Graduate Programs

Graduate Programs at the Faculty of Forestry

The Faculty of Forestry offers graduate programs in both a thesis-based research stream and a course-based professional stream

Research stream

Master of Science in Forestry – MScF
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

Professional, course-based master's

Master of Forest Conservation – MFC

Collaborative graduate programs in Environmental Studies

Ready to Apply?
If you are ready to start the application process, please visit:
http://www.forestry.utoronto.ca/prospective.htm

The MScF and PhD Degree Programs

Students enrolled in the MScF and PhD programs conduct their thesis research under the supervision of a faculty member. Research interests of faculty include, but are not limited to:

Forest conservation biology and wildlife ecology (Malcolm)
Forest biosphere science (Thomas/Caspersen/Malcolm)
Invasive species and threats to forest health (S. Smith/Malcolm)
Environmental sustainability of managed forests (T. Smith/Malcolm)
Fire and ecosystem management (D. Martell)
Sustainable development and economics (Kant)
Political ecology and governance of forests (Singh)
Social and cultural ecology of forest ecosystems (Kant)
Urban forestry (Kenney)
Forest Biomaterials Science (Yan/Cooper/Sain/Krigstin)

Candidates from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, including forestry, agriculture, biology, botany, ecology, economics, environmental studies, engineering, mathematical and computer science, physical and social sciences and zoology, are invited to apply.
Under the guidance of a faculty member who serves as a student's research supervisor, and in consultation with a supervisory committee, each program is developed to reflect the individual student's strengths and research interests.

Degree Requirements

Master of Science in Forestry – MScF

Twelve months of residence including two academic terms.
Three half graduate courses, at least one of which is taken within Forestry. (See http://www.forestry.utoronto.ca/gradinfo/gradcourse.html )
Credit in FOR1000H Research Methods in Forestry and FOR1001H Graduate Seminar.
For students with a non-forestry background, one of

FOR3000H Current Issues in Forest Conservation,
FOR3002H Applied Forest Ecology and Silviculture,
FOR3003H Socio-economic Influences on Forest Ecosystems,
FOR3004H Forest Management Decision Support Systems,
FOR3009H Forest Conservation Biology or
FOR3010H Sustainable Forest Management and Certification.

The preparation and oral defence of a research thesis of acceptable quality.

On average, the MScF program takes two to three years to complete and students must register and pay fees annually on a full-time basis until all degree requirements are met.
Transfer from MScF to PhD: Under certain specific conditions, outstanding registered MScF students may be considered before the end of their first year in the MScF program for transfer to the Ph.D. program. Further information is available from the Faculty of Forestry.

Doctor of Philosophy – PhD

A minimum of four half courses must be taken. Depending on the student’s background and academic goals, additional or alternative course work may be required by the student’s supervisory committee, including courses outside the Faculty of Forestry
Credit in FOR1000H (Research Methods in Forestry) and FOR1001H (GraduateSeminar).
For students with a non-forestry background, one of

FOR3000H Current Issues in Forest Conservation,
FOR3002H Applied Forest Ecology and Silviculture,
FOR3003H Socio-economic Influences on Forest Ecosystems,
FOR3004H Forest Management Decision Support Systems,
FOR3009H Forest Conservation Biology or
FOR3010H Sustainable Forest Management and Certification.

Successful completion of a comprehensive examination which will ordinarily be taken early in the second year of the program.
The preparation and oral defence of a research thesis that is an original and independent research work adding significantly to the existing body of knowledge.

A full-time commitment is expected for a minimum of the first two years in the Forestry program. Students are required to register and pay fees annually on a full-time basis until all degree requirements are met. From the master's level, the PhD program normally takes, on average, four to five years to complete.

Collaborative Programs (within Forestry graduate degrees)

In conjunction with the Centre for Environment, Forestry offers collaborative MScF and PhD programs in environmental studies. Upon successful completion of the specific degree requirements and Centre for Environment requirements, a student in the program receives the Forestry degree as well as the notation "Completed Collaborative Program in Environmental Studies" on the transcript. Refer to the School of Graduate Studies Calendar for specific requirements

Fees
Compulsory annual tuition and incidental fees for 2010-11 (i.e., one year full-time fees from September through August) for students in the MScF and PhD programs:
$ 7,738 per year for domestic students, or $17,153 per year for international students, including mandatory health insurance coverage.

Fees are subject to change at any time by the University's Governing Council.

Click here for information on financial support and Faculty awards available to Graduate students