Graduate Programs
The graduate degrees prepare students for careers in academia, education, public agencies, industry, the private sector and nonprofit organizations.
There are two graduate degrees and two coursework-based professional degrees. Graduate faculty admit students annually to start in autumn quarter. The application is deadline is Dec. 1 for the following academic year, and interested applicants should carefully review the graduate application process and faculty members.
Graduate Degrees
Master of Science (M.S.) Degree
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree is a learned degree, often precursory to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Typically, the student is required to complete a research-based thesis. Course requirements are flexible to support the educational and career goals of the student. Students interested in an M.S. degree should contact individual faculty members to request information on current research and graduate opportunities. Students completing an M.S. degree may petition to pursue the Ph.D. degree without reapplying.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program requires preparation of a research proposal, passage of a qualifying examination and general examination, completion of the dissertation research, and presentation of the research at a final examination. A minimum of two years of residence at the UW is also required. Students interested in a Ph.D. degree should contact individual faculty members to request information on current research and graduate opportunities.
Professional Graduate Degrees
Master of Environmental Horticulture (MEH) Degree
The Master of Environmental Horticulture (MEH) degree is a coursework-based, professional degree that focuses on restoration, horticulture, and environmental management. This is an applied degree with an emphasis on real-world problem-solving. The products that may be created in lieu of a formal thesis include management plans, designed experiments, actual installations, web utilities, vegetation assessments, and others. The holder of an MEH degree may proceed on in academia if they choose.
Please note, SEFS will not be accepting MEH students until further notice.
Master of Forest Resources (MFR) – Forest Management Degree (SAF-accredited)
The Master of Forest Resources (MFR)-Forest Management degree is designed to integrate knowledge and skills from technical disciplines with those from policy and management to create future leaders capable of addressing issues facing society and industry in the forest resources arena. The degree program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), and courses taken can be used to satisfy the educational requirements of the SAF’s Candidate Certified Forester (CCF) title.
Concurrent Degrees
Master of Science (M.S.)/Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) Degree
The concurrent Master of Science (M.S.)/Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) is a three-year program that draws on both area studies and various disciplines in molding a new approach to the study of international affairs. Students enrolled in the program earn both an M.S. from the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences and a MAIS from the Jackson School of International Studies.
Master of Science (M.S.)/Master of Public Affairs (MPA) Degree
The concurrent Master of Science (M.S.)/Master of Public Affairs (MPA) is a three-year program focused on training public, private and nonprofit leaders to synthesize the worlds of science, management and policy. Students enrolled in the program earn both an M.S. from Environmental and Forest Sciences and an MPA from the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.
Partnerships
SEFS also partners with the interdisciplinary Astrobiology Program at UW to offer our students an option to pursue a graduate certificate or dual-title Ph.D. option. Please see this website for more details and how to apply.