The Warnell School promotes the development of scientists and professional resource managers capable of solving natural resource problems through understanding and application of biological, economic, environmental, social, and analytical principles. Graduate students in Warnell are expected to be creative scholars and to develop the ability to fill positions of leadership in research, education, and management. Master of Forest Resources This terminal, non-thesis degree is suitable for students who want additional instruction and training in Forestry or Forest Business. The MFR requires a minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate-level course work, but additional courses or other products may be required by the student’s Advisory Committee. Additional Reading: Master of Forest Resources Careers: The Possibilities (pdf) View MFR Degree Master of Natural Resources The MNR is a terminal, non-thesis degree that can be applied to any non-MFR disciplinary area. The MNR requires a minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate-level course work, but additional courses or other products may be required by the student’s Advisory Committee. View MNR Degree Master of Science This is a research degree designed for students who want to specialize in particular academic or scientific areas. This degree is for students who plan an academic, research, or staff specialist career, and for those students who plan to pursue a PhD. The MS requires a thesis and minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate level course work but additional courses may be required by the student’s Advisory Committee. View MS Degree Doctor of Philosophy The PhD is frequently required for research and staff specialist positions, and is nearly always required for university faculty positions. The degree is often regarded as specialized education within a relatively narrow field of expertise. The PhD requires a dissertation and a minimum of 30 hours of consecutive course work but additional courses may be required by the student’s Advisory Committee.A Master’s degree is required for admission to the PhD program. A student with an extraordinary baccalaureate record (such as a research publication) may petition the Graduate Affairs Committee for admission to the doctoral program. View PhD Degree
