In Warnell, DoubleDawgs pathways lead to non-thesis master’s degrees, either a Master of Forest Resources (MFR) or Master of Natural Resources (MNR).

A non-thesis master’s is based on graduate coursework, and it 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. 

Warnell has five approved Double Dawgs programs:

BSFR in Fisheries and Wildlife (Wildlife Sciences) + MFR in Forest Resources (non-thesis)

 

BSFR in Fisheries and Wildlife (Wildlife Sciences) + MNR Natural Resources (non-thesis)

 

BSFR in Fisheries and Wildlife (Aquatic Sciences) + MNR Natural Resources (non-thesis)

 

BSFR in Natural Resource Management and Sustainability (Community Forestry and Arboriculture) + MNR Natural Resources (non-thesis)

 

BSFR in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management + MNR Natural Resources (non-thesis)

 

 

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:

  1. Complete the Warnell Double Dawgs application.
  2. 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.