Prospective Graduate Students

The M.F. is a non-thesis degree designed for professionals. Minimum residency requirement is two semesters. Candidates must prepare a paper for which credit will be earned towards completion of the degree. For additional information on degree requirements, see the VT Graduate School’s Graduate Policies and Procedures.

The M.S. is a research-based degree designed to prepare students for additional graduate study or a career in science. Candidates must prepare a thesis for which credit will be earned towards completion of the degree. For additional information on degree requirements, see the VT Graduate School’s Graduate Policies and Procedures.

The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation offers accelerated graduate degrees. Accelerated degrees are for Virginia Tech undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies at Virginia Tech. Students must be accepted into the graduate program prior to the beginning of the semester in which they would enroll in courses to be used in the accelerated program.  For more information, please see the Graduate School’s webpage. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, in order for candidates to receive priority consideration for financial support, applications must be received by the following dates:

• January 15 for Fall admission
  
• October 15 for Spring admission
  

Students must apply online, through the Virginia Tech Graduate School. Students must indicate which faculty most closely align with their research and education goals in the online application form. Throughout the application, students should pay particular attention to the detailed guidance provided below regarding admissions criteria.  

The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation evaluates graduate student applications through a holistic review of demonstrated abilities and experiences relevant to three indicators of success: i) personal qualities and characteristics, ii) academic achievements, and iii) work and research experiences.

Below, we provide examples that candidates may use to highlight their potential for success. We recognize that these lists are not exhaustive and encourage candidates to highlight any relevant abilities or experiences that speak to their potential. Specific to the Graduate School’s application, opportunities for candidates to do this include the detailed resume, personal statement of academic and professional goals, reference letters, and statements within the Additional Education Experiences section. Applicants are also encouraged to contact potential faculty advisors to discuss qualifications specific to their program of study.

Indicators of Success

1. Personal Qualities and Characteristics

• Contributions to diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice
• Leadership ability and experiences
• Motivation and commitment
• Collegiality
• Professionalism
• Community involvement or service
• Personal and professional ethics
• Experiences in overcoming social, economic, and physical barriers

2. Academic Achievements

• Rank in class
  
• Overall GPA and GPA in major
• Curriculum in prior degree programs
• Progression of academic performance over time
• Standardized test scores
• Foreign language fluency

3. Work and Research Experiences

• Field and laboratory
• Data collection and analysis
• Specific skills, certifications, licenses
• Quantitative reasoning
• Creativity in problem-solving
• Planning and organization
• Written and oral communication
• Scholarly engagement outside of coursework  

Our department offers competitive stipends for graduate students pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. All graduate assistantships include academic-year tuition and enhanced benefits (e.g., health insurance).

Exceptional applicants may be nominated by a faculty member for any number of fellowships.