Graduate Program
Graduate Program
The Forest Resources Management program at West Virginia University is dedicated to developing the next generation of forest mangers in the Appalachian hardwood region. This program offers two advanced degree programs including a Master of Science in Forest Resources Management and a Ph.D. in Forest Resources. At the M.S. or Ph.D. level, students work closely with their faculty advisor and mentor to develop a unique research program that will prepare them for a career in this field. Course work for these degrees varies depending upon the career goals of the student, past course history, and educational needs for the intended research project. Typically all students take 2 semesters of Statistics (STAT 511 and 512) and an advanced GIS class.
Students interested in graduate study in Forest Resources Management can apply online through the graduate admissions office, but are encouraged to contact faculty members who may share their research interests. Based on our current faculty research interests, the following represent potential areas of study:
- sustainable management of forest soils
- forest productivity
- nutrient cycling
- Ecosystem restoration
- Forest economics
- Renewable resource policy and governance
- International forestry
- Forest health
- Forest mineral cycling
- Old growth forests
- Unique forest communities
- Silvics and plant ecology of oaks
- Adaptation of oak silvicultural systems to historic oak disturbance regimes
- Dendrochronological studies of old-growth forests
- Presettlement forest composition
- Community ecology and nutrient cycling of high-elevation wetlands
- Red spruce restoration in central Appalachians
- Disturbances dynamics of Appalachian hardwood forests
- Growth and yield modeling
- Taper, volume and weight estimation
- Forest sampling
- Intensive culture of Applachian hardwoods
- Invasive species
- Forestry Outreach Programs
- Forest business management
- Timber investment analysis
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