Master of Science in Forestry

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Master of Science in Forestry at Southern Illinois University is designed for aspiring professionals and researchers eager to address complex challenges in forest resource management and ecological restoration. You will engage with critical areas such as fire science, wildlife conservation, and the human dimensions of natural resource management, developing a deep understanding of sustainable practices. This postgraduate program is ideal for those seeking to advance their knowledge and contribute to the vital field of forestry through rigorous academic study and practical application.

This full-time, on-campus Master of Science degree is typically completed over two years. Your studies will involve developing individualized research programs in consultation with faculty experts, with opportunities to explore areas like watershed management and forest ecology. You will gain hands-on experience through research assistantships or teaching assistantships, and utilize extensive university forest plots and nearby natural areas for fieldwork. Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles in government agencies, private industry, and conservation organizations.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Forestry program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering a wide range of topics essential for forest resource management. Students will explore areas such as environmental education, hydrology, agroforestry, wildlife management, and forest economics. The program also delves into specialized fields like urban forestry, silviculture, and recreation planning, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the forestry sector.

1 Assistantships and Fellowships

2 Requirements

3 Research Facilities

4 Summary of Events

5 Year 1 / Semester 1

Fundamentals of Environmental Education
Wildland Hydrology
Agroforestry
Forest Management for Wildlife
International Forest Resources Decision-Making
Forest Resources Economics
Tree Improvement
Prescribed Burn Planning
Forest Resource Management
Forest Land-Use Planning
Marketing of Forest Products
Park and Wildlands Management
Recreation Land-Use Planning
Park and Wildlands Management Camp
Environmental Interpretation
Habitat Management for Wild Game
Urban Forestry
Watershed Management Field Laboratory
Wildland Watershed Management
Regional Silviculture
Wildlife Habitat and Populations
Forest Soils
Forest Soils Laboratory
Environmental Impact Assessment in Forestry
Forest Ecology Field Studies-Boreal
Forest Ecology Field Studies-Lake States
Forest Ecology Field Studies-Southern Appalachians
Forest Ecology Field Studies-Southern Pine
Forest Ecology: Southwestern Fuels Management
Forest Industries
Wilderness Management, Policy, and Ethics
Natural Resource Conflict Management
Invasive Plant Ecology and Management
Practicum-Forest Environmental Assessment
Practicum-Outdoor Recreation Resource Management
Practicum-Forest Resources Management
Principles of Research
Graduate Seminar
Advanced Watershed Hydrology and Management
Tree Physiology Concepts and Applications in Forest Management
Advanced Landscape Ecology
Historical Ecology
Advanced Silviculture: Landscape Rehabilitation
Advanced Forest Resources Economics
Tree Selection and Breeding
Advanced Urban Ecosystem Management
Advanced Forest Management
Advanced Park Planning
Recreation Behavior in Wildlands Environments
Advanced Resource Interpretation
Urban Tree Management
Forest Site Evaluation
Disturbance Ecology
Wildlife-Habitat Relationships
Spatial Ecology
Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management
International Graduate Studies
Readings in Forest Resources
Directed Studies in Forest Resources-Dendrology
Directed Studies in Forest Resources-Forest Autecology
Directed Studies in Forest Resources-Forest Community Ecology
Directed Studies in Forest Resources-Forest Measurements
Directed Studies in Forest Resources-Forest Recreation
Directed Studies in Forest Resources-Silviculture
Directed Studies in Forest Resources-Wildland Fire Management
Directed Studies in Forest Resources-Forest Soils
Directed Studies in Forest Resources-Mapping and GIS
Individual Research
Thesis
Continuing Enrollment

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,170.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,170.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 56,340.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,950.00 - USD 2,250.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,000.00 - USD 4,560.00
Transport USD 600.00 - USD 1,200.00
Utilities & Bills USD 960.00 - USD 1,800.00
Estimated Total USD 4,560.00 - USD 7,560.00

Living cost estimates are based on Carbondale campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

53%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Agribusiness Inputs (Seeds, Fertilizers & Machinery)Agricultural Technology & Precision FarmingCrop Production & FarmingEnvironmental & Sustainability ConsultingFisheries & AquacultureFood Processing & ManufacturingForestry & LoggingGovernment & Regulatory AgenciesLivestock & Animal HusbandrySupply Chain & Commodity Trading

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Monsanto Company

Syngenta

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

Why Study Master of Science in Forestry at Southern Illinois University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

Southern Illinois University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Southern Illinois University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Master of Science in Forestry at Southern Illinois University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus employment doesn't require a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To be eligible, international students must meet specific English language proficiency scores. Acceptable tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE with varying score requirements.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as forest managers, wildlife biologists, conservation scientists, and researchers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program focuses on forest resource management and ecological restoration. Students will engage in topics such as fire science and wildlife conservation, benefiting from academic study and practical applications.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Master of Science in Forestry program accepts students in January and August. Applicants should ensure they meet the deadlines for these intake months.
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