dawg Pathway Admission to a Warnell Double Dawgs Program Students may apply for preliminary acceptance to the Double Dawgs program in the second semester of their third year. If accepted preliminarily, students will be allowed to register for graduate-level courses starting the next semester, contingent upon final acceptance. Determination of final acceptance will be made after the second semester grades are available. To be eligible for a Warnell Double Dawgs pathway, students must: Be admitted to the Warnell Professional Program Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.00 at the end of the third year (students may submit an appeal for admission to the associate dean for academic affairs if their GPA is below 3.00) Submit a statement of career objectives Provide a letter of recommendation from a UGA faculty member In the fourth year, students must apply and be admitted to the UGA graduate school. A Warnell faculty member must agree to serve as the major professor. Note that undergraduate financial aid, such as Hope and Zell, are usually not available to students during their fifth (graduate-only) year as the undergraduate degree would be completed at the end of the fourth year. For full details on Double Dawgs pathways and requirements, visit our Student Resources page. Apply to a Double Dawgs Pathway To apply for a Warnell Double Dawgs pathway, you must complete two steps: Complete the Warnell Double Dawgs application. Initiate an application for a Double Dawgs pathway through Athena. Here's a tutorial on how to do so. More information about Double Dawgs can be found in the Double Dawgs FAQ. Double Dawgs Timeline Fall Entry Two years out from graduating with your BSFR: FALL SPRING Year 3* Start Warnell professional program; propose new double Dawgs pathway, if needed Apply for preliminary acceptance into Double Dawgs pathway; start to identify a potential major professor If maintaining an overall 3.0 GPA at the end of the third year, you are accepted into the Double Dawgs pathway Last year of your undergraduate program / take 12 hours at the graduate level: FALL SPRING Year 4 Start the Double Dawgs pathway and take courses at the graduate level Take courses at the graduate level; graduate with a BSFR; apply for teaching assistantship (by March 1) You must apply for graduate school by year 4 (by April 15 for fall entry) Graduate-only year: FALL SPRING Year 5** Complete the coursework for the master's-level degree Complete the coursework for your master's degree Graduate with a master's degree *Individual students may or may not be in their third year at this point. Students typically start this sequence when they are two years away from graduating from the BSFR program. ** Undergraduate financial aid, such as Hope and Zell, are usually not available to students in this year, as their undergraduate degree is completed. Spring Entry Two years out from graduating with your BSFR: SPRING FALL Year 3* Start Warnell professional program; propose new double Dawgs pathway, if needed Apply for preliminary acceptance into Double Dawgs pathway; start to identify a potential major professor If maintaining an overall 3.0 GPA at the end of the third year, you are accepted into the Double Dawgs pathway Last year of your undergraduate program / take 12 hours at the graduate level: SPRING FALL Year 4 Start the Double Dawgs pathway and take courses at the graduate level; apply for a teaching assistantship (by March 1) Take courses at the graduate level; graduate with a BSFR You must apply for graduate school by year 4 (by October 1 for spring entry) Graduate-only year: SPRING FALL Year 5** Complete the coursework for the master's-level degree Complete the coursework for your master's degree Graduate with a master's degree *Individual students may or may not be in their third year at this point. Students typically start this sequence when they are two years away from graduating from the BSFR program. ** Undergraduate financial aid, such as Hope and Zell, are usually not available to students in this year, as their undergraduate degree is completed.
